Differentiating Between Ball And Butterfly Valves

Flow of different liquids and gases is controlled through rotary valves. This requires them to work in a conditions varying in environmental temperatures and pressures.

This category of industrial valves consists of several popular designs, including stainless steel ball valves, cone valves, plug valves and butterfly valves.

Ball valves and butterfly valves are often preferred in various industrial settings, owing to their durability, low cost and high reliability.

These valves are also known as control valves, and perform the same function¾restricting or permitting flow. However, ball valves are ones most often opted. Let’s review the design elements of these valves to see where they differ.

Ball valves

These are quarter-turn rotary valves that can be opened or shut with a 90 degree turn.

The main function is dependent on the ball that sports a hole. This hole lines up with the inlet for allowing the flow. Depending on the initial position, turning the valve can start, stop or slow down the fluid flow.

Ball valves are durable and can offer years of service. They are also reliable and easy to maintain. These valves can be used by any personnel with ease.

Most of all, they are excellent at regulating flow in high pressure and volume conditions. Hence, they are a versatile choice that can be used in various applications.

When fully closed, they provide a tight seal with little to no leak. When fully open, they often offer unrestricted flow, irrespective of fluid pressure.

Butterfly valves

These valves are made of metal discs that are mounted on rotating shafts. The design is similar to that of ball valves; they are quarter-turn valves too.

The valve remains closed if the disc is positioned perpendicular to fluid flow. Upon a 90° rotation, the valve opens, allowing gas or liquid to flow.

These valves are also easy to operate and offer a compact design. Small spaces may require you to opt for a butterfly valve. However, rest of the qualities of these valves are similar, or in some places, less effective than that of ball valves.

High quality ball valves

When purchasing industrial ball valves, make sure you opt for a design that is compatible with your application requirements.

Regular and high pressure ball valves are offered by SealExcel, along with compact, space savvy two- and three-way ball valves.

The reputed SS ball valve manufacturer also offers optimized designs that meet your required specifications.

Swing Check Valves Offer The Best Non-Return Fluid Control

Pneumatic and hydraulic industries have seen several valve designs in the last century. The

innovation in valve design has been endless.

Common configurations, such as high pressure ball valves, check valves and needle valves have made their name in numerous settings.

They are used for multiple functions: from regulating fluid flow to starting or completely shutting it off.

As such, these valves are often categorized according to their functions. For instance, swing check valves belong to non-return valve categories. It is one of the most popular valves for this function.

Exploring swing check valve design

Its disc operates by a swinging action, hence the name. There are two conformations for the valve design: conventional swing check valves and wafer type valves.

Conventional design is still widely used in the industry. They have flanged ends and the disc is hinged. Fluid pressure is responsible for lifting the disc and allowing its flow.

The disc then returns to its position with its own weight. These valves can easily be mounted in a horizontal or vertical position, even with upward fluid flow.

Parts of conventional check valves

Mainly, conventional swing check valves consist of body, cover, gasket, hinge, hinge cover, disc, cover stud and nut, seat ring, washer, hinge pin and disc pin.

The body is usually cast with a tapered wedge seat while renewable seat rings are provided. Its thickness and dimensions of the body must be according to the applicable regulatory codes.

The end flanges may be welded together or integrally cast. It should also follow ASME or other flange standards.

Disc is usually attached to the valve body by hinge and hinge pin. It swings against the body controlling the flow. Disc should also be made from high quality material, matching the construction of valve body.

Cover of the valve is often bolted on its body. The connection must have a joint that suits the pressure rating required from the valve. Similarly, gasket should suit the connection as well. It can be flat, corrugated or another style.

How to get the right design

If you require a unique construction or want an optimized design, we recommend you contact SealExcel. They are high pressure valve manufacturers, offering to design innovative products specific to your needs.

Their check valve designs particularly meet strict operating parameters. They are offered in multiple end configurations, including BSPP pipe connection, male/female NPT, BSPT and Well-Lok tube fittings.

Want to order today? Check out their available designs and contact the company for pricing and other information.

All Oil And Gas Engineers Must Know About These Common Valves!

In oil and gas industries, valves are important system components. They’re part of various piping and tubing systems, performing a range of functions.

From regulating to controlling flow and pressure of the passing material(s), valves get a lot done! They may be used in systems transferring gas, oil, another liquid or vapors.

Depending on the transferring material and application, there are various common valve designs that are currently in use. If you’re a part of the engineering team or managing a plant, you must be aware of these valve configurations.

Ball valves

These are rotational valves that incorporate a quarter turn. The design makes use of a ball shaped

disk for controlling the flow. The holes present in the ball disc stay in line with its inlet, letting the content pass through.

Stainless steel ball valves can operate at various high and low temperatures. For example, SealExcel, a stainless steel ball valve manufacturer, offers designs that can work at temperatures between -54°C to 232°C.

These valves can quickly turn the flow on or off. They offer tight sealing and low torque.

Breather valves

These are also called vacuum relief valves and are designed particularly for tank protection. They prevent excessive buildup of pressure or vacuum that can potentially unbalance the system and damage the vessel.

Pressure and vacuum intensity is usually controlled through weighted pallets. They can be combined to obtain standard levels.

Butterfly valves

These valves are similar to ball valves. That is, they are also quarter-turn designs. Butterfly valves are easy to open and are often used to start, stop and regulate the flow.

While the operation is simple, it takes considerably more time. They are lightweight although some larger design options are available too. At larger sizes, they can easily cope with high-pressure recovery and low-pressure drop.

Gate valves

These are designed to stop or start the flow. It is useful when a straight line of flow or minimum flow levels are required. When in use, they are often either fully opened or closed.

The disc is fully removed in open position, allowing free movement of materials. A bidirectional flow and excellent shut-off is possible through gate valves.

Globe valves

They are most often used in water cooling systems, and in transporting turbine or fuel oil. It is type of linear motion valve that is used to regulate flow or start or stop it altogether.

It has good shut-off capability but can’t cope well with high pressure drops.

Your systems may require one or more of these valve designs. If you need high quality ball valves, consult SealExcel. They have regular, high pressure and two/three directional ball valves for excellent flow control.

Eliminating leaks in hydraulic systems

Leakage is a widespread nuisance in the hydraulic industry. In the last few years, this problem has

become less severe. However, complete elimination remains difficult to this day.

Leakage remains an elusive issue, since leak-free component designs are widely available in the industry. Achieving the right amount of lubrication, which has to be applied on seals, can help maintain them for a long time.

However, this is still not a foolproof solution.

Choosing the right sealing products

Finding leak-proof sealing poses no challenge. However, choosing a product that fits your application is a huge problem.

Almost all major sealing manufacturers and suppliers offer products that meet ISO and SAE standards. The problem arises when you have to find the correct product for multiple applications or various parts of a system.

A sealing component may be leak-free while operating under certain conditions, but aggressive conditions of another application may cause it to leak. Similarly, you may be successful in finding a product for most parts of the system, but that can only be achieved after trial and error.

Pick a manufacturer with vast industrial experience, so they can guide you about their products.

Reducing the leakage potential

More number of connections means higher leakage risk. You can reduce the risk by decreasing the number of connections in the system.

Integrate multiple components into a single assembly. For instance, use integral block and bleed valves if both functions are necessary. Also, you can opt for monoflange valves to save space as well as reduce leak potential.

Ensuring maintenance for zero leakage

Hydraulic leaks often don’t cause an instant safety hazard. That’s why they are often ignored until the next maintenance shutdown.

Even when addressed, technicians only tighten the components to fix the leak. Instead of fixing the problem, which can in fact cause it to become more severe.

Technicians must be aware of the right methods and procedures that should be followed. Inspection and timely maintenance are also important to catch a problem in its starting phase.

Even if you take all the necessary steps, every sealing product has a particular lifespan. Vibration, pressure pulsation, and temperature changes can all affect the fitting and cause them to leak over time.

Make sure all your sealing equipment is functioning correctly and replace the ones that aren’t offering optimal performance. Looking for a valve or instrumentation tube fittings supplier? We’ve got you covered! Contact SealExcel for hydraulic sealing products, including high pressure valves.