11/06/2026
A ball valve is a type of valve used to control the flow of liquids or gases through a pipe. It uses a spherical ball with a hole (bore) through its center. When the hole is aligned with the pipe, fluid flows through; when the ball is rotated 90°, the flow is blocked.
How It Works
Open position: The hole in the ball is aligned with the pipeline.
Closed position: The solid side of the ball faces the flow path, stopping the fluid.
AdvantagesQuick quarter-turn operation (90° turn).Excellent shutoff and sealing performance.Low maintenance requirements.Long service life.Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.Low flow resistance when fully open.DisadvantagesNot ideal for precise throttling in standard designs.Trapped fluid inside the valve cavity can be problematic in some services.Seats may wear if used frequently for flow control.Common ApplicationsWater supply systemsOil and gas pipelinesChemical processing plantsHVAC systemsCompressed air systemsMarine and industrial utilities