what is a ball valve.

[reefcrazy]

i was wondering what it is and what it does.

 

[fshhub]

a ball valve, is an inline valve, that can be used ot open, close, or reduce the flow of fluid through plumbing somewhat accurately since it's adjustmen is not a screwing motion but a ball inside that turns 90 degrees only for open or closed
HTH

 

[beecher]

A ball valve contains a precision ball held between two circular seals or seats. Ball valves have various port sizes. A 90 deg. turn of the handle changes operation from fully open to fully closed. Ball valves for shut-off service may be fully ported. Ball valves for throttling or controlling and or balancing service should have a reduced port with a plated ball and valve handle memory stop.........Hey you asked.
I'm in the business

 

[reeferx]

May be worth mentioning that the ball has a hole through it to let the fluid through. Turn the lever one way, you get the hole, turn it the other no hole. In between, the hole is somewhat obstructed causing less flow.
Or is that what you just said Beecher?

 

[broomer5]

Hey Beecher !
Nice to know there someone else out there in the business !
Industrial Instrumentation, Controls and valves - what I do
Just to add a tad -
Globe valves or multiturn rising stem type valves actually can give you much better flow control, with a much greater turn down, and have better flow characteristics than any round hole ball valve. Globe valves will create a much greater pressure drop as well, but this is the one thing required for good flow control. V-ported ball valves are used often for flow control - but are not at all practical in our hobby.
Ball valves - PVC - cheap and do the job for most saltwater applications.
Later