Technological and main systems for transporting liquids and gases are complex structures. They include not only pipes with connecting components, but also additional devices that ensure reliable and long-term operation. One of the popular options for devices is a flanged ball valve. It belongs to the category of valves and is used in almost all types of industrial pipelines. Such a product is successfully used in public utilities, the oil and gas industry, thermal power engineering, etc.
Installation features
Its difference from other similar products lies in the presence of round flanges having holes at the edges arranged in a certain order. These parts are used for installation in a pipe network. At the same time, a prerequisite is the presence of identical mating flanges directly on the pipes.
To create a tight connection between the fastened elements, a gasket made of high-quality rubber or wear-resistant polymer materials is installed. It is also possible to use gasket components based on non-ferrous metals or steel. The choice of one or another option directly depends on the operating conditions and the degree of aggressiveness of the working substance. The valve is fixed in the pipeline system by means of threaded fasteners (nuts, bolts).
Design features
The ball valve consists of the following main components:
- body with flanges;
- spherical locking element;
- seals;
- operating parts in the form of stem and handle.
Housing stop valves can be solid, welded or collapsible, consisting of two or three parts. It contains an internal chamber designed to install a closing mechanism with seals.
The locking component is presented in the form of a spherical body, with a through slot, the size of which can be equal to the inlet diameters or have a smaller cross section. In this case, the locking mechanism can be floating or supported on trunnions.
Seals are divided into saddle and rod seals. For their manufacture, modern wear-resistant polymeric materials (for example, fluoroplastic) are mainly used. These parts are designed to provide tightness of at least class A.
Carbon, alloy and stainless steels, cast iron can be used to manufacture the product. It is also possible to use copper-zinc alloys. The fundamental regulatory document reflecting the technical conditions is GOST 28343-89.
The principle of operation and advantages
A flanged ball valve is controlled by turning the stem by 90 degrees using a handle or an electromechanical actuator. If the opening of the spherical lock is on the same axis as the pipeline, then the working medium can move freely. To stop the movement of liquid or gas, it is required to install a passage slot across the housing. Flanged ball valves are popular due to such advantages as lightness installation, good tightness, long service life.
