Flanged ball valve - description, application, features and reviews

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

Flanged valves are shut-off valves, the use of which turned out to be so simple and convenient that with their appearance the number of valves dropped dramatically.

Methods of connection and pipelines

The main classification of this fitting is based on the method of connection. There are coupling, welded, flanged and fitting. Flanged valves are most often used in cases where it is necessary to install shut-off valves on an industrial pipeline. The systems of this type include the following networks:

• pipelines for municipal purposes;
• oil transfer systems;
• oil pipelines;
• cooling and compressed air networks;
• gas pipelines.

In addition, flanged valves are actively used in industries such as agriculture and shipbuilding.

Detailed classification

The main element of this shut-off valve is a ball-gate. Inside this part there is also a hole of square and round section. In order to fix the valve inside the faucet, a wide variety of fasteners and gaskets are used to create tightness. Fastening the sameis carried out directly to the crane, with the help of which the flow of the working medium is subsequently controlled. The flange valve has only two positions and can be either fully open or fully closed.

Currently, such fittings are produced with a very wide range of diameters - from 15 mm to 1400 mm. However, most often, the use of a crane is resorted to when the diameter of the pipeline network is 50 mm or more.

Further, it should be noted that the location of the ball can have two ways, which depend on the diameter of the valve. If the device has a small diameter value, then the ball is floating. If the indicator exceeds 50 mm, then the ball is sealed on the supports. It is also worth adding that a distinctive feature of steel flanged valves is that they have a very high strength, which allows them to operate in high pressure environments.

Various device specifications

Since any equipment needs repair, cranes are also divided into two categories according to the way it is carried out. The first group is non-separable devices having a cast one-piece body. If they fail, then they cannot be repaired, it is necessary to change the fittings to a new one. The second group is collapsible locking parts, consisting of two parts connected into a single body. It is not difficult to disassemble it, and therefore it is possible to replace only worn parts, and not the entire armature.

In addition, the division is also carried out according to the drive class,which is used in the device. Standard models have a manual gearbox. Next come cranes with electric drives, however, additional supports are required for their installation. The third type is pneumatically actuated fittings. Another rather important characteristic is the degree of skipping of the working environment. Partial bore models are available that allow up to 50% of the media to pass through. Standard types pass from 70 to 80%. Full bore models - more than 90% of the substance.

Flanged ball valves prices

Naturally, the cost of these devices depends entirely on their characteristics, as well as on the manufacturer. For example, shut-off valves with a diameter of 100 mm cost about 3,500 rubles. However, it has the following characteristics:

• The price of flanged valves strongly depends on what type of medium you have to work with: water, air, oil products, fuels and lubricants, as well as liquids that do not contain abrasive impurities.
• The working pressure in such taps can reach 1.6 MPa.
• The maximum allowable temperature of the working medium is 200 degrees Celsius.

Such models are produced in Russia, their weight is about 13 kg. There are similar flanged ball valves, the price of which is about 3,400 rubles. They are produced by Also, also located in Russia. If we talk in general about the difference in the amount, then the cost of such a crane starts from 3,300 and can reach 44,000 rubles.

Material,installation and operation

Cast iron, bronze, brass, stainless steel can be used as raw materials for the production of these devices. If we talk about the operation of these devices, then they can only be used where it is necessary to either pass or block the flow of the working substance. These devices cannot be used as a regulator. During the installation process of a 100 mm flanged ball valve or any other, it is important to consider several parameters.

1. Valve control type and piping type.
2. The direction of laying the network - horizontal or vertical.

In order to install the crane, you must perform several mandatory steps:

• Before proceeding to the installation, you need to conduct a complete revision of the device. It is important that the instrument is not damaged in any way.
• Next, you need to check the valve and pipeline for such a parameter as alignment.
• Direct installation of fittings is carried out between the pipe flanges. Seals must be used.
• Before proceeding with the installation of reinforcement, it is also important to carry out axial alignment. In other words, it is necessary to tighten the bolts as evenly as possible around the entire perimeter.

Terms of Use

There are a couple of simple rules to follow when using these devices.

Firstly, it is important to regularly inspect a flanged valve 80 mm or any other. The frequency of this type of inspection depends onoperating conditions and working environment. However, the time difference under any circumstances cannot be more than 6 months.

Secondly, if the valve is almost always operated in one position, that is, it is always open or closed, then it is necessary to periodically change its position. This procedure will prevent the appearance of deposits on the surface of the spherical structural element, which will significantly increase its service life. Such work should be carried out two to four times a year.

Pros, cons and reviews

Of the undoubted advantages, it is worth highlighting the high reliability and the almost complete absence of the need for constant maintenance. Also highlighted is the low resistance to hydraulic flow and the ability to completely shut off the flow of material.

The disadvantages include the fact that if this is a manual type, then it has a rather long handle, which must be taken into account during installation. It is also worth mentioning that the weight of flanged valves is quite large.

As for the reviews of this product, they are mostly positive. Firms such as Bugatti, FAR, Oventrop received the greatest recognition among buyers. These manufacturers have established their products as one of the most reliable. Some of the negative reviews are mainly due to the fact that the products were purchased with poor quality. The most common problem is the metal from which the faucet is made.