BALL VALVE

What is a Ball Valve in HVAC?

In HVAC systems, a ball valve is a type of valve that utilizes a rotating, hollow sphere (the ball) to manage the flow of fluids, such as water or refrigerant, by either permitting or obstructing passage through a port in the ball.

Function: Ball valves are mainly designed for on/off control; they can either be fully open or fully closed, rather than adjusting or modulating the flow rate.

Mechanism: The ball features a hole drilled through its center. When this hole aligns with the inlet and outlet of the valve, fluid can flow freely. Rotating the ball by 90 degrees shuts the valve, stopping the flow. For high-pressure applications, ball valves are a preferred choice over butterfly valves due to their extreme weather-toughness design and internal assembly.

Key Advantages of Ball Valves:

• Durable and Reliable: Known for their robustness and excellent sealing properties, even after extended periods of inactivity.
• Quick Operation: Provide swift on/off control, which is essential in HVAC systems.
• Low Pressure Drop: When fully open, they allow unobstructed flow, minimizing pressure loss.

Recommended ball valve manufacturers include Kirloskar Valves, Hawa Valves, and Zoloto Valves.