A water ball valve works by using a rotating ball with a hole through it to control the flow of water.
A water ball valve is a type of shut-off valve primarily used to allow or obstruct the flow of fluids. Its operation is straightforward and effective. The core mechanism involves a ball having a bore inside it. This ball is positioned within the valve body between the inlet and outlet ports.
The key to the valve's function is the rotation of this internal ball. When the bore (or hole) through the ball is aligned with the flow path of the pipe, water can pass through freely, and the valve is open. To stop the flow, the ball is rotated by 90 degrees. This movement positions the solid side of the ball across the flow path, blocking the water and shutting off the valve.
Key Components
As stated in the reference, ball valves consist of the ball, shaft, and seat which are contained in the valve housing. Each component plays a crucial role:
- The Ball: This is the central element. It's a spherical component with a bore or hole running through its center. Its position determines whether the valve is open or closed.
- The Seat: These are typically ring-like seals, often made of materials like PTFE (Teflon), surrounding the ball. The ball presses against the seats to create a tight seal when the valve is in the closed position, preventing leaks.
- The Shaft (or Stem): This connects the ball to the external handle or actuator. Rotating the shaft turns the ball inside the valve body.
- The Valve Housing (or Body): This is the external casing that contains and protects the internal components and connects the valve to the piping system.
Operation
Ball valves can be operated in two main ways, as mentioned in the reference:
- Manually: This is done using a lever-style handle attached to the shaft. A quick 90-degree turn of the handle moves the ball from the fully open to the fully closed position (or vice versa).
- By an Actuator: For automated systems, an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator is attached to the shaft to perform the 90-degree rotation remotely or automatically.
In essence, the simplicity of the 90-degree rotation of the bored ball makes ball valves quick to operate and provides reliable shut-off capability.
