Ball gas valve and its features

Shut-off valves are a mandatory element of gas pipelines, and it is used both for external pipelines and for internal systems. As a rule, for domestic gas pipelines a spherical gas valve of 2 - 1 2 inches diameter is used.

Below we take a closer look at the features of these devices and their difference from water taps.

Special features

So, in the gas pipelines recently used special ball valves. These devices are designed to completely shut off or open the gas stream. The peculiarity of these devices lies in the locking mechanism, which is made in the form of a ball with a through hole. Moreover, the hole diameter coincides with the diameter of the pipeline (see also the article Where and how the high-pressure valve is used).

To block the flow, the ball is rotated so that the opening is perpendicular to the pipeline, i.e. it must be rotated 90 degrees. The locking mechanism is controlled by a lever. Tightness is provided by rings made of soft and durable materials.

Differences from plumbing fittings

It must be said that the external difference between a gas tap and a water tap is that the lever is yellow and not red.

Constructional differences are much larger:

• They have a stronger case, which is made of special grades of steel or brass with a high copper content.
• Have a longer connecting thread.
• The locking mechanism is made of highly durable chrome-plated or nickel-plated material.
• The rod is made of durable polymeric material.
• These valves are able to withstand more pressure than water.
• O-rings are more durable and provide better tightness.

Note! Despite the fact that the price of gas taps is higher, they cannot be replaced with plumbing fittings, since savings can be very expensive. But to use gas valves instead of plumbing is not prohibited.

In general, all that is different than a gas valve from a water stop valve is an increased level of tightness. The remaining points are not so important in domestic pipelines. Therefore, in principle, any valve that meets the tightness class "A" can be used for a gas pipeline.

Application features

As a rule, valves for gas pipelines are installed in the kitchen, i.e. where gas equipment is used. Moreover, for each source of consumption a separate valve is installed.

For example, in houses and apartments where gas stoves and columns or boilers are installed, I install gas valves for stoves and other devices separately. In addition, one common inlet valve is often installed, which allows to completely shut off the gas supply.

It must be said that stop valves are used not only to shut off the flow, but also to control it, for example, a three-way gas valve allows you to redirect the flow from one pipeline to another. True, in everyday life such devices are not used.

Tip! When selling gas supply at home with bottled gas, you can not install a general shut-off valve, since a valve is always mounted on the cylinder, which allows shutting off the gas.

Types of gas ball valves

In addition to the fact that the valves in question differ in diameter, the differences lie in the method of installation. Most often in gas pipelines use the following types of devices:

Tip! In addition to the ball valves, there are also cork valves. However, they have less reliability and durability, therefore, they have recently been used very rarely.

Manufacturers

Gas pipelines are one of the most responsible housing supply systems. Therefore, the choice of all its elements, including valves, should be given special attention.

It is desirable to acquire products only from well-known, well-proven manufacturers.

In particular, it is possible to give preference to cranes from such Italian companies as:

• Bugatti;
• FIV;
• Valtec;

In addition, products of the following companies are distinguished by good quality:

• Dungs - Germany;
• Profactor - Germany;
• Broen Ballomax - Poland;
• Efar - Poland;
• LD - Russia.

Tip! You should not buy the cheapest faucet for gas, as there are a lot of low-quality fittings from China on the market, which do not always meet all the requirements for gas shut-off valves.

Features of the replacement gas valve

Sooner or later, any valves may fail, in particular, are not insured against damage and gas valves. When a malfunction of this device is detected, it must be replaced immediately.

It should immediately be said that it is forbidden to do this work with your own hands! However, some actions still have to be done independently.

So, the instruction for replacing this valves is as follows:

• First of all, you need to report the problem to specialists from the gas service or a private organization that has a license to perform such work.
• Then you need to buy a new crane in a specialized store. Beforehand it is necessary to measure the diameter of the pipeline in order not to be mistaken when choosing a product.
• By the arrival of specialists should prepare a data sheet and an agreement for gas supply. Technical passport is needed to make a note about the work performed.
• Then you need to turn on the gas on the stove and turn off the central valve. The burner should be left to complete attenuation so that all the gas out of the pipeline is released.
• Upon the arrival of specialists, you need to open several windows to create a draft in the room. This is necessary in case of a gas leak.
• After completing the work, together with specialists, check the installed valves for leakage.
• At the end of the work, you need to provide the service staff with a technical passport and ask to make a note there.

Tip! To determine the leakage of gas can be using soap suds. It should be applied to the junction of the device with the pipeline, as well as on the valve itself. If in some place a soap ball is formed, it means that the stop valves pass gas.

After completion of work, the windows should be left open for another 15-30 minutes, which will ensure full ventilation of the room.

Conclusion

Currently, gas ball valves are widely used in domestic and industrial gas pipelines. This is due to the fact that they have reliability and durability. The only thing, choosing which gas faucet is better, should be given preference to more expensive devices from well-known manufacturers, since cheap products may not correspond to the required quality.

From the video in this article, you can learn some additional information on this topic.