Ball Valve Or Gate Valve

Ball valves contain a finely machined stainless steel ball with a hole drilled through the center that pivots in plastic bushings.

Ball valve or gate valve. Ball valves shut off the flow of water using a small sphere or ball inside the valve. Ball valves and gate valves are two of the most commonly used valves for controlling the flow of fluid in plumbing or gas systems. This guide reviews the differences between ball valves and gate valves as well as how to choose the best type of valve for your needs. And ball gate and globe valves are used to control flow of liquids.

A full port ball valve means its diameter is the same as the pipe. A ball valve is a form of quarter turn valve which uses a hollow perforated and pivoting ball called a floating ball to control flow through it. A gate valve is operated with a wheel that moves a gate up and down. Ball valves use fluid pressure to act upon the valve or seat to provide a tight seal depending on the ball valve configuration.

Ball valves can be full port or reduced port. While ball valves feature a small sphere attached to a stem gate valves have a round or rectangular gate that is attached to the stem and is used to regulate the flow of materials. A valve is used to control flow of liquids and gases. For those looking to use gate valves but worried about corrosion stainless steel gate valves are incredibly resilient and no more prone to corrosion than ball valves.

Gate valves offer users significantly more control over the flow and pressure of the water than ball valves but do not afford users the option of an immediate stop of flow. When in the off position the opening is perpendicular to the flow of water stopping the flow completely. The hard steel allows this valve to be partially open without wearing out. Ball valves are actuated manually and also by electric and pneumatic actuators as parts of flow control systems.

Because of the way they are structured ball valves offer immediate shut off which is not possible for a gate valve to do. It is open when the ball s hole is in line with the flow and closed when it is pivoted 90 degrees by the valve handle. These valves in all forms are used to create waterways and it is therefore essential to understand the differences and their uses. When in the on position the opening is in line with the pipe allowing water to flow freely.

One advantage of a manually actuated ball valve over a gate valve is the handle position makes the position of the ball easy to see. The sphere has an opening inside.