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Questions? +32 460 226 991 (English), +33 644 634 490 (French). EU-wide delivery!
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Ball valves are used for shutting off and regulating the flow of liquids or air and non-corrosive gases. They are therefore an important component of heating systems or cooling systems. This is a type of fitting where the flow is closed by a hemispherical closure. An undeniable advantage of ball closures is their tightness.
They are divided according to the type of fitting – into two-way and three-way. Another division is into shut-off and regulating, where shut-off valves are usually full-flow and regulating valves have a special insert for linearizing the closing process.
As the name suggests, shut-off valves are used to close the flow of liquid. These are usually two-way valves. With these valves, it is not necessary to linearize the closing process, as it is desirable for the flow to be shut off as quickly as possible. In the case of three-way full-flow ball valves, there are also mixing and diverting categories, with the difference being in the direction of flow of the selected medium.
Regulating ball valves are equipped with a linearizing insert. This is important for smooth flow regulation so that the percentage of actuator rotation corresponds to the percentage of valve opening, or the percentage size of the liquid flow. Ball valves can be made from brass, stainless steel, or plastic.
In addition to choosing the material, it is also important to select the control method when purchasing ball valves – this is usually done manually with a lever, or by using a servo drive or pneumatic actuator.
BOLA offers a wide selection of individual variants of ball valves in its catalogue. For specific products, you will find specifications of operating temperatures, threads, flow coefficients, and other details that will be useful when shopping.
Ball valves with actuators are the same type as those with manual control but are fitted with a suitable adapter. Manufacturer Belimo has valves adapted to its LR, NR, and SR series actuators. Giacomini ball valves are usually in a basic version with a lever, but BOLA offers special adapters for motorized Belimo actuators of the LM, NM, and SM series.
The most versatile ball valves can be considered those with an ISO flange from TORK series KV903 (or three-way KV904), as they are equipped with a standardized square and ISO flange according to ISO5211. This standardized fitting can be easily motorized or combined with pneumatization.
Ball valves with actuator adapters can be used for drinking, utility, and heating water, gasoline, diesel, oil, glycol, kerosene, air, steam, and other liquid and gaseous media. They are therefore widely used in the engineering, water, and chemical industries. The most common area of use is heating systems and water distribution. However, be careful during installation – it is not permissible for the ball valve to be suspended, i.e., fitted with the actuator facing downwards.
Ball valves with drain differ from classic "ball valves" in threaded or flanged versions by having an additional drain valve on the side of the valve. Drain ball valves thus serve the same purpose as a regular ball valve for shutting off pipes, but the mentioned side drain screw allows the circuit to be drained.
Users often utilize this function, for example, when they need to drain a garden water system before winter. Bola.cz also offers Belimo actuators, through which even ball valves with drains can be motorized.
Regulating ball valves can adjust – that is, reduce – the flow and ensure an equal percentage flow characteristic thanks to a specially shaped insert inside the valve.
Regulating ball valves are equipped with a linearizing insert. This is important for smooth flow regulation so that the percentage of actuator rotation corresponds to the percentage of valve opening, or the percentage size of the liquid flow.
For trouble-free operation and long product life, it is recommended to always place a filter to capture any impurities in front of regulating ball valves, which could damage the valve's closing mechanism.
Regulating ball valves are installed on pipes in the direction of the arrow of the working medium flow, and control using a lever with a clear scale allows for convenient and precise flow control.
Switching ball valves can be two-way or three-way, and some manufacturers even offer six-way valves. Switching ball valves are used for open and closed systems of hot and cold water.
Switching ball valves are controlled by a rotary actuator, which is operated by an open/close signal. The valve opens counterclockwise and closes clockwise.
Ball valves with manual levers are suitable as shut-off fittings in standard heating and cooling applications. These ball valves can be used for drinking, heating, and utility water, as well as a range of other non-aggressive media. Most of them are maintenance-free. Valves from the Giacomini R250 series and Belimo EXT-R are certified for drinking water.
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