What is the purpose of the ball valve?

The purpose of a ball valve is to provide a reliable control point for the flow of substances in a pipeline. Its objective is very clear: to allow flow when desired and to stop it immediately when needed.

Here are some of the main uses of ball valves in practical applications:

1. Complete flow shutoff

This is its core function. When the ball rotates to the closed position, the internal sealing ring tightly encloses the ball. Whether the pipeline contains water, oil, or natural gas, once it's closed, it ensures that not a single drop can pass through. This is crucial in situations like water leaks at home or during equipment maintenance.

2. Rapid response in emergencies

Some valves require several turns to close completely, but in emergency situations, time is of the essence. A ball valve only requires a quick 90-degree turn to instantly shut off the flow. This "fast, precise, and decisive" characteristic makes it frequently used in gas pipelines or other safety exits requiring rapid flow cutoff.

3. Directing fluid flow

Besides the common two-way valves, there are also specially designed ball valves (such as three-way valves). They act like railway switches, allowing the fluid in the pipeline to enter from one inlet and then choose to exit from the left or right side as needed, enabling flow splitting or merging.

4. Maintaining pipeline patency

When the ball valve is fully open, the hole in the center of the ball is exactly the same size as the pipeline. This means that the fluid flows through as if on a smooth highway, without resistance or pressure loss, ensuring maximum transmission efficiency.

5. Reliable long-term operation

Its purpose also includes providing peace of mind. Many valves are prone to rusting or clogging, but the surface of a ball valve's ball is usually very smooth, and each opening and closing action acts as a self-check. Even if you don't maintain it regularly, it will still rotate smoothly and close tightly when needed in an emergency years later.