CONTROL VALVES VS BALL VALVES: KEY DIFFERENCES AND SELECTION CRITERIA

Introduction

The world of fluid control is a very broad and vast one, so obtaining the correct valve is crucial in terms of performance and reliability. Whether you’re using the control valve for water, gas, or any other fluids, it is crucial to understand the differences between the control valves and ball valves. We will look into the mysterious yet interesting characteristics that separate these two types of valves and understand how to get the right type of valve needed.

Understanding Control Valves

Control valves are the conductors of fluids and gases in a process line and are very good at controlling the flow, pressure or temperature, or level of a fluid. These valves are standard in those industries that demand high accuracy in controlling the flow of substances, or materials, including the chemical processing, oil and gas and power industries. Control valves work on the basic principle of throttling which involves changing the size of the orifice, usually done by an actuator which could be a diaphragm or piston.

Understanding Ball Valves

Ball valves are one of the simplest yet highly effective valves. These valves incorporate a round disc – the ball – to regulate the flow of the medium through the valve. Once the position of the ball is turned a quarter turn or 90 degrees either clockwise or anti-clockwise, the valve opens or closes, giving it an on/off functionality. This tends to make ball valves suitable for use in circumstances wherever there is a need to attain a complete closing.

In order to clarify the differences between control valves and ball valves, you must first understand the purpose of each type of valve

Functionality:

Control valves are commonly used in processes that involve the need for changes in flow rate, thus making them ideal for modulating control.

Ball valves are the type of valves that provide quick shut off for the fluid with easy operation and have an ON/OFF type of operation.

Design:

Control valves are usually more complex products that include several components in their construction compared to other industrial valves.

Ball valves are much more simple in design,they have fewer parts that move. This simplicity leads to this ball valve being easier to maintain and also having a longer lifespan than most other types.

When choosing a control valve Suppliers, it is important to identify one that offers quality products that will not fail within a short period, given the critical role they play in different industries.

Applications: As mentioned, because of the accuracy that is required in their function, control valves are widely used in processes such as chemical processing and power generation.

Ball valves are most preferred in applications where fast shutdown is required, as in safety systems and domestic water supply and distribution.

That is why when selecting the Ball valves, it is crucial to work with the best Valve Manufacturers in Spain. Not only do these suppliers offer a good valve product but also give a professional recommendation on the right valve for the right application.

Ensuring Availability and Quality

One of the primary and significant responsibilities of a reliable European Valve Manufacturers  is to ensure that both control and ball valves are available when needed. If you are targeting the Middle Eastern market, you can seek the services of a Valve Stockist who provides Europe Origin Valves. Regional stockists have a better perspective over the industry needs and have the ability to offer solutions that actually suit the industry.

Selection criteria:

Application Requirements: Determine the level of your process control requirements, that is whether you are in need of control valves or ball valves.

Fluid Characteristics: Take into account the type of the fluid, pressure and temperature within which the system is operating. Control valves are useful where the conditions vary, whereas the use of ball valves is advisable where conditions are constant and pressures are high.

Maintenance: Consider how easy it is to maintain the selected object. Ball valves are favored since they need less attention from a maintenance point of view because of their minimal design.

Cost: Examine which type of valve is more expensive in the long run. Although the cost of control valves is more than the conventional ones, it is recommended for applied in specific applications since they offer accurate control of the process.

Conclusion

It is very important to learn and distinguish between control valves and ball valves to ensure that you make the right decision in choosing the right valve for your need. Each of them has its advantages and, therefore, is suitable for different applications.