A ball valve is a highly efficient, long-lasting and very easy way to operate a valve that is used in a wide variety of systems and applications. The ball valve operates as a shutoff valve, but it can also be used for some limited regulation of the flow of the media. There are different configurations possible, including one, two, three, four and five-way option.
The other factor that makes ball valves effective in operation is the ease of determining the position of the valve as either open or closed. When the lever or handle is in alignment with the inlet and outlet ports, the valve is open, and a hole in the ball is lined up with the ports for unrestricted flow. When the handle is perpendicular to the valve, it is closed, shutting off the flow.
In the past, many types of ball valves were made of brass, bronze or stainless steel. While these valves are still in use, the plastic ball valve offers some important options for engineers and system designer to consider.
Lower Cost
The thermoplastics are very easy to work with, and valves can be created using low-cost, high precision types of molding applications. This creates a seamless valve that can be made in a single operation and that eliminates issues with weak joint areas on other types of valves.
Better Corrosion and Reaction Protection
The plastic ball valve is also highly resistant to corrosion as well as non-reactive. Not only is this important in the process, but it also means these valves do not become damaged when left in the same open or closed position for long periods of time. For remote types of applications or for primary or emergency shutoffs, this is an essential consideration.
Lightweight and Easy to Install
The lightweight but very strong plastic ball valve offers impact resistance as well as effective operation in high and low temperatures, with different plastics offering better efficiencies in the given parameters.
Easy to install and for use in any position or orientation, this is a ball valve option worth considering.
