what is a ball valve?

A ball valve is a type of on/off valve that uses a hollow, rotating ball with a hole through it to control the flow of a liquid or gas.

• When open: The hole in the ball lines up with the pipe, allowing flow.

• When closed: The ball is rotated 90 degrees (a quarter-turn), so the solid sides block the flow completely.

Its simple operation—just a quick quarter-turn of a lever—makes it one of the most common and reliable valves for shutting off flow.

Key Parts of a Ball Valve:

1. Body: The outer shell that holds everything together.

2. Ball (Sphere): The core part. It has a hole drilled through it (called the "bore").

3. Stem: The rod that connects the ball to the handle on the outside. Turning the stem rotates the ball.

4. Seats: Soft rings (often made of Teflon or rubber) that create a tight, leak-proof seal between the ball and the valve body.

5. Handle or Lever: What you turn to operate the valve. Its position tells you if the valve is open (parallel to the pipe) or closed (perpendicular to the pipe).

Why are they so popular?

• Excellent Shut-Off: They provide a very tight seal, perfect for completely stopping flow.

• Quick & Easy: They open and close with just a simple 90-degree turn.

• Durable & Long-Lasting: They have a simple design with few moving parts that can wear out.

• Versatile: They work with water, oil, gas, air, and many other fluids.

Common Uses:

You'll find ball valves everywhere:

• In your home: The main water shut-off valve and under sinks and toilets.

• Industry: In oil and gas pipelines, chemical plants, and manufacturing equipment.

• HVAC Systems: Controlling the flow of water or refrigerant.

In short: A ball valve is a simple, robust, and highly effective device used to start or stop the flow in a pipe with a quick quarter-turn of a handle.