Hydraulic Ball Valves

Hydraulic Ball Valves

Hydraulic ball valves are parts that control the flow and pressure of a fluid by using a spherical element to create a seal. Ball valves are used in critical high pressure applications that require a quick and easy shutoff. Hydraulic valves are composed of a main casing to protect and house the internal parts, a bonnet, which is a removable section of the casing, a seat that acts as the connection point and a disc that prevents leaking at the seat. The most important component of a ball valve is the small ball inside that controls the flow. These valves are commonly made of brass, nickel, stainless steel, titanium or other strong but corrosion resistant metals, in addition to composites and plastics such as PVC. Hydraulics valves are used in systems where a fluid, which is typically oil-based, flows through tubes or pipes. Pumps or motors are used to impart kinetic energy to the fluid so that it will flow quickly and under pressure. Valves are installed along the hydraulic lines to provide shutoff options to prevent the pressure or flow rate from exceeding the intended levels that can be very dangerous.

Hydraulic ball valves are usually quarter-turn valves; that is, the handle is manually rotated 90° between the open and close positions. Other quarter-turn valves include butterfly and plug valves. Because only a 90° turn is required for a complete seal, ball valves are ideal for situations in which a quick shutoff is beneficial or mandatory for safety issues. Because ball valves close so quickly, there is no major drop in pressure for the system. Some hydraulic ball valves have three holes that provide directional control. They may be rotated 90° or 180° in order to close off two ways and direct the fluid into the third. Planetary gear operated ball valves use small handwheels to operate a relatively large valve due to the effective gearing. Still other ball valves have spherical elements that do not permanently reside in the valve but roll off to one side to allow the fluid to pass through. They rotate into the open passage to close the path completely when necessary. Though the shutoff is not as fast as other techniques, the flow of the open valve is greater as compared to other devices, such as hydraulic needle valves.