High-pressure applications are found in every industry. Specialized valves are required to regulate the flow of high-pressure media in hydraulic, oil and gas, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and other sectors. High pressure ball valves aid in the resolution of this issue. These ball valves are intended for use with high-pressure liquid, gas, corrosive, and slurry materials.
High pressure ball valves are used in applications where the medium pressure is greater than 3000 psi. High-pressure three-way ball valves can handle media with pressures exceeding 15000 psi. They are designed to endure the wear and tear associated with high-pressure applications and are ideal for important operations in any industrial unit, whether they are three-way ball valves, ball valve flange type, or metal seat ball valves.
How are High Pressure Ball Valves Constructed?
High pressure ball valves are built in the same way as regular ball valves are. Some of their components, including as the stem, seats, and ball, are reinforced to withstand greater force and pressure from the onstream. They can be tailored to the application, the medium’s type, and the pressure rating. A high pressure ball valve is seen in the diagram below.
Body
Depending on the application, the body of a high pressure ball valve can be built of carbon steel, stainless steel, low-temperature carbon steel, duplex, super duplex, Inconel, and other materials. The body of the valve is made of anti-static materials to ensure optimal function and longevity.
Stem
High pressure ball valves have an expanded stem that can handle cryogenic and high-temperature applications. Because the stem connects the actuator to the ball, it must handle the majority of the pressure from the onstream. High-pressure ball valves typically have anti-blow out stems to accommodate the increased pressure.
Seats
A high pressure ball valve’s seats are reinforced with specific seat rings that can withstand the high pressure from the onstream. The elastomeric seat rings in high-pressure floating ball valves feature O-ring seals to protect them from the constant pressure on the valve.
Ball
Depending on the medium and application, the ball in a high-pressure valve is constructed of carbon steel or stainless steel. The ball’s surface is perforated to help distribute pressure uniformly. Full-bore or reduced-bore balls can be used in high-pressure ball valves. Full bore balls are employed in activities that need an unrestricted flow of media. Reduced bore balls are better suited for operations where the medium’s pressure must be reduced by reducing its flow.
Actuator
Both manual and electric actuators can be used to turn high-pressure ball valves on and off. To operate the valve, hand levers, pneumatic actuators, and motor-operated actuators are most typically utilized. Manual actuators are preferable in high-pressure applications or when using trunnion-mounted ball valves. Electric actuators are better suited to high-pressure applications or when used with floating ball valves.
How does High Pressure Ball Valve Work?
High pressure ball valves function similarly to other ball valves. They are quarter-turn valves used to control the flow of liquids, gases, slurries, and corrosive fluids. To provide the valve a check valve feature, high pressure ball valves are sometimes accompanied by a swing check situated within the ball. A typical high pressure ball valve with swing-check is seen in the diagram below.
Because high-pressure ball valves are commonly employed in the water sector, they are also known as hydraulic ball valves. High-pressure hydraulic ball valves control the flow of fluid in a pipeline at pressures greater than 3000 psi. In a hydroelectric power plant, for example, you would install a specialist valve like the SIO air operated ball valve to control the flow of water running at a pressure of 7500 psi. Through welded or threaded connections, the valve will be put in the pipeline.
To open the valve, rotate the actuator 90 degrees. When the actuator is rotated, the stem moves, which causes the ball to rotate. The ball will rotate just enough such that its hollow side is parallel to the pipeline. The water will flow freely through the valve to the opposite end of the pipeline. To halt the flow, rotate the actuator once more, being careful to complete the 90-degree angle. This causes the ball to rotate so that the hollow side or bore is perpendicular to the pipeline. The flow will be stopped because the pressure from the onstream will cause the ball and seats to establish a tight seal.
High-Pressure Ball Valve Applications
High-pressure ball valves offer tighter shut-offs and are simple to use. They are also ideal for essential activities and can safely handle caustic elements. High-pressure carbon steel ball valves are used to manage a variety of applications in a variety of industries.
High-pressure ball valves are used in the oil and gas industry to regulate high-pressure activities in extreme temperatures. Ball valves can control many various operations in an oil and gas factory unit since they can handle both cryogenic and high-temperature operations.
High-pressure ball valves constructed of stainless steel or carbon steel are corrosion and abrasion resistant, making them ideal for use in sensitive medium applications. SIO API-6D High-Pressure Ball Valve, for example, is widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. To regulate the flow of delicate and corrosive fluids, all of these industries require leak-proof, long-lasting high-pressure ball valves.
2-way and 3-way high-pressure ball valves are extensively employed to manage high-pressure operations in the hydraulic, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries. These ball valves can manage medium flow in many directions while providing tight shut-offs to prevent mixing or leakage of the various fluids or gases.
High-Pressure Floating vs. Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve
The two most common types of ball valves on the market are floating and trunnion mounted ball valves. Both provide strong shut-offs, but their structure and function are different.
Construction
Floating ball valves have a hollow ball that is linked to the stem on one end but otherwise free to float inside the trim. A floating ball valve’s seats are constructed of elastomeric material. A perforated, hollow ball is linked to the stem on one end and a shaft called the trunnion on the other end of a trunnion mounted ball valve. The ball can only revolve on its axis and is otherwise held fixed. The trunnion-mounted ball valve’s seats are spring-loaded.
Function
When the onstream pressure pushes the ball and the upstream seat against the downstream seat, a floating ball valve creates a tight shut-off. The pressure from the onstream presses on the seats in a trunnion mounted ball valve, activating their springs. This causes the seats to move closer to the ball, resulting in a tight seal.
Application
In operations where there are no pressure variations in the medium, high pressure floating ball valves are more typically used. The ball is pushed downstream by the onstream pressure, forming a seal. If the pressure drops, the seal may not remain as tight. If the pressure suddenly rises, the downstream seat may be unable to withstand the increased pressure. O-rings and additional packing are used in high-pressure floating valves to provide longevity and ease of operation.
High-pressure trunnion mounted ball valves are better suited for extremely high-pressure operations and applications with predicted pressure fluctuations. Unlike floating ball valves, the seats and ball of a trunnion mounted ball valve do not absorb all of the onstream pressure. The pressure is shared between the valve’s seats, ball, stem, and trunnion. Because pressure is spread equally, any highs or decreases have no effect on the seal established by the ball and the seats. High-pressure trunnion mounted ball valves are also suitable for large-scale applications. These valves, however, are larger and more expensive than floating ball valves.
Conclusion
Ball valves are ideal for high-pressure applications because they provide tight seals and operate quickly. These quarter-turn valves can withstand high-pressure operations in any type of unit and at any temperature. Manual, electric, or pneumatic actuators are used to operate high pressure steam valves. Their sturdy construction and high-pressure compatibility make them an excellent choice for both large and small projects. Agile valve is qualified B2B Supplier of various types of valves. We are ready to provide you the best quality products and services. Welcome to contact us!
