Service conditions
A ball valve opens or closes the pipeline by rotating a ported ball. Port geometry, seats and stem sealing determine its operating behavior. Selection should consider differential pressure, fluid cleanliness and cycling duty together.
Construction and description
Match the operator to the valve load and site operating method. Manual operation needs accessible clearance. Frequent cycling or remote control also calls for assessment of output capability, duty and position feedback.
For cast-steel or carbon-steel series, select materials for fluid corrosion exposure and operating conditions. Consider wetted internals, seals, external protection, material documentation, end connections and service access together.
Define fluid composition and continuous and start-stop operating conditions, then assess body, internals and seals as a combination. Particles, deposits and cleaning affect sealing surfaces and mechanisms; plan maintenance for the actual service.