STAINLESS STEEL BALL VALVES

STAINLESS STEEL BALL VALVE FEATURES

• 1000 PSI (WOG: Water, Oil, Gas)

• Full Port

• Threaded Ball Valve (Female BSPP Threads)

• Blow out Proof Handle Stem

• Handle with Locking Lever

• PTFE Seals and Seats

• Solid Ball

STAINLESS BALL VALVE ADVANTAGES

• Can be used quickly – only a quarter turn for on-off operation; with a positive stop.

• Negligible pressure drop – no flow restriction through the valve.

• Virtually no chance of leakage - ball seals well in seat.

• Low to no maintenance costs - makes them a relatively inexpensive purchase.

• Resistance to rusting and corrosion.

• Biological cleanability of Stainless Steel.

WHAT IS THE PRIMARY USE FOR A BALL VALVE?

• To control flow – where a simple “on” or “off” of flow is required.

WHAT SEALS ARE USED IN YOUR BALL VALVES?

• PTFE. Best known brand name of the PTFE-based formulas is Teflon®

• Main advantages: high chemical resistance, wide operating temperature and pressure ranges and can withstand dry running.

• An inferior seal will result in a leaking valve, both in the 'running' and 'closed' positions.

HOW DOES A BALL VALVE WORK

• A hollowed out pivoting ball inserted in the valve body is turned with a handle.

• The valve is constructed with a stop catch cast into the valve body.

• It is a quick 90° turn to a positive stop to open or close flow.

• The valve is open when the handle is running parallel to the valve body, closed when positioned at right angles to the valve body.

• The seal is located in the body of the ball valve and presses up against the ball.

• As you turn the valve open or closed the valve makes contact with the seals.

• They maintain the water proofing ability of the valve through-out its life.

HOW TO SIZE A BALL VALVE?

• The size of the pipe thread determines the size of the ball valve to use.

• A 1” (25mm) threaded pipe will take a 1” (25mm) Ball Valve.

WHAT GRADE OF STAINLESS STEEL VALVE SHOULD I CHOOSE – SS304 OR SS316?

• Both stainless steel grades provide excellent resistance to corrosion and rust and both are durable.

• The basic difference is the inclusion of molybdenum in Stainless 316.

• The moly gives SS316 greater resistance to chemical attack than Stainless 304, especially against chlorides and chlorinated solutions.

• Stainless 316 will be more expensive because of its higher corrosion resistance.

• In instances where salt exposure is an issue 316 tends to be the preferred solution.

• The lower price of 304, whilst still providing excellent resistance in less corrosive situations, explains its popularity and widespread use.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 1 PIECE, 2 PIECE AND 3 PIECE BALL VALVES

• In the single piece design, the valve body is cast/forged as one piece. As a result, the insertion of the ball needs to be made through the end of the cast body. This design restricts the valve to a reduced bore.

• In the 2 piece design , the body is constructed in two pieces with the ball held in position by a body stud. This design allows the valve to be manufactured with a larger ball making this a full-bore valve. Note, there can be full port or regular port (reduced port) design possibilities with this construction.

• In the case of the 3 piece construction , the body has two end pieces and one centre piece, held together by four body bolts and nuts. The center piece, comprising the ball, stem & seats can easily removed from the pipeline. This construction facilitates in line servicing and cleaning without disturbing existing pipe work. The 3 piece valve can be taken apart the quickly and easily for cleaning.

• A well-designed SS ball valve will not leak, a poorly designed product will leak regardless of the configuration.