The ball has a gap, and with the help of that gap, the valve closes and opens. When that gap in the ball is positioned in the same direction as the course of the tube, the liquid just flows through the gap, therefore, the valve is open.
If the gap is perpendicular with the course of the tube, the liquid cannot pass, thus the valve is closed. The ball valves are controlled from the outside of the valve, most of them with a 90 degree turning handle, in which case making them the best choice for a shutdown purpose.
In the 1950s, the spherical disc valves were invented, and they were given the name of ball valves.
They are used in different domains, such as petrol industries, chemical plants, water treatment systems, paper making and long transport pipes.
In conventional ball valves, the fluid acts on the sphere, only in the direction of flow. The three-piece valves have a completely sealing element that is subjected to fluid pressure, raising additional forces and increasing lifespan.
This type of valves can be made of polypropylene, and they have a number of advantages. They can create junctions with other systems, they offer a unique way of blending that is called the poly-merger and they are resistant to high temperatures and pressures.
The are the ones that make them special. One of the aspects that characterize this type of valves is that it can support temperatures of up to 200 degrees Celsius and pressures up to 700bars. They measure sizes from 0.5 cm to 30 cm.
These ball valves are used as elements related to the distribution networks to transport hot and cold water, as well as to heat transport networks. When choosing a model, one must consider safety, reliability and compatibility with the system which will be installed.