The three core types of ball valves can be divided according to structure, function, or application scenario. Among them, floating ball valves, fixed ball valves, and V-type ball valves classified by structural form are the most representative. They cover a wide range of needs from basic cutoff to precision adjustment in industrial applications. The following is a detailed description:
1. Floating ball valve: economical general solution
Structural features: The ball has no fixed support shaft and relies on the medium pressure to press against the outlet valve seat to achieve sealing, forming a "floating" state. The valve stem and the ball are movably connected, and the ball can rotate freely.
Performance advantages:
Reliable sealing: The higher the medium pressure, the tighter the seal, especially suitable for medium- and low-pressure conditions.
Low cost: Simple structure, easy maintenance, and the type with the highest market share.
Application scenarios:
Low-pressure fluid systems such as water treatment and HVAC.
Conventional medium cutoff in chemical, petroleum, and other industries.
Typical case: In tap water pipes below DN200, floating ball valves are widely used due to their high cost performance.
2. Fixed ball valve: Benchmark in the field of high pressure and large diameter
Structural features: The ball is fixed by the upper and lower valve stems and does not move after being pressurized. The valve seat presses the ball to achieve sealing through spring or medium force. Equipped with bearings to reduce operating torque.
Performance advantages:
Strong adaptability to high pressure: The valve seat does not bear all the medium pressure and is suitable for high-pressure conditions above PN40 (40 bar).
Long life: The valve seat has small deformation and stable sealing performance, and the life can reach 2-3 times that of the floating ball valve.
Application scenarios:
High-pressure systems such as long-distance natural gas pipelines and liquefied petroleum gas storage and transportation.
Large-diameter pipelines above DN500 in large chemical plants.
Typical case: In the West-East Gas Transmission Project, fixed ball valves have become the first choice for trunk lines due to their high reliability.
3. V-type ball valve: Expert in precision flow regulation
Structural features: The ball has a V-shaped cutout, and the flow regulation is achieved by rotating to change the relative position of the cutout and the flow channel. The valve seat and the ball form a shearing effect.
Performance advantages:
High regulation accuracy: The flow characteristics are approximately equal percentage, and the adjustable ratio is up to 100:1.
Strong anti-clogging ability: The V-shaped cutout can cut off fibers and solid particles and is suitable for media containing impurities.
Application scenarios:
Pulp flow control in the papermaking industry.
Reactor feed regulation in the chemical industry.
Typical case: A paper mill uses a V-shaped ball valve to control the slurry flow fluctuation within ±2%, significantly improving product quality.
Key basis for type selection
Pressure level: Floating ball valve for low pressure and fixed ball valve for high pressure.
Diameter requirements: Fixed ball valves are preferred for large diameters (DN500 and above).
Functional requirements: V-shaped ball valves must be selected when flow regulation is required.
Medium characteristics: When containing fibers or solid particles, the shearing effect of the V-shaped ball valve can avoid clogging.
