Types of Ball Valves: Flanged, Threaded, Full Bore, and Natural Gas Valves

# Types of Ball Valves: Flanged, Threaded, Full Bore, and Natural Gas Valves

Ball valves are one of the most common valve types used in the control of water, natural gas, compressed air, petroleum products, chemical fluids, and various industrial liquids. Thanks to their simple operating principle, fast opening and closing capability, low pressure loss, and high sealing performance, they have a wide range of applications, from plumbing systems to heavy industrial applications.

However, not all ball valves have the same structure and purpose. Different types of ball valves are preferred according to pipe connection type, passage diameter, body material, seal structure, operating pressure, and the properties of the fluid to be transported.

The most commonly used models include:

* Flanged ball valve
* Threaded ball valve
* Full bore ball valve

* Natural gas ball valve

Choosing the right ball valve is crucial for system safety, energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and the long lifespan of the installation.

## What is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve is a type of valve that opens or closes the flow of fluid by rotating a spherical part with a hole in the center, located inside the body, 90 degrees.

When the valve is fully open, the channel on the ball is aligned with the pipeline, and fluid passes through the valve.

When the handle is rotated 90 degrees, the non-perforated surface of the ball faces the direction of flow, and the flow is stopped.

Therefore, ball valves are extremely advantageous, especially in systems requiring fast opening and closing.

### Basic Parts of a Ball Valve

A typical ball valve consists of the following basic components:

* Body
* Ball
* Stem
* Handle or actuator
* Ball seals
* Stem seals
* Fittings
* Body sealing elements

The ball is usually machined to have a high surface finish. Depending on the valve design and application, the ball can be made of stainless steel, brass, or other suitable metal alloys.

PTFE and various engineering polymers are commonly used for sealing elements.

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# 1. Flanged Ball Valve

A flanged ball valve is a type of ball valve that is mounted to the pipeline using flange connections.

It is particularly preferred in medium and large diameter industrial pipelines. It is one of the most common valve solutions in applications requiring high flow rate, high operating pressure, and reliable connection.

Thanks to the flanged connection, the valve can be removed from the pipeline for maintenance or replacement when necessary.

## How Does a Flanged Ball Valve Work?

A flanged ball valve contains a perforated ball.

Turning the valve handle or actuator rotates the ball 90 degrees.

**Open position:** The passage channel inside the ball aligns with the pipeline.

**Closed position:** The ball rotates 90 degrees and the flow path is closed.

This structure provides an extremely fast opening and closing operation.

## Advantages of Flanged Ball Valves

One of the most important advantages of flanged models is that they provide a robust and reliable pipe connection.

The main advantages are:

* Suitable for high flow rate systems.
* Can be used in medium and large pipe diameters.
* Provides a strong connection.
* Can be disassembled during maintenance.
* Offers high sealing performance.
* Can be used with manual or automation systems.
* Electric and pneumatic actuators can be applied.
* Can be manufactured in different pressure classes.
* Suitable for industrial facilities.
* Can provide a long service life.

## Where are Flanged Ball Valves Used?

Flanged ball valves are particularly used in:

* Water treatment plants
* Industrial water lines
* Fire extinguishing systems
* Pump stations
* Heating and cooling systems
* Energy facilities
* Oil facilities
* Petrochemical facilities
* Compressed air systems
* Process plants
* Chemical plants
* Tank and storage lines

and similar applications.

The valve body, ball, and seal materials must be selected appropriately according to the chemical properties of the fluid to be transported.

## Flanged Ball Valve Connection

Flanged valves are mounted between the opposing flanges of the pipeline.

During installation;

* Compatibility of flange dimensions
* Pressure class
* Seal selection
* Bolt connections

* Axial alignment of the pipeline

should be checked.

Using the valve to forcefully connect misaligned pipes can create unnecessary mechanical load on the valve body.

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# 2. Threaded Ball Valve

A threaded ball valve is a type of compact ball valve that connects to the pipeline using an internal or external threaded connection method.

It is generally used in small and medium-sized installations.

Due to its practical installation, compact structure, and economic advantages, it has a very wide range of applications, from building installations to industrial auxiliary lines.

## Features of Threaded Ball Valves

The most important feature of threaded valves is that they can be mounted directly onto threaded pipes or fittings without the need for a flange connection.

This allows the system to be made more compact in small diameter lines.

Threaded ball valves are made of:

* Brass
* Stainless steel
* Carbon steel
* Application

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