What Can Flanged Ball Valves Be Used For: Applications

What is a Flanged Ball Valve

A flanged ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow, perforated, and pivoting ball to control fluid flow. The term “flanged” refers to the valve’s connection method: it features flanges at both ends, which are bolted to corresponding flanges on pipes or equipment. This design ensures a robust, leak-proof connection, making flanged ball valves ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

The ball inside the valve has a bore through its center. When the valve is open, the bore aligns with the flow direction, allowing fluid to pass. Rotating the handle or actuator by 90 degrees closes the valve, positioning the bore perpendicular to the flow and blocking it. Flanged ball valves are known for their reliability, quick operation, and minimal pressure drop.

Size, Material, and Pressure Range of Flanged Ball Valves

Size Range

Flanged ball valves are available in a wide range of sizes to accommodate diverse piping systems:

• Diameter: Typically from ½ inch (DN15) to 48 inches (DN1200).
• Common Sizes: 2″, 4″, 6″, 8″, 10″, and 12″ are widely used in industrial applications.

Material Options

Material selection depends on the fluid type, temperature, and environmental conditions:

1. Body Materials:
   • Carbon Steel (WCB): For general-purpose applications.
   • Stainless Steel (SS304, SS316): Corrosion-resistant for chemical or marine environments.
   • Alloy Steel (WC6, WC9): High-temperature resistance.
   • Duplex Steel: For aggressive media like seawater.
   • PVC/CPVC: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant for low-pressure systems.
2. Seat and Seal Materials:
   • PTFE (Teflon): Chemical resistance and low friction.
   • Metal Seats (Stainless Steel): High-temperature durability.
   • Elastomers (EPDM, NBR): For water and gas systems.

Pressure Range

Flanged ball valves are rated based on standard pressure classes:

• ASME Classes: Class 150, 300, 600, 900, 1500, and 2500.
• Pressure Range: From 150 PSI (10 bar) to 5,000 PSI (345 bar).

Classification of Flanged Ball Valves

Flanged ball valves are categorized based on design and functionality:

1. By Structure:

   • Full Port (Full Bore): The bore diameter matches the pipe ID, minimizing flow restriction.
   • Reduced Port (Standard Bore): Smaller bore for cost-sensitive applications.

2. By Design:

   • Floating Ball: The ball is held in place by two seats; suitable for low-pressure systems.
   • Trunnion-Mounted Ball: The ball is anchored by a trunnion for high-pressure stability.

3. By Function:

   • Two-Way (2-Port): Basic on/off flow control.
   • Three-Way (3-Port): For diverting or mixing flows.
   • V-Port Ball Valves: Precision flow control with a V-shaped bore.

Advantages of Flanged Ball Valves

1. Leak-Proof Design: Flanged connections ensure tight sealing under high pressure.
2. Durability: Robust construction resists wear, corrosion, and thermal stress.
3. Quick Operation: 90-degree rotation enables fast opening/closing.
4. Low Maintenance: Fewer moving parts reduce servicing needs.
5. Versatility: Compatible with liquids, gases, and slurries.
6. Bidirectional Flow: Suitable for systems requiring flow reversal.

Applications of Flanged Ball Valves

Flanged ball valves are used across industries due to their adaptability:

1. Oil & Gas:

   • Pipeline isolation, wellhead control, and refinery systems.
   • Materials: Carbon steel or duplex steel for sour gas resistance.

2. Chemical Processing:

   • Handling corrosive fluids like acids and solvents.
   • PTFE-lined valves for chemical compatibility.

3. Water Treatment:

   • Municipal water supply, sewage systems, and desalination plants.
   • EPDM seals for potable water compliance.

4. Power Generation:

   • Steam lines, cooling systems, and turbine bypass.
   • High-pressure trunnion valves for boiler feedwater.

5. HVAC Systems:

   • Chilled water, heating lines, and refrigerant control.

6. Marine Industry:

   • Seawater cooling, ballast systems, and fuel transfer.

What Can Flanged Ball Valves Be Used For

Flanged ball valves serve critical roles in fluid management:

• Isolation: Shut off flow during maintenance or emergencies.
• Flow Regulation: V-port designs enable throttling.
• Pressure Management: Withstand high-pressure surges.
• Multi-System Integration: Connect pumps, tanks, and pipelines via flanges.

Their ability to handle extreme conditions (e.g., cryogenic temperatures, abrasive slurries) makes them indispensable in industries requiring reliability and safety.

Conclusion

Flanged ball valves are versatile, durable, and efficient components for fluid control systems. With options spanning sizes from ½” to 48″, materials like stainless steel and PTFE, and pressure ratings up to 5,000 PSI, they meet the demands of industries ranging from oil and gas to water treatment. Their flanged design ensures secure installation, while advanced configurations (e.g., trunnion-mounted, three-way) expand their functionality. Whether isolating pipelines, regulating flow, or managing high-pressure steam, flanged ball valves deliver unmatched performance in critical applications.