The stainless steel ball valve

Ball valves are very popular for industrial and plumbing applications. Their speed and durability make them a reliable choice amongst many other types of valves. Ball valves are mostly made of stainless steel, brass and PVC.

Stainless steel ball valves are very popular in terms of cost and durability. They are the first choice for high-pressure applications, flow regulation of corrosive chemicals and for use in harsh industrial environments.

Here are some reasons why stainless steel ball valves are far better than their counterparts:

Durability

Stainless steel naturally exhibits high tensile strength and resilience to harsh environmental elements. Ball valves installed inside industrial facilities should be strong enough to withstand exposure to corrosive chemicals, high temperatures and gases. Stainless steel has all the properties required to make them highly resistant to such extremes.

Affordability

Stainless steel is generally cost-effective, and SS ball valves last very long because they can withstand harsh chemicals and harsh water types. Their high corrosion resistance is one reason why they are durable. People perceive them as a one-time investment that lasts for years.

Pressure ratings

A standard stainless steel ball valve has a pressure rating of 1000 PSI on a 1-inch model. This makes them ideal for commercial, industrial and agricultural applications that require high-pressure systems.

Corrosion resistance

Stainless steel has a chromium blend that makes it resistant to rust, corrosion and damage even when the valve is exposed to harsh environments for an extended period.

Applications of stainless steel ball valves:

Oil and natural gas industries.
Crude oil refineries.
Brewing systems.
Food and beverage plants.
Agriculture.
Paint industries.
Marine environments.

The brass ball valve

Earlier, brass valves were made with lead and quickly lost their popularity as they could not be used to regulate food products and drinking water applications. Industrial valve manufacturers are now producing ball valves with new brass alloys that are not harmful. Brass is preferred because:

It is softer and more pliable than stainless steel. Hence it is easier to shape and mould into various ball valve components.
With the exception of chlorine, brass can withstand almost every other chemical.
They are ideal for lighter industrial applications rather than heavy-duty applications.
The products used for sealing brass valves are readily available.

Applications of brass ball valves:

Residential and commercial plumbing.
Agricultural and well water applications.
Liquified petroleum gas and natural gas conveyance.
HVAC applications.
Residential water applications.
Compressed air applications.

The PVC ball valves

Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC is a widely used thermoplastic material, highly preferred for its lightweight, affordability, and corrosion resistance capacities. PVC is used for industrial, commercial and domestic purposes that do not deal with high-temperature applications.

There are three types of PVC ball valves:

Compact PVC ball valves

They are extremely strong and rigid and ideal for all types of water supply applications, whether it is for homes, industries, large buildings, or agricultural purposes. Compact PVC ball valves are also very economical.

Union PVC ball valves

The union ball valves require minimum maintenance, and they can be repaired without having to remove the entire valve from the pipeline.

CPVC ball valves

Chlorinated Poly Vinyl Chloride ball valves are similar to compact PVC valves. They are preferred for their resistance to high temperatures. CPVC ball valves are beige in colour to help differentiate them from compact PVC valves. The additional chlorination also makes the valve less susceptible to bacterial growth.

Application of CPVC valves

Hot fluid applications.
Plumbing systems.
Swimming pools and spas.
Electric conduits.
Irrigation systems/
Chemical industries.

Oilway: India’s largest industrial valve manufacturer

Oilway is well-known for its high-grade industrial valves that are used for multiple applications. We are headquartered in Yancheng, China and have operations in India, Singapore, Indonesia and other countries across several continents. Call us @ +86-21-69891289, or email us @info@oil-way.com for further enquiries and orders.