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A while back we gave you an introduction to ball valves and their uses and benefits. They’re

versatile components that can be used in a wide range of industrial applications, and they’re popular

thanks to their strength, durability and affordability.


In this piece, we’re taking a look at ball valve advantages and disadvantages, as we delve a little

deeper into understanding these components.


Ball valve design


Ball valves were first created in the 1950s, and gained widespread use in a range of sectors, from

chemical and petroleum to papermaking and even water treatment plants. This simple component consists of

a ball that sits inside a pipe. The ball has a hole in the centre, and this allows liquid and gas to pass

through it when the hole is lined up with the pipe. When the ball turns and the hole is no longer flush

with the pipe, movement of substances cease.


Ball valves – especially the newer plastic variety – have been designed to withstand high

temperatures and pressures. Moreover, their durability means they’re able to maintain and/or regulate

extreme volumes and pressures, as well as high velocity flows.


That said, there are some drawbacks to the design of the ball valve. They can get jammed in one

position if they’re used for the wrong application, like slurries. Therefore, it’s important to ensure

that the substance you’re wanting to regulate will not cause your ball valves to get stuck in place.

Ball valves are also not recommended for sustained throttling.


This clever video depicts how ball valves work.


Ball valve repair and ball valve replacement


When people talk about ball valve advantages and disadvantages, one of the major pros that comes up is the fact

that they’re highly durable. Ball valves are recognised for their ability to provide many years of

reliable service, particularly the plastic variety, which are obviously not prone to rusting like their

metal counterparts.


Of course, as with any component that is under constant strain, damage can occur. Another great

advantage of some types of ball valves is that they’re very simple to repair. Thanks to their basic

design, you can easily access seals and seats to fix them as and when you need to. Repairs can take place

fairly quickly and without intense workmanship.


It’s also worth noting that ball valves, thanks to the regulating elements’ design, makes it easy

for the component to function without having to worry about side loads, which are often a problem when

using butterfly or globe valves. This means that ball valves are less prone to damage than other kinds of

valves.


Learn more about types of valves and which to choose for your next project.


In some cases, it’s necessary to replace the ball valve altogether. As they’re affordable and

long-lasting, this is a job that shouldn’t cost a fortune or be required too often.


Ball valve sizes


Ball valves come in a variety of sizes to suit as many uses as possible. In some instances, they’re

even colour-coded, so you immediately know which one to use for your application. Usually, ball valves

start from 0.5cm in size, and they can be as large as 121cm.


In summary: ball valve advantages and disadvantages


Before you make your final decision, let’s wrap up the pros and cons of ball valves so you can make

an informed choice.


Ball valves come in a variety of sizes to suit as many uses as possible. In some instances, they’re

even colour-coded, so you immediately know which one to use for your application. Usually, ball valves

start from 0.5cm in size, and they can be as large as 121cm.


Before you make your final decision, let’s wrap up the pros and cons of ball valves so you can make

an informed choice.


Advantages of ball valves

Efficiency: Ball

valves don’t need any lubrication, and offer a bubble-tight seal with low torque.

Affordability: They can often be purchased at a considerably lower cost than comparable products for

the same job.
Durability: They offer a long service life and, when used under the right conditions, will

provide many years of reliable use. Ball valves are less prone to damage than other kinds of valves, and

the plastic variety aren’t susceptible to corrosion.

Easy to use: Ball valves are relatively quick and easy to install, and plastic ball valves are

light and easy to handle.

Versatile: They’re appropriate for a wide range of industrial applications where it’s necessary

to regulate the flow of liquids or gases.

Strong: Ball valves can maintain and regulate high pressure, high volume and a high flow of

temperature.

Simple to repair: Easily access the seats when a valve requires fixing.

Disadvantages of ball valves:

Poor throttling characteristics: In a throttling position, the partially exposed seat may be prone to

erosion as a result of high velocity flows. They’re therefore not recommended for sustained throttling

applications.

Wear and tear: When used to regulate the wrong types of fluids, such as slurries, ball valves can

stick in position and become jammed due to suspended particles being trapped. This can cause the valve to

wear, or to become damaged or stuck.