Ball full bore faucet - plumbing dream

The high popularity of shut-off ball valves is due to extreme structural reliability. For this reason, they are widely demanded in heating systems, water, gas and cold supply, ventilation, as well as in thermal points with moderate temperatures. The most attractive characteristic of ball valves is their “autonomy” during the working process without the need for maintenance.

General information

The ball product is named in the form of a locking part, which has a spherical shape and is located between the two seats, and the spindle connected to the control handle. This type of valve should only be used as a shut-off valve, but not regulating valves.

Original design features and technical characteristics of a spherical brass full bore crane, together with the material, endow the valve with exceptional properties:

• universality - the material of the product is stable when in contact with the steam, water, oil, air and transport flow of petroleum products at a temperature;
• reliability - safety of work is guaranteed by the element of construction - the rod;
• efficiency - the shape of the ball-shutter, rotating around its axis, provides ease of regulation of traffic flow;
• interchangeability - coupling can be replaced with flange one, observing safety measures for this type of pipeline;
• airtightness - special seals with high wear resistance, allow to operate the product for many years.

Depending on the purpose, such cranes can be produced:

• direct flow;
• checkpoints;
• mixing;
• angular.

The ball brass full bore crane according to GOST 21345-2005 has 25,000 operating cycles. Considering the flawless operation of the unit, its service life is possible for 30 years (GOST 4.114-84). The brass device withstands temperature fluctuations from -20 to +150 ° C and a pressure of 1.6–4.0 MPa (GOST 26349-84, GOST 365-80).

Design features

The locking ball element can be located in a floating position or on supports. The floating ball is not rigidly connected with the spindle and can move freely - the internal pressure from the incoming side presses it to the ring at the outlet, preventing water from seeping.

In the support structure, the bolt is clamped, on the one hand, with a pin in the lower part of the structure. On the other hand, the saddles that are pressed against the ball by the flow pressure. The complexity of the mechanics of the site increases the cost of the product.

Material

Long service life is achieved due to the protective coating, which is applied by electroplating of nickel. This technology allows the use of taps in pipelines with drinking water, as well as in hot water supply.

However, the brass ball valve full bore compared to the valve:

• easier;
• more compact;
• has a low hydraulic resistance;
• turning radius - 90 °.

So a few big cost looks justified.

Crane classification

Classification can be performed taking into account various parameters:

• the diameter of the bore - full bore, with the gate diameter coinciding with the hole in the pipe and non-full bore with a hole in the gate smaller than in the pipe;
• by way of tie-in - flanged, choke, welded, clutch.
• by control method - manual and mechanical;
• by type of management - butterfly handle or lever.

Coupling ball valve

The coupling valve is connected to the pipe with female threaded couplings. Turning the handle counterclockwise until it stops parallel to the pipe means full opening.

Coupling cranes are made in 3 versions:

• monolithic (economical);

• two-part, consisting of a housing and a coupling - the most common models;
• Three-part or collapsible, which can be repaired by yourself or insert a new seal.

Full bore ball clutch should be selected, taking into account:

• the purpose of exploitation;
• the temperature of the working medium that will pass through the device;
• internal pressure;
• diameter of the pipeline.

Coupling locking unit was appreciated by plumbing, it is widely used in water and heating mains utilities, but it can work in a gaseous environment.

The indisputable advantages of reinforcement include:

• small dimensions and weight;
• installation in any position;
• ease of management;
• flow in any direction;
• low hydraulic resistance;
• democratic price.

The disadvantages can be considered:

• the need for long levers to close;
• the high cost of electric drives for automatic closing;
• limiting the working temperature of the medium - 100 ° C and pressure - 16 bar and pipe diameter up to 100 mm;
• sensitivity to pressure drops.

Note! Coupling ball locking knots require increased attention during assembly and installation with their own hands, adhering to the allowable torques. The slightest mistake can lead to a sharp pressure drop and inevitable damage to the node.

Flanged crane

When the temperature of the medium exceeds 100 ° C, and the pressure of 16 bar and the operation of the coupling product is impossible, use a full-bore ball valve flange. Among the advantages of a flanged crane, among others, is the ability to carry out repairs (collapsible case).

Disadvantages due to:

• high price;
• great weight;
• the presence of long handles for manual control.

Note! The instruction obliges to turn the handle to the end in order to avoid the formation of precipitation inside the unit, which lead to a leakage, repair or replacement of equipment.

Differences in the patency of ball valves

The main difference between a full bore and non-full bore valve is the diameter and the shape of the holes in the lock. The opening of the full bore assembly does not taper and coincides with the internal diameter of the pipe; in a non-full bore it is funnel-shaped. One such cone turns the gentle sides towards the flow, if there are two of them - by either side.

Compared with the full bore, a non-passage node has:

• lower mass;
• easy handling;
• lower cost of the gate node.
• worse bandwidth;
• greater coefficient of hydraulic resistance;
• more conditional durability.

With a decrease in the passage, the locking element becomes more compact. If the force of the head does not play a significant role, it is better to choose a full-bore crane as an economically viable option.

Summarizing

The remarkable characteristics of the ball brass valve assembly allow it to be used in industrial and domestic areas. The help of a specialist in technical subtleties will help you choose the only correct option that will serve your whole conscious life faithfully and faithfully.

The video in this article is a small overview of popular types of ball valves.