How to Choose the Right Ball Valve for Your Application
Ball valves are among the most reliable quarter-turn shutoff valves available, offering bubble-tight sealing, low torque, and long service life. But choosing the right ball valve requires careful consideration of several key factors.
Key Selection Factors
Start with your required size and pressure rating. Next, confirm the body material matches your media: brass for general water, stainless steel for corrosive chemicals, and carbon steel for high-pressure oil and gas service. Then choose the right end connection: threaded for small piping, flanged for large diameters, and tri-clamp for hygienic applications.
Common Ball Valve Types
| Type | Typical Application |
|---|---|
| Threaded Ball Valve | Small process lines, utility systems |
| Flanged Ball Valve | Industrial piping, oil and gas |
| Actuated Ball Valve | Automatic process control, remote operation |
| Sanitary Ball Valve | Food, beverage, pharmaceutical processing |