Six Considerations When Selecting a Ball Valve

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By Nick Spanhak. Nick Spanhak is product sales manager, Parker Fluid System Connectors Division. In this role, he handles a broad product portfolio, including ball valves.

Ball valves are a versatile and essential component in a fluid conveyance system. They allow for a line to be completely shut off from the flow of a fluid so maintenance can easily be performed. Due to the reliable, tight seal created by the rotary ball, ball valves are the ideal valve of choice for liquid and gas conveyance lines. By selecting the right body material and seals, ball valves can be used in a multitude of applications, ranging from diesel fuel to compressed air.

It is important to note that ball valves can only be used in the fully on or fully off position. Ball valves are not designed to throttle the flow of a fluid. Using a ball valve in this application will result in premature failure of components and cause the system to leak or render it unable to be isolated.

When selecting a ball valve for your application, it is important to consider these six factors: 

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Body material

Common materials used for ball valve bodies include brass, carbon steel, stainless steel, and thermoplastic. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. Your application will determine what material you should select.

Brass

Brass ball valves are the most common option for general purpose applications. The chemical makeup of brass makes it a very strong and durable metal.  If stored and used properly, brass ball valves are resistant to corrosion. They are also the most economical choice of materials. These valves are ideal for compressed air, diesel fuel, vacuum, and inert gas applications. Brass can be used for applications ranging up to 4 MPa (600 psi) (dependent on fluid) and 175° C (350° F). For applications such as biodiesel, there is also an electroless nickel plated option for greater chemical compatibility. 

Carbon steel

Carbon steel ball valves are commonly used for hydraulic systems where pressure ratings can exceed 21 MPa (3,000 psi). High-quality carbon steel ball valves can handle pressure ratings of up to 41 MPa (6,000 psi), depending on size. The downsides of carbon steel are the chemical compatibility and temperature rating. When selecting a carbon steel valve, the type of fluid needs to be confirmed so that it will not cause a negative reaction with the valve. While still respectable, a carbon steel valve can only handle temperatures of around 99° C (210° F). The temperature of the application needs to be monitored to ensure the valve will perform as expected. 

Stainless steel

Stainless steel ball valves are the most durable option. These valves offer the most robust offering of compatible chemicals. The chemical makeup of stainless steel offers natural corrosion resistance. These valves are also towards the top for pressure and temperature ratings. Many stainless steel ball valves can handle pressures of 14 MPa (2,000 psi) and temperatures of 204° C (400° F). The downside of these valves is the cost. Stainless steel valves are among the most expensive available options. Due to the cost, you will see these valves used sparingly, mostly in food/beverage washdown applications.

 Thermoplastic

Thermoplastic ball valves are the ideal option for applications that require high purity. These valves are commonly used in drinking water and beverage dispensing applications. In addition to beverages, these valves can be used for a select list of chemicals, such as liquid fertilizer. (dependent on the type of thermoplastic used) The all-plastic construction makes these valves naturally corrosion resistant. Thermoplastic valves have lower pressure and temperature ratings. These valves are rated for applications with a pressure rating of 1 MPa (150 psi) and up to 65° C (150° F). 

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Configuration

Selecting the correct valve configuration ensures proper hose, tube and pipe routing for optimal flow in your application. In addition to the standard in-line ball valve, some manufacturers, like Parker, also offer special configurations. Understanding where the ball valve is going to be used in your application determines what configuration you will need. Some of the more common shapes include:

• 3-way diversion
• 4-way diversion
• 90 elbow
• In-line
• Mini In-line
• Stacked in-line

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Port connection

 

To determine the required port connection, it is best to investigate your application and understand if the valve will connect to a hose, tube, or directly into a piece of machinery or component. Some of the more common connection types (depending on body material) include: 

• BSPP female/male threads
• Beaded hose barb
• NPT female/male threads
• O-ring face seal
• Push-to-connect
• Solder end
• Straight thread o-ring
• VDA

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Seals

For a ball valve to provide a leak-free connection, a seal is required. The type of seal is dependent on the type of fluid being conveyed through the ball valve. Most valves have standard options for seals, but these can be customized to fit your application. Standard options include:

• Acetal
• EPDM
• FKM
• Fluorocarbon
• Nitrile

   

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Handle

Even the handle can be customized on most ball valves. The choice of handle is dictated by two factors&#;the space available to turn the handle and personal preference. Common handle options include:

• Lever
• Oval
• Short lever handle
• Tee
• Pad locking handle

   

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Venting

The last consideration when selecting a ball valve is whether or not the valve needs to be vented. There are both vented and non-vented options on most standard ball valves. When selecting a vented option, it is important to understand your application. Typically, vented ball valves should only be used on compressed air systems to allow venting of downstream pressure in a closed position. Using a vented ball valve on a fuel or oil line could result in costly leaks. It is important to note that a vented ball valve does not take the place of an OSHA-approved emergency shut-off.

If, after researching your options, you are unable to find a standard ball valve that fits your requirements, check to see if your supplier has the capabilities to custom design and manufacture one for you. Choosing a ball valve that exactly meets your application needs will go a long ways in providing you with a safe and efficient fluid conveyance system.

Unlike the standard ball valves, most gas ball valves are tested and approved by CSA. These valves are vital for combustible gas service in different industrial applications. They are used in natural gas, manufactured gas, and liquefied petroleum gas pipelines. 

What is gas ball valve?

A gas ball valve is a quarter-turn flow control device that is designed to offer better performance, shut off and sealing characteristics than the conventional ball valves. Unlike high pressure, high temperature, water service ball valves, gas ball valves adopt a compact and lightweight valve body design that increases their versatility, making them suitable for different applications.

Gas ball valves are predominant in applications and piping systems conveying combustible fluids like hydrocarbons, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gases, and chemical vapors. These valves are also ideal for boilers, furnaces, gas stoves, residential and commercial water heaters.

Flow control applications relying on gas ball valves operate under high pressure and temperature. Given the combustible nature of most of the working fluids, it is vital to prevent leakage at the valves. Sealing and protection against fugitive emissions rely on the metal-seated gas ball valves or PTFE seats.

The benefits of using gas ball valves for different industrial applications are:

• Excellent shut-off characteristics &#; The valves open and close quickly in response to pressure conditions of the pipeline. It is vital for preventing backflows and contamination.

• Versatility and efficiency &#; Gas ball valves have a compact design that fits into different industrial applications. They operate at low torque and require simple actuation mechanisms.

• Durability and easy maintenance &#; These valves provide excellent flow control throughout their service life and demand minimal maintenance interventions.

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1) CSA ratings and gas ball valves

Before using gas ball valves for combustible fluid service, they require approval from Canadian Standards Association (CSA). The association rates the valves based on application areas and country-specific requirements. CSA is accredited by several US regulatory authorities including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). 

Valves bearing CSA ratings can be used in different industries across the US. According to the CSA ratings, gas ball valves designed for outdoor fluid applications in the USA bear the BRS125G-rating and CAN 3.16 in Canada.

For indoor applications, the CSA ratings are the same for the USA and Canada. Any ball valve bearing the ½ PSI and 5G- ratings are strictly used for indoor gas applications. The ½ PSI rating indicates that the installation location of the valve is on the appliance. Household piping systems use valves bearing the 5G rating. Indoor gas systems operate at a lower pressure when compared with outdoor piping systems.

CSA 3.16-15 standards apply to all lever-operated gas shut-off valves. These are metallic gas ball valves that are manually operated and contain flanged, threaded, or welded ends. Their service temperatures range between -°F (-600°C) and °F (°C), while their maximum pressure limit is 125PSI. These valves are suitable for natural gas, liquified petroleum gas, and manufactured gas service.

Valves under the CSA 3.16-15 ratings can be used for methane gas service in sewage treatment plants. However, they are likely to suffer from the negative impacts of contaminant accumulation around the valve body. Gas ball valves are unsuitable for use in piping systems with traces of hydrogen sulfide (sour gas).

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2) Special features of gas ball valves

For the efficiency of fluid flow applications, it is necessary to control and monitor fluid pressure. Gas ball valves are equipped with pilot taps for fixing pressure gauges. With these gauges, operators can monitor the pressure of the piping system and perform pressure tests. Fixing the pressure gauges at the valves guarantees accurate pressure control in the system to facilitate the safety and consistency of gas applications.

Gas ball valves have standard pilot taps in the form of &#;" female pipe thread or female pipe taper (FPT). The pilot taps come with a &#;" tapering male pipe thread plug that is tightened to prevent leakages.

Several manufacturers use yellow handles on the valves for identification purposes. Though this is not a standard visual indicator, it is a quick way for buyers to identify ball valves that are approved for combustible gas service. When selecting gas ball valves, do not just rely on visual indicators. Confirm that the intended piping requirements match the CSA approvals and ratings.

3) How to test a gas ball valve

Gas ball valves are used in applications with varying temperature and pressure ranges. For the safety of operations, the valves are subjected to rigorous air tests to establish their efficiencies at different operating conditions. According to CSA standards, gas ball valves are tested to withstand 1.5 times their rated valve pressure. Gas ball valves with the CAN 3.16 approval are designed for higher pressure ratings. In some cases, they may be exempt from pressure tests.

The following are gas ball valve ratings and the accompanying test pressures in PSIG (Pounds per square inch gauge)

• CAN 3.16 rating &#; test pressure is 125PSIG

• BRS125G &#; test pressure is 188PSIG

• ½ PSI &#; test pressure is 3PSIG

• 5G &#; test pressure is 7.5 G

Each gas ball valve has a specific CSA approval rating. However, it is common to find valves with the same CSA ratings having different pressure and temperature ratings. Valves meant for industrial processes with extreme temperatures/pressure may require modifications and additional tests to meet the minimum CSA approval requirements.

4) Types of gas ball valves

Gas ball valves have different constructions to suit their application areas. Piping systems for natural gas service, supply of clean gases or compressed air use fully welded ball valves. These valves have a compact design, are easy to insulate, provide bi-directional tightness, and are designed to be maintenance-free. Such ball valves are fabricated using high-strength materials, have spring-loaded PTFE seals and O-rings for maximum sealing.

Processes in which the working media should be fully open or fully closed use gas ball valves with flanged and welded ends. They are in sections like heating pipeline crossings or heat exchanger stations.

When selecting gas ball valves, consider the installation areas. Are the valves intended for indoor or outdoor usage? After that, select the appropriate size that will meet the desired process parameters.

5) Gas ball valve selection criteria

When selecting a gas ball valve for any industrial application, identify the performance requirements of the system. It will include factors like flow rates, pressure, and temperature ranges. Identify the chemical characteristics of the service medium. Piping systems with traces of sour gas will use gas ball valves with PTFE seats due to their inert nature against chemicals, unlike metal-seated valves that are likely to corrode under similar conditions.

Gas ball valves selected for critical gas pipelines should be easy to maintain or demand minimal maintenance interventions. The quantity of abrasive media and contaminants in the piping system should be minimal to prevent premature valve damage.

Summing up

Gas ball valves provide an affordable and often ideal solution for combustible gas service in different industrial applications. Their application is guided by CSA ratings and approvals that guarantee safe usage under varying process conditions.

Need guidance in determining the appropriate gas ball valve for a specific application?

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