Ball Valves vs. Other Valves: What Sets Them Apart?

Every component has to work in sync during operation of a commercial pipeline system, and if one part fails to perform, it does not just slow things down, but the whole system can grind to a halt as the part needs to be replaced, and this costs money and creates long-term inefficiencies. One crucial component that is present in every pipeline system is valves. Valves control the flow and are also vital in completely stopping the flow when needed. 

In the commercial sector deciding which valve type to fit in the system can be seen as a small decision because all valves have a similar purpose but in the long run, valves can define the efficiency of the entire operation and so taking this decision lightly can be a costly mistake to make. In this blog, we will look in detail at how ball valves compare with gate and globe valves. In this way, you will have a clear idea of how to invest in pipeline infrastructure that deliver a lasting performance. 

Why Ball Valves are Great for Commercial Systems

Ball valves are a common feature of any commercial system, and if you take a tour of any factory site, you are sure to see ball valves regulating fluid flow. The design of the ball valve is simple and straightforward. It consists of a perforated metal ball that is located in a valve body. The ball rotates when the handle is turned. A quarter turn opens or closes the fluid flow, and there are no additional steps needed to open or shut the flow. 

The simple design makes the ball valves very responsive and that is why ball valves are fitted in fluid systems where fluid handling requires a rapid response time like HVAC system, water lines and compressed air delivery. Ball valves have tight sealing capabilities, so leakage is absolutely not an option at all. The result of having a ball valve in the system is that less maintenance is required, which means fewer shutdowns.

How Valve Type Impacts System Efficiency

In many scenarios, valve choice is made according to what is available on the market, but this type of decision-making is not at all feasible for a commercial system having hundreds of feet of piping. It does not matter what type of system is it as long as the scale of the system is large you will need to decide the valve type with a clear nd deliberate mind. To help you make this decision, we will give a breakdown of the differences between ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves. 

Understanding the Convenience of Ball Valves

The defining feature of the ball valve is that it is fast and easy to operate. A 90-degree turn is enough to shut off the flow. This responsive shutoff counts a lot in emergency situations or when automated cycle time is crucial for performance. 

On the other hand, gate or globe valves require multiple turns for shutting the flow down, and in emergency situations, that kind of time is not available.

Ball valves also have a solid construction, and the sealing surface of the ball does not corrode even with years of frequent usage. Ball valves' robust construction means that even if they are not used for a long time, they still perform flawlessly when needed. In backup lines and seasonal systems ball valves perform in a fail-proof manner. 

Ball valves also do not require much maintenance. In commercial environments where productivity depends on less downtime, this characteristic of the ball valve can prove to be a game-changer, as the downtime is reduced significantly. Part of the reason why the ball valves need less maintenance is because their design does not contain many moving parts. 

Another feature of ball valves that makes them favorable for commercial systems is that they are compatible with a wide range of fluid systems like water, gas, oil, etc. If they have the correct quality rating, they are able to handle the pressure and temperature pretty well. 

Ball Valves are Not the Complete Solution

Although ball valves have many benefits, they have their faults as well. For precision modulation like fine chemical dosing or steam balancing a global valve will deliver a better performance. Globe valves have a better flow regulation mechanism that can control flow in small, precise increments, and this is vital for operations where precision is the emphasis rather than speed. 

Butterfly valves are another type of valve that is better than ball valves for municipal water systems or cooling towers, since they are inexpensive to buy. They are engineered to be compact and lightweight, and although their sealing performance lacks in comparison to ball valves, their shutoff mechanism is reliable. 

In operations where only a simple on/off flow is needed in an infrequently cycled line, a gate valve is the more convenient option since it is more serviceable, even though it is less responsive and not reliable in the long term.

So, while ball valves may be the leader in many performance areas, understanding the job your valve is to do is critical.

Why Valve Choice Affects Total Cost of Ownership

Ball valves may come at a higher upfront price than gate or butterfly valves, but they make up for it in long-term reliability. The lower maintenance need and uniform performance means that over the lifespan of a commercial building or industrial process line, that cost is recovered in the long run. This is true for vital operations like healthcare facilities and data centers where consistent operation is the top performance indicator. 

Final Word

Ball valves are great because of their ease of operation, reliability, and clean shutoff. If you’re looking for a valve that is fast, has long service life, and requires the least amount of maintenance possible, a ball valve is a good candidate. However, ball valves may not give you the level of fine flow control you desire or may not perform well in oversized pipelines, so there are other valve types as well. 

So what is the main takeaway? Don’t just choose a valve because that’s what you have always done. Make valve selection part of your design conversation. Consider your system use, not only on day one but in year five and what that might look like in year ten. 

And if you are unsure, ask a person with experience on what makes most sense for your project. There are a lot of people with knowledge to help such as valve manufacturers, mechanical contractors, and system designers that can provide valuable guidance and feedback that could save you time and ultimately money in the future.