Ball valves are considered as one of the most common types of valves different industries use in their operations and processes. By using ball valves, the flow of the fluid or gasses is done in a rotational motion. Ball valves are widely used in various industrial processes and applications, which is why manufacturers have offered different kinds of ball valves for your needs.
To help you decide on what ball valve to choose for your industry, here are the steps in selecting the right valve for your industry.
Step 1: Select the right valve size.
The size of the ball valve is essential. You will surely have a big problem in your operations if you got the wrong valve size. The performance of the ball valve will also be compromised.
The danger of using an undersized or oversized valve is the flow of the content that passes through the valve may be obstructed. This will increase your costs, resulting in inefficiency in your operations.
Make sure to note every detail down. Ball valves have sizes from ½’’ to 6’’. Check if there is a specific size requirement that you need, or if the standard sizes are what you need for your industry.
Applications requiring a good throttling feature need ball valves. To know the perfect size for your ball valve, check the flow control as your valve opens. In modifying the flow of media in particular valves, characterised plugs are used.
Step 2: Choose the right material.
Ball valves that are made from stainless steel and carbon steel have a robust structure. But if you are planning to use corrosive media for your operations, make sure to ask your ball valve supplier to give you a corrosion-resistant valve body.
It is given that in industrial operations, the environment may experience high temperature or pressure levels. And if you need to ball valves that can withstand extreme conditions, you need to choose the valves properly.
Step 3: Know the working pressure and fluid volume of the valves.
One thing that you need to know about fluids is that each type has a different flow rate. You need to figure out the fluid volume of the medium that will pass through the ball valve.
Ball valves vary in the working pressure needed for every application where these valves are used. It is deemed to discuss the fluid volume and working pressure of the ball valves you need to your manufacturers. This will help them give you suitable ball valve designs for your perusal.
Step 4: Establish the performance expectations you want.
In choosing the right ball valves, you need to know what type of end connection would you need for your application. You may want to have screwed, flange, or socket weld end connections for your ball valves.
Reputable ball valve manufacturers can provide fire-safe and custom-engineered ball valves depending on your requirements. To ensure that you will have the right ball valves that you need, always check the clientele and experience of all the manufacturers that you are planning to contact.
Step 5: Check the type of maintenance the ball valves need.
The good thing about ball valves is that aside from their compact design, they are very low maintenance. However, ball valves may differ in the type of maintenance required. All you need is to check the quality of the valves and their usage.
It would be better to use Teflon seals to enhance the ball valves’ quality. But the most crucial thing here is how the ball valves are manufactured. If the production of valves is precise, you can assure that the products will last longer and will offer premium performance.
Step 6: Ask if the chosen ball valves have the necessary certifications.
One thing to ask when you are planning to buy ball valves for your industry is if there are certifications for ball valves that manufacturers offer.
It is no brainer that safety standards must be met at all times by your manufacturer. Make sure that the ball valves are closed tightly as it may become a safety hazard when it is not.
Talk to your ball valve suppliers and inquire about the test certificates that verify the quality and performance of the valves that you are planning to purchase. Usually, hydro and air tests are done to determine the quality of each ball valve.
Conclusion
Ball valves are widely used in different applications by various industries. So, it is not surprising if you are very meticulous in checking the quality and performance of these ball valves.
You can check different ball valve manufacturers that offer different types of ball valves, such as trunnion ball valves, for your requirements.
