One of the pressing and supporting the benefit of plumbing fixtures is a ball valve. It serves as a locking mechanism for the pipeline system. This part has been widely used in industrial and consumer area. The main qualities of this type of valve is a simple design and a long lifetime, which adds the device's popularity among users. Apparatus ball valve intended for water, also makes it suitable for oil and gas.
assembly characteristics
The first appearance of ball valves was about a hundred years ago. The initial stages of the development did not allow a good result in the overlap of water due to inadequate materials reliability.
When new synthetic chemicals, construction crane in the times improved. Availability of rubber and PTFE seals increased degree of sealing and the term of use of these devices.
Important! High quality lubricant provided a more reliable operation of the ball valve.
The principle of operation of any ball valve, which is available in the building market, is quite simple. The design of this device is not very complicated. The crane includes a gate, which is a mobile unit in form of a metal sphere with holes for passing water. Its diameter coincides with the width of the pipe.
Rotating shutter at a right angle causing a complete stop of water flow. This type is called a full bore. When you open such a device there is no pressure loss, which has a positive effect on the operating life of the pipe and the mechanism itself. In this regard, all major highways lines included in the use of ball valves.
varieties cranes
The great demand for this device led to the formation of various types of ball valves. Between themselves, they do not only differ in purpose, but have different characteristics. In this regard, there is a broad classification of ball valves.
All instruments are divided according to the size of the hole and crossing indicators water pressure resistance:
- standard;
- full bore;
- not full bore.
Hole, which is in full bore gate mechanism substantially coincides with the size of pipe in a pipeline. This circumstance is all the same does not allow to pass the entire flow, limiting it within 90-99 percent. This type is widely used in small pipes, which are located in buildings systems.
Dimensions of the rotary valve hole in standard types of cranes is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pipeline. In this regard, the device may skip from 70 to 90% flux. Installation of such a device is acceptable for communications that do not require 100 percent liquid passage.
Not full flow device types passed only 40-70 percent of the flow. Using such devices in places where you need a special pressure limiting.
Classification method anchorages:
- Coupling. Fastened to the pipe on the internal thread cylindrical and conical shape. The most commonly used in the pipes of apartments and houses with up to 5 cm.
- Welding. Fastening is done by welding. This method helps to create the perfect sealing of the joints. It applied a similar method to the important and difficult accessible parts of the external mains.
This connection method is also used to ball valves of plastic, which are welded to the pipes of identical materials. Such products have been applied only in the living conditions of apartments and houses.
- Flange. Fixing is done by fitting flanges. They may consist of several parts, and have a one-piece base. They should be used in pipelines, ranging in size from 5 cm. Fastening flanges is required in cases where provided for their connection and disconnection of partial design. It is also preferable to apply this type of mount in places where the prohibited conduct welding.
- Combined. Difference is the variety of ways of fixing. The versatility allows to use it for all communication systems with different types of joints (welding-thread, welding flanges, and others).
Furthermore, valves are made of various kinds of materials such as brass, plastic, etc. The second type of product is suitable for installation in steel pipes and plastic. Devices of plastic should be mounted only to the respective material.
Important! If the ball valve installed on a plastic tube made from other raw materials, that achieve the desired result will be very difficult.
Devices of raw materials, like brass are very fragile, they must be installed with caution and only for a pipe feeding only cold water.
Pros and cons of cranes with ball lock
These devices are widely recognized in the construction market. This is due to the many advantages possessed by such cranes.
Important! 11s41p type cranes can be mounted instead of the valves 30s41nzh. This is due to the fact that they have the same length.
The main ones are:
- simple operation;
- the minimum time required for activation and deactivation of the crane;
- high reliability;
- quality seal;
- Easy assembly scheme ensures a long service life;
- minor damage during the depreciation process;
- good defense parts of the product;
- practical size parameters;
- prevent stagnation and formation of craters in the duct section;
- ability to pass dirty and viscous mixture;
- affordable prices.
As for the cons, then these devices they have little. An important and perhaps the only serious drawback is the maintenance of temperature. Install ball valves is not recommended in areas where the index exceeds 200 degrees. There is also a disadvantage is the presence of "dead zones" in the corner. Remove it can be by replacing the rotating knob on the handle-butterfly.
Mark on ball valves
Signs on the product, contain a lot of important information, like the labels on the clothes. The ability to decipher the markings on the instrument, will help in choosing the right crane.
The information presented on ball valves:
- DN. Denotes the nominal diameter and determines the dimensions of pipelines. These indicators are used for all sanitary elements. Dimensions in inches - do 50, do 32, 20, 40, and row 15 mm.
- PN. It indicates the pressure at par and vymeryat bars. PN indicates the maximum allowable pressure at a temperature of 20 degrees, whereby possible continuous operation of the device. Tagging WOG informs that the device can be mounted to various fluids (water, gas and gasoline). Also, it denotes a maximum pressure of water vapor at 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Marking WSP represents pressure readings steam and water. Also it indicates under what maximum temperature indicators is capable to properly perform its function.
Often you can see on a device marked as MOP. These letters are similar to indicators and PN are also calculated in the bars. Often, these cranes are used in the gas pipes. Addition of digits at the end abbreviations denotes the highest pressure in bars.
- CW617N brass is marked according to the standard of Europe. This abbreviation stands for the materials from which the housing is manufactured articles.
- NL and LF. Denotes articles that are made of brass or copper, but without the addition of lead.
- The CE marking means that the product is created in accordance with all European standards and requirements.
Important! Compared with other types of connecting devices, the technical characteristics of any ball valve, high enough.
As for WOG and WSP, it is possible to say that the letter data show that these cranes can be used for both low and high temperatures. Their valve is designed for 600WOG / 150WSP. With these parameters, such devices can withstand up to 600 pounds per 1-n square inch in water, and a gas pipe.
Depending on the manufacturer, on the valves may be other markings indicating the date of issue, and various additional information. Clarity engraving abbreviations must be in perfect condition. Otherwise, you can judge the wear parts.
Tips on purchasing unit
Before you buy a ball valve, there should be a careful inspection products by checking the absence of the defective areas and the presence of all parts in the kit. Otherwise, there is a risk of leaks and other problems that may require mandatory repairs.
Complete system should include:
- seal;
- handle management;
- Teflon sealing seat;
- set of nuts;
- gate of brass or steel;
- rods made of brass;
- stem seal made of rubber;
- brass base;
- Clip adjustments;
- shaybochki for sealing.
It is also necessary to clarify the purpose of the device. For example, hot and cold water supply, as well as transportation of gas requires the use of the ball valves, which are made from brass or steel.
Furthermore, it should identify the type of device mounting - Flanged or welding. The welding crane is typically mounted on the lines with streams of hot liquids, acids or alkalis. This method allows to withstand the increased pressure and has good reliability. Crane with flanges mountable via the thread used for the liquid medium and the gas, but excludes the passage of aggressive elements.
Ease of use, practicality and usefulness of these devices make them indispensable to any property. But to choose the right device, you need to follow all the rules and purchase recommendations. Only in this way the life of the ball valve will be maximized.
