When it comes to pressure relief and temperature regulation, ball valve seats are some of the most effective and economical. They offer a variety of benefits including safety, ease of installation, and even flexibility and durability.
With ball valve seats, service settings can range from low to high; from low to high-tempered environments; and even from low to neutral. The ball-type valves provide variable pressure regulation with a smooth-action relief valve that reduces the amount of steam generated during high or low-pressure situations.
Ball valve seats are designed with a flexible hose or flange so they can easily be connected or disconnected depending on the need. With fluorocarbon polymer seating, ball valve seats can accommodate temperatures up to 500 F or above (270 C to above) with graphite ball valve seats; and with steel backing, these valves can handle temperatures up to 1000 F or more (nous to above).
Also, using metal ball valve seats, the valve can even be used in fire-proof services. It is important to note, though, that these types of valve seats may not be compatible with many fire fighting equipments because their design relies on an external ball valve that may be difficult to access and remove.
Another advantage that ball valves have is their ability to maintain a constant inside diameter, which is important in some industrial applications. The ability to maintain an inside diameter within certain limits allows these ball valves to function while not being damaged by extreme temperatures, corrosions, or other hazards that could damage a ball valve.
This feature also allows these ball valve seats to work well with varying pressure levels inside a small enclosed area. A full port ball valve, for example, will require a larger external ball valve seat to provide enough pressure to move the ball into the appropriate position.
When the valve is in its open or closed position, a sealing surface may be present. Sealing can help to keep water and other gases from mixing with the flowing elements of the system, which can reduce the risk of fire. Two common sealing surfaces can be found on ball valve seats: solid rubber and polyethylene foams.
Both of these types of sealant are used for the sealed position; however, the rubber may be a more preferred material due to its increased durability and relative safety. This material also can expand into areas that would otherwise be unreachable, which increases the chances for a full port ball valve to remain closed throughout use.
When the ball valve is in its closed position, a pipe stem or flange may cover the ball valve. This flange is typically made from steel or polyethylene and may be located inside of a gas line, outside of a gas distribution system, or within a liquid distribution system.
The flange is often adjustable, which allows for different stem lengths and different stem configurations. The flange is then sealed against the inside diameter of the inside valve, either by sealing the end of the flange or by caulking around the valve itself.
There are a variety of different benefits that ball valves provide. First, they provide an inexpensive method for increasing the control of the temperature within an area. By using varying degrees of temperatures and pressures, ball valves can be activated to regulate temperatures, thereby eliminating any need for external air conditioners or heaters.
