Investing in a ball valve is an excellent choice if you’re in the oil and gas industry and looking for a valve that will last for years.
Despite not being frequently used in residential piping systems, ball valves are uniquely designed, making them suitable for more critical applications. Not only can they handle corrosive fluids, but they are also well-suited for low-flow situations – making them an ideal choice for oil and gas industries. In addition, what makes ball valves so efficient and convenient is their simple quarter-turn (90-degree) operation, making them a popular choice for shut-off valves.
While ball valves are commonly used for oil and gas applications, they offer several unique advantages that make them ideal for other applications. They are easy to install, require minimal maintenance, and can provide reliable operation in extreme conditions. Furthermore, they are highly versatile and can precisely control temperature, pressure, and flow rate. All these features make ball valves an excellent choice for various applications.
The Versatility of Ball Valves
Ball valves are a handy tool for controlling the flow of fluids. Their design allows for a quick and efficient flow interruption, perfect for holding a halted flow and quickly resuming it. Furthermore, some models even can divert the flow, allowing for the filling of multiple containers at once. Their design makes ball valves an excellent choice for controlling and managing the flow of liquids.
STOPPING AND STARTING FLOW
Using ball valves across all industries is commonplace to ensure that flow is isolated and controlled, particularly in upstream oil flow applications and oil and gas use in general. When the ball is in the closed position, an airtight seal is created, ensuring that the flow is kept in check. This makes ball valves an ideal choice for industries requiring precision in controlling and isolating their flow.
MODERATE THROTTLING
While butterfly valves are typically the preferred choice for throttling, ball valves can also be used in oil and gas manufacturing processes for moderate throttling needs over a short time. Ball valves are advantageous when a precise flow rate or pressure setting is needed. Additionally, ball valves are much easier to maintain than butterfly valves and offer greater valve size and configuration flexibility.
FLOW DIVERSION
Some design ball valves come with extra ports, making them the perfect solution for diverting liquids into multiple containers. These ball valves are designed to change the flow direction depending on the position of the openings through the ball. With this type of valve, you can easily control the amount of liquid that goes into each container. So if you need a dependable solution for diverting liquids, look no further than a ball valve with extra ports.
Ball valves provide an ideal solution for high-pressure systems requiring efficient fluid handling. Their durability and reliable performance make them the perfect choice for any system that manages fluids at high-pressure levels. With their tight seals, ball valves provide excellent protection from leaks and can be used to regulate pressure and flow with precision. In addition, ball valves can provide superior performance and reliability if you’re dealing with liquids, gases, or any other fluid type.
Cryogenic and Fire Protection Considerations
FIRE PROTECTION
With several ball valves featuring failsafe backup seals, you can rest assured that there is no risk of mass leakage from the valve in the event of an external fire. This failsafe protection allows for peace of mind, knowing that your valve is secure and reliable in the face of a potential disaster.
CRYOGENIC SERVICES
Particular seat ring materials enable ball valves to be used in cryogenic services, which are exposed to freezing temperatures. With minor modifications, these valves can also be easily adapted for high-temperature applications, as only the seals and seat rings need to be modified.
Summary
Although ball valves may not be as standard in many industries as other types of valves, their superior durability and unrivaled performance in the oil and gas industry make them invaluable. Ball valves are some of the most reliable isolation valves available and can be used for various applications. At BCST, we specialize in ball valve applications and can provide you with the expert assistance you need to ensure your system runs as smoothly as possible.
