Characteristics and Two Types of Electric Ball Valves

Electric ball valves feature a simple construction consisting of only a few components, resulting in material efficiency; they are compact, lightweight, and require minimal installation space and low operating torque. Operation is quick and easy, requiring only a 90-degree turn to open or close. They offer excellent flow regulation and tight sealing capabilities, making them the dominant valve type in medium-to-large bore, low-to-medium pressure applications.

Electric ball valves are widely used not only in general industries such as petroleum, gas, chemicals, and water treatment but also in the cooling water systems of thermal power plants. When fully open, the valve element presents minimal resistance to the flowing medium, resulting in a low pressure drop and superior flow control characteristics.

The leak-proof, durable valve seat features an outer diameter lined with a PTFE cup-shaped or O-ring seal containing a stainless steel core; the seat itself is constructed from tungsten-cobalt cemented carbide with a large cross-section, and its structural integrity is further reinforced by an alloy corrugated spring.

When the valve closes, a wedge-like shearing action occurs between the V-notch and the valve seat; this provides a self-cleaning function and prevents the ball core from jamming, making the valve particularly suitable for applications involving pipeline scaling, freezing, or the presence of fibers and solid particles.

Common types include wafer-style and flanged electric ball valves. Wafer-style valves are connected between two pipeline flanges using stud bolts, whereas flanged valves feature integral flanges that are bolted directly to the corresponding pipeline flanges. The strength performance of a valve refers to its ability to withstand the pressure of the medium. As mechanical products subject to internal pressure, these valves must possess sufficient strength and rigidity to ensure long-term operation without rupture or deformation.