Gerab National Enterprises have been ball valve suppliers to the UAE and Middle East markets for many years. We supply a wide variety of valves through our preferential arrangements as check valve distributors for some of the world’s most sought-after manufacturers, we are confident that we can supply your project’s requirements entirely to specification, even at short notice.
What is a Ball Valve?
The ball valve is a type of valve that features a ball-shaped disc. It is designed to accommodate different operating conditions, with a soft seat for low-temperature applications and a metal seat for high-pressure and temperature environments.
To control the flow, the ball within the valve is rotated using a lever handle. In the open position, the ball allows straight-through flow, while a quarter-turn (90°) rotation of the handle blocks the flow entirely. For larger valves that require more force to operate, a gear handle is used instead of a lever handle.
While the soft seat material ensures a tight shutoff due to its mechanical and physical properties, it has limitations when it comes to high temperatures. Ball valves are generally well-suited for applications that require full-on, full-off flow control in general service.
Parts of a Ball Valve
Single Piece Body |
The body of this type of valve is constructed as a single piece. It is commonly used in smaller sizes, ranging from ½” to 4″, and in pressure ratings such as 1000 PSI, 2000 PSI, 3000 PSI, and so on. Additionally, it is suitable for high-pressure applications that require top-entry access to the ball for maintenance or repairs. |
2 Piece Body |
The body of this valve is split into two pieces: one side consists of a flange, while the other piece holds the ball and another flange. The ball is inserted from the side in this design. |
3-Piece Body |
The body of this valve is split into three pieces: two flange pieces and a central body that holds the ball. The ball is inserted from the side in this type of construction. |
Side Entry |
The “END Entry” or end-entry design refers to a specific type of valve configuration where the ball is assembled into the valve either from one end or from the side. This design allows for convenient installation and maintenance of the valve. |
Top Entry |
This is a design of valve where the ball is assembled in the valve from the top. Commonly used for high-pressure valves. |
Full Bore |
In a full port or full bore ball valve, the bore or opening from one end flange to the other end flange is continuous and of the same size. This design is achieved by incorporating an oversized ball, ensuring that the hole within the ball matches the size of the pipeline. The primary advantage of this design is reduced friction loss during flow, as it allows for unrestricted passage of fluids. However, it’s important to note that full port ball valves are larger and more expensive compared to standard ball valves. Therefore, they are typically utilized in situations where free flow is necessary and the benefits outweigh the increased size and cost. |
Reduced Bore ( Regular Bore) |
In reduced port or reduced bore ball valves, the flow through the valve is restricted compared to the size of the pipeline. Specifically, the flow area of the valve is one pipe size smaller than the valve’s pipe size, resulting in a smaller area for flow. This means that the flow area through the valve is reduced. |
Extended Stem |
These types have an extended stem at the bonnet for cryogenic, pressure seal, and underground applications |
Floating Ball |
A floating ball valve is assembled with a stem but has no support in the bottom. |
Trunnion Ball |
Trunnion ball valves have mechanical ball anchoring at the top and bottom, ideal for larger, high-pressure systems. They are heavier and costlier than floating ball valve but provide increased stability and sealing. Floating ball valves are lighter and more economical, suitable for lower-pressure applications. |
Soft Seat |
The seat is the part of the valve which in contact with the ball and restricts the flow |
Metal Seat |
Metal-seated valves are designed for use in environments with high temperatures or highly abrasive conditions. These valves commonly feature hard chrome-plated 316SS or electro-less nickel-plated ball and hard-faced Stellite or Alloy 6 seats. These materials provide enhanced durability and resistance to wear, making them well-suited for challenging operating conditions. |
Ball Valve Seat Selection Guide
Seat Code |
Material |
Technical Description |
Color |
T |
Virgin TFE ( PTFE) |
This material is the basic seat material used in most Ball Valves. Its chemical compatibility is excellent for almost all media service applications. Temperature range -50°F to 400°F. |
White |
R |
Reinforced TFE (RTFE) |
15% Glass Reinforced TFE rated suitable for temperatures -50°F to 450°F, chemical resistance is compatible to virgin TFE with improved cycle life and greater pressure-temperature rating than TFE. |
Off- White |
X |
Reinforced TFE (RTFE) |
Super-Tek II Glass Filled TFM-25% Glass Reinforced with 75% TFM, is good for temperatures ranging from -320°F to 572°F. This material offers a wide temperature range with better cycle life than TFM. Ideal for steam, hot gases, thermal fluids, and a variety of process chemicals. |
Off- White |
S |
Stainless Filled TFE |
Combines the strength of metal with the lubricity of TFE. 50% 316 powder combined with 50% TFE. Offers the abrasion resistance of metal with higher pressure and temperature ratings than RPTFE. -20°F to 550°F / Steam rating 250 SWP. |
Gray |
N |
Nylon |
Special Nylon seats are offered for higher pressure and lower temperature service. They can be used in high-pressure air, oil, and other gas media but are not suited for strong oxidizing agents. Temperature rating -30°F to 200°F. |
Translucent White |
U |
UHMWP Polyethylene |
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene. Ideal for use in low-level radiation service. This seat also meets the requirements of the tobacco industry where TFE is prohibited and it offers excellent resistance to abrasive media. Temperature range -70°F to 200°F. |
Opaque White |
M |
Metal (Stellite) |
Recommended for service with severe flashing or hydraulic shock, abrasive media, or where possible trapped metal may exist. Flo-Tite’s metal seats are hand lapped to the ball as individually matched sets, assuring line contact between valve ball and seats, resulting in smooth operation and tight shut-off class. Flo-Tite offers metal seats in different classes of Shut Off including Class IV, V and VI. |
Metallic |
P |
Peek |
Polyetheretherketone high-temperature semi-rigid elastomer. Best suited for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. Also offers very good corrosion resistance. Temperature rating -70°F to 550°F. |
Brown |
C/F |
Cavity Filler |
Designed to reduce the possibility of contamination by entrapment of process fluids in the void normally found behind the ball between the valve body in conventionally designed ball valves. Ideal for applications where cross-contamination is a concern, such as paints and dyes. |
White |
Ball Valve Standards
Size |
Class |
Body |
Entry |
Bore |
Trim |
Ends |
||
Stem |
Ball |
Seat |
||||||
1/2 ” to 56″ |
150 , 300 , 600 |
Single Peice |
Side Entry |
Full Bore |
Normal Stem |
Floating mounting |
Soft Seat |
RF , RTJ , BW , |
800 , 900 , |
2 Piece |
|||||||
1500 ,2500 |
3 Piece |
Top Entry |
Reduced bore |
Extended Stem |
Trunnion mountig |
Metal Seat |
SW , NPT |
|
If you’re looking for a reliable ball valve stockist, contact us here for more details.
Valves Type
Size Range | Class Range | End type range | Standard/Specs |
---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|