Common types of flow control valves are gate valves and ball valves. They are often used in the regulation of fluids and gasses in motion. These two valves have several applications, however they are not interchangeable. When deciding between a gate valve and a ball valve, we break out the key distinctions and criteria to look for from any ball or gate valve manufacturer.
Differing Methods of Operation
A ball valve consists of a rotatable ball attached to a bore and a stem. The valve is opened or closed by turning a ball connected to the stem. Because the flow of media may be opened or closed with only a 90° (quarter) turn of the handle, this valve is often referred to by that name. When the handle is in a perpendicular position to the pipe, the valve is open, and when it is parallel, the flow of water is stopped. Check out our technical page on ball valves for a deeper dive.
One way in which a gate valve may regulate the flow of its medium is via the use of a gate. The gate construction shown in Figure 2 is a solid disc attached to the stem. Valve opening and closing are accomplished by raising and lowering the gate. When you turn the valve’s accompanying bonnet, you may adjust where the gate is set. This valve is also known as a multi turn valve since it requires more than a complete 360 degrees of rotation to open or shut. Please refer to our technical page on gate valves for a more in-depth discussion of these devices.
Common Applications
Gate valves and ball valves are both widely used in both domestic and commercial settings.
- As a rule, gate valves are only used in less-frequently used systems or where a more permanent fixture is not an option. Gate valves are used in large water supply lines because they provide for a direct flow channel with little constraints. New plumbing systems that need to turn water on and off often often have ball valves.
- In applications involving slurries and other viscous media, gate valves are preferred due to their convenience in terms of both cleaning and maintenance. Slurry particles may harm the rotating ball in a ball valve, and cleaning them is a hassle.
- The enormous pressure and heat generated in power plants, mines, and water treatment facilities necessitate the usage of gate valves.
- Both fire suppression systems and the maritime industry rely heavily on ball valves. It’s recommended that ball valves not be used in the production of food, drink, or medicines because of how hard they are to clean and the potential contamination they provide.
