The ball valve is a type of shutoff valve. Due to the simplicity of design and reliability, the product is actively used in various areas of production and economic activity. Such products are used on technological pipelines of small diameter (from DN10 to DN50) in the following areas:
- oil refining and gas complex;
- thermal power;
- food industry;
- machine-building industry;
The ball valve is required at the points of observation of liquid or gas. It is also suitable for creating sampling units, piping systems for manometric equipment.
Installation features and operating conditions
Isolation valves of this category are installed in the pipeline by means of a nipple connection. It consists of such components as branch pipes with external threads located on both sides of the casing, welded nipples, union nuts.
In the course of work, the nipple component is attached to the valve branches using a nut, and then welded directly to the pipes . The fitting connection has such a fundamental advantage as ease of installation due to the fact that additional disassembly of the pipeline is not required. In addition, an important characteristic of the metal structures under consideration is the possibility of their repeated use.
In accordance with the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation, the devices are designed for operating pressures from 1.6 to 4 MPa. The temperature of the transported medium can reach +200 degrees. The degree of its aggressiveness directly depends on the materials used in the production. Most often, choke valves are mounted in systems that work with cold and hot water, petroleum products, technical liquids, etc.
Design and principle of operation
Basically in-line ball valves are manufactured in an all-welded body. Due to this, metal products are distinguished by increased class A tightness and high mechanical strength. The shut-off valves include the following main components:
- a free-floating ball made of corrosion-resistant steel with a through hole of a given section;
- seats made of high-quality polymer material pressed against the body by Belleville springs ( the use of fluoroplastic is optimal for the production of these parts);
- control spindle equipped with a mechanism that prevents ejection;
- sealing washers;
- threaded type pressure sleeve that allows you to restore tightness by tightening or replacing seals.
To supply or stop the working medium, it is necessary to turn the spindle 90 degrees to the right or left. For this, a manual drive in the form of a lever is often used. It is also possible to use a special electromechanical device that allows remote control. This option is most suitable if the crane is installed in a hard-to-reach place and it is necessary to quickly switch the set parameters. Carbon, low-alloy and stainless steels are in demand as raw materials for the production of products.
