Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ball Valves


Ball Valve plays a vital role in daily life as they are used day to day basis, say it from bicycles or automobiles, jet airplanes or any industry. There are different sizes and shapes of valves and each has various dimensions, functions and applications to it.


The industry has numerous use of the Ball valves and in order to ensure that these valves remains functional during the operation, it is safe to maintain it before it gets corroded away. Regular cleaning and lubrication to ensure the smooth functionality is key to their life span.
These valves are categorized into five general bodies which includes three piece bodies, two piece bodies ,single body top entry, a split body and welded. The following qualities make them an excellent choice for controlling various applications and sometimes they are preferred over any other valves which has less control in the throttling applications.


Advantages Of Ball Valves




They provide leak-proof service,




Open and close quickly,




Compared to gate valves, they have very small dimensions,




Compared to gate valves, they are lighter,




The multi designed flexibility does not exist in the Gate or Globe valve, and hence it lowers the amount of valves needed,




These valves are manufactured in different sizes and shapes providing flexibility in selection,




The high quality valves provide safe service under high temperature and high pressure conditions, and




Compared to other valves, they are controlled with less force.




The main disadvantages of these valves are as follows:




The position of the valve handle is rotated,




Could not be used for throttling, and




These valves with drive mechanism should be installed upright.




At Boson Engineers, we have a wide range of valves that are manufactured according to customers specific needs which includes the ball valves that are designed using the latest technology and is suitable for crucial operations. Our valves are easily accessible and can be maintained easily with low maintenance cost, high quality and are resistant to corrosion.


Strainer Valve: a basic guide to know it better


Strainer valve can be defined as a pipe fitting through which liquid is passed for purification, filtering or separation from solid matter; anything used to strain a liquid; any device functioning as a sieve or filter used to prevent solid bodies from mixing in a liquid stream or flow line. Strainers arrest pipeline debris such as scale, rust, jointing compound and weld metal in pipelines, protecting equipment and processes from their harmful effects, thus reducing downtime and maintenance.


A Y Strainer valve takes its name from its configuration and is most commonly used in pressurized lines, gas or liquid. They can also be used in suction or vacuum conditions. Y-Strainers are intended for applications where small amounts of solid particulate are expected and where clean-out will be infrequent. If solids are flushed easily from the screen, and fluid can be exhausted to atmosphere, a blow-down valve on the drain port will allow clean-out without removal of the screen and without interrupting the process flow.


A Y-Strainer has the advantage of being installed in either a horizontal or vertical position. Obviously, in both cases, the screening element must be on the down side of the strainer body so that the entrapped material can be properly collected in it.


In horizontal steam or gas piping, Y type strainer should be installed in such a manner so that the pocket is in the horizontal plane. This stops water from collecting in the pocket which can cause erosion and affect heat transfer processes.


In liquid systems, the pocket should point vertically downwards. This ensures that the removed debris is not drawn back into the upstream pipework during low flow conditions.


Although it is recommended to install strainers in horizontal lines, this is not always possible, and they can be installed in vertical pipelines if the flow is downwards, in which case the debris is naturally directed into the pocket.


What is Gate Valve?


A gate valve can be defined as a type of valve that used a gate or wedge type disk and the disk moves perpendicular to flow to start or stop the fluid flow in piping.


A gate valve is the most common type of valve used in any process plant. It is a linear motion valve used to start or stop fluid flow. In service, these valves are either in a fully open or fully closed position.


When the gate valve is fully open, the disk of a gate valve is completely removed from the flow. Therefore virtually no resistance to flow. Due to this very little pressure drops when fluid passes through a gate valve.


To achieve proper sealing, when the valve is fully closed, 360° surface contact is required between disk and seats.


Gate valves should not be used for regulation or throttling of flow because accurate control is not possible. The high velocity of the flow in the partially open valve may cause erosion of the disc and seating surfaces and also creates vibration and noise.


Globe Valve — Introduction, Advantage, Disadvantage and Application.


A Globe valves is a linear motion valve and are primarily designed to stop, start and regulate flow. The disk of a Globe valve can be totally removed from the flow path or it can completely close the flow path.


Conventional Globe valves may be used for isolation and throttling services. Although these valves exhibit slightly higher pressure drops than straight through valves (e.g., gate, plug, ball, etc.), they may be used where the pressure drop through the valve is not a controlling factor.


The globe valve is used for throttling flow control. Shut off is accomplished by moving the disc against the flow stream rather than across it as in the case with a gate valve. The flow pattern through a globe valve involves changes in direction, resulting in greater resistance to flow, causing high pressure drop. The globe valve is an excellent valve to use in high pressure operation of steam. Our globe valves are factory-made with quality material for long term use.


Advantages and disadvantages of Globe valves


ADVANTAGES:




Good shutoff capability




Moderate to good throttling capability




Shorter stroke (compared to a gate valve)




Available in tee, wye, and angle patterns, each offering unique capabilities




Easy to machine or resurface the seats




With disc not attached to the stem, valve can be used as a stop-check valve




DISADVANTAGES:




Higher pressure drop (compared to a gate valve)




Requires greater force or a larger actuator to seat the valve (with pressure under the seat)




Throttling flow under the seat and shutoff flow over the seat




The following are some of the typical applications of Globe valves:




Cooling water systems where flow needs to be regulated




Fuel oil system where flow is regulated and leaktightness is of importance




High-point vents and low-point drains when leaktightness and safety are major considerations




Feedwater, chemical feed, condenser air extraction, and extraction drain systems




Boiler vents and drains, main steam vents and drains, and heater drains




Turbine seals and drains




Turbine lube oil system and others




What is a Needle Valve?


A needle valve is a type of valve which can be used to regulate flow of a substance, usually either gas or water, through an appliance or system. The unique feature of the value is the inclusion of a small plunger, with a shape akin to a needle. The plunger features a small handle, known as a handwheel, to enable easy and precise turning of the valve. When fully attached, the elongated end of the valve fits exactly into what is known as the seat, a part of the appliance that is being regulated. However, if the valve is turned, space opens up between the needle and the seat, which will result in a minimal amount of substance able to pass through the needle valve.



One design feature of most needle valves dictates that a considerable number of turns are required to make even a small amount of space open up. This enables gradual, accurate and precise control over the amount of liquid/gas that can pass through the valve. Additionally, this can prevent damage to gauges which could be affected by sudden bursts of liquid/gas, and allows for better control and regulation in general. Some types of needle valves are connected to an automated system and do not require manual regulation. These will either operate on timers or respond to external data to regulate the closure and opening of the valve as appropriate. These can be found in many types of engines and gas piping. This allows for the operation of the valve to be optimal for the substance and system that it is required for and will likely reduce the chances of damage through incorrect operation of the valve.



Needle valves are commonly made of robust and durable materials, such as copper or steel. However, valves made from plastic and brass are sometimes used depending on the specific requirements of the valve.


How are needle valves used?


Needle valves are used in many different systems and applications, often featuring in carburettors. Needle Valves can also be found in some water heaters, used to regulate pressure inside a device. This can also ensure that the appliance is running at maximum efficiency, without excess water being used. In larger scale usage and delivery to numerous consumers, needle valves can be used to regulate delivery of a product and relieve pressure on the systems used to distribute the relevant substances. Needle valves are also sometimes used in vacuum systems, in order to release a controlled yet steady supply of gas without a great amount of pressure. The valve allows supply of gas to be slowed down considerably before being shut off. This can minimise stress and strain on internal machinery and components.



One hindrance of using needle valves is the lack of visual feedback regarding exact amounts of pressure being placed upon a system. As the entire operation of the valve takes place inside machinery/piping, it is impossible to gauge this from sight. There are instances of additional devices being installed allowing operators to monitor levels of pressure being exerted upon a system. With automated needle valve systems, this is less of an issue. Needle valves, by their design, allow pressure to be added/relieved in very small increments. Needle valves are invaluable for many systems and machines, as they help to maintain these and prevent significant damage.