Benefits of Stainless Steel Ball Valves
What are the advantages of Stainless Steel Ball Valves?
Ball valves are most commonly used in plumbing, water treatment plants, HVAC Systems, industrial pipelines, the oil and gas industries as well as many other applications wherever a quick on/off switch is needed to control the flow of liquids and gasses in a pipeline. They are used anywhere a quick operation and water tight seal is required. They have the ability to open and to stop the flow of fluid in a pipeline. The most popular materials used to make a ball valve are stainless steel and brass. Stainless steel ball valves are becoming more popular than brass valves due to their better corrosion resistance, their ability to withstand higher pressures and temperatures, and also because they are suitable for food and beverage applications since they are cleaner and contain no lead.
A stainless steel ball valve is a type of valve used for regulating fluid flow in a pipeline. It is made up of a rotating spherical ball with a hole or port in the middle that is enclosed within the valve body. When the handle is in line with the valve, fluid flow is permitted as the hole through the ball lines up with the pipeline. When the handle is at 90 degrees to the valve, then the flow is closed as the ball rotates to stop the flow.
Made of premium quality stainless steel, these valves are long-lasting and resistant to corrosion. They are available in various sizes and designs suitable for various applications including industrial processes and residential plumbing. In this blog, let’s understand the primary benefits of stainless steel valves and how they can suit many applications in various industries.
What are the Benefits of Stainless Ball Valves?
Valves made of stainless steel are extremely versatile. They can be used in a wide range of industries, such as chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, water and wastewater treatment, and more. They are a preferred option for engineers and project managers due to their adaptability. Let's look at the benefits of using stainless valves across a wide range of industries:
1. Corrosion Resistance
The remarkable resistance to corrosion of stainless steel is an important benefit that increases its strength and durability. Due to its inherent resistance to corrosion from acids, solvents, harsh chemicals as well as to rust and oxidation, stainless steel is a perfect material for applications where it is frequently exposed to moisture and corrosive substances. This resistance lowers maintenance expenses and guarantees the valve's long-term reliability.
2. High Strength
The great tensile strength of these valves is well-known. This indicates that they are capable of withstanding high-pressure and demanding applications without breaking down or deforming. SS ball valves provide reliability and peace of mind in high-pressure pipelines and extremely hot or cold conditions.
3. Broad Temperature Range
They can function effectively in a variety of conditions, ranging from very cold to very hot. Their adaptability makes them appropriate for a range of industries, including those that work with high-temperature procedures or cryogenic fluids. Stainless steel is well known for its strength and longevity. It is resistant to abrasive materials, severe weather, and gradual deterioration. Over time, this durability results in cost savings.
4. Minimal Leakage
The construction of stainless valves significantly reduces the risk of leakage. When the valve is closed, the solid ball inside completely stops the flow, preventing any unwanted fluid from escaping. This feature not only safeguards the system's integrity but also eliminates the possibility of costly spills and leaks.
5. Easy Maintenance
One of the key advantages of these valves is their low maintenance requirements. They are designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, making them ideal for industries where hygiene and cleanliness are paramount. Additionally, regular maintenance can further extend the lifespan of these valves.
6. Precise Control
The fluid flow can be precisely controlled using these valves. The flow rate can be accurately regulated by adjusting the location of the ball within the valve. In situations where exact flow management is critical, this degree of control is essential.
How to Choose the Right Stainless Ball Valve for Your Application
Ball valves are available in multiple forms, materials, and actuation types, and each of them produces a unique set of results. Let us understand what you need to know to ensure that the appropriate valve type is best for operational efficiency in your projects.
Types of Ball Valves
One-piece ball valves are used for conventional on/off control. These are the most affordable kind of ball valve. These valves are widely used in plumbing systems, food service, and liquid filling equipment as well as in applications where flow rate is not a concern and a compact and durable valve is needed.
Two-piece ball valves are also used for conventional on/off switch control. These are the most affordable and widely used full port ball valves. These valves are perfect for a wide range of end-user and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) applications, such as food, automotive, chemical and pharmaceutical, HVAC and water treatment among others.
Three piece ball valves are made up of two pipe connectors that are either welded or threaded to a pipe and a main body. The valve's three-piece design makes it simple to disassemble and fix without taking the pipe connectors out of the piping. High-cycle and heavy-pressure applications that are subjected to a lot of wear and tear are well suited for 3-piece valves. Also used in many other industries including manufacturing, water treatment, food and beverage, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals and chemicals and more.
Ball Valve Actuation Types
Each ball valve has either an automated energy source or a manual power source. The valve can be opened or closed using actuators or manual handles that are fixed to the valve stem. You may enhance safety, increase uptime, and lower maintenance costs by using the right power source for your project.
Pneumatically actuated ball valves automate media control by using compressed air. They are often employed on OEM equipment where pressurized air is available, including liquid filling equipment or automobile fluid fill systems. Electric actuated valves, often known as motorized or rotary valves, are the most popular type of valve automation.
Similar to pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuated ball valves use pressurized fluid rather than gas or air. To generate movement, a fluid, either water or oil, is supplied to one or both sides of a piston. Because hydraulic actuators use an incompressible fluid rather than compressed air, they may produce greater force and speed than pneumatic actuators.
In Conclusion
Stainless steel ball valves have become increasingly popular because of their numerous benefits, which include resistance to corrosion, durability, adaptability, low maintenance, tight sealing, ease of use, high flow capacity, as well as temperature tolerance.
At Proflow Dynamics, we expanded our product line to include stainless steel ball valves to go along with our camlock couplings. These are standardized products that are used in both industrial and more general utility applications where flow control is required. They are all built to the same size and specifications. Contact us today to learn more about our product.
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