Classification of ball valves

Ball valves are classified based on their design, construction, and application. The following are some common classifications of ball valves:

1. Full port and reduced port ball valves: Full port ball valves have a bore diameter equal to the pipeline diameter, while reduced port ball valves have a bore diameter smaller than the pipeline diameter.

2. Floating ball and trunnion ball valves: In floating ball valves, the ball is not fixed and is free to move around. In trunnion ball valves, the ball is held in place by trunnions.

3. One-piece, two-piece, and three-piece ball valves: These classifications refer to the number of pieces that make up the valve body. One-piece ball valves have the valve body and end connections in one piece, while two-piece and three-piece ball valves have the valve body and end connections in two and three pieces, respectively.

4. Top entry, side entry, and bottom entry ball valves: These classifications refer to the location of the valve stem. Top entry ball valves have the stem entering from the top of the valve body, side entry ball valves have the stem entering from the side of the valve body, and bottom entry ball valves have the stem entering from the bottom of the valve body.

5. Manual and automated ball valves: Manual ball valves are operated by a handle or lever, while automated ball valves are operated by an actuator, such as an electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuator.

6. Metal seated and soft seated ball valves: In metal seated ball valves, the ball and seats are made of metal, while in soft seated ball valves, the seats are made of materials such as PTFE, nylon, or elastomers.

7. V-port and multi-port ball valves: V-port ball valves have a V-shaped ball and seat, which allows for precise flow control. Multi-port ball valves have more than two ports and are used for applications such as mixing, diverting, and regulating flow.