The Disadvantages Of Ball Valves For Industrial Purposes | EV

23 Jun.,2025

 

The Disadvantages Of Ball Valves For Industrial Purposes | EV

Does your production line come to halt because of ball valves related issues? Ball valves are essential industrial products that most companies must use in some capacity. They’re commonly used in industrial settings to control the flow of fuel, oil, and other liquids throughout a facility.

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However, the ball valve advantages and disadvantages vary when using them for this purpose. This article highlights common ball valve disadvantages that you should know.

1) Leaking Details

The classic mechanism behind a ball valve is the perfect way for steam to leak. This is through the ball valves themselves or through pitting on their surface where rust has gotten underneath.

One solution would be using more rigid alloy steel, stainless steel, or even tungsten carbide alloys. Yet, most manufacturers have kept costs down by reducing metal thickness, which can give further problems. Ball valves have seats that need replacing after a certain amount of time. Factors such as temperature and corrosion make these materials disintegrate and crack hence becoming less effective.

This way, they may not close properly, making your system susceptible to leaks. If you’ve been a victim of this, why not try our Everlasting valves? They are tougher, durable, and more durable.

2) Precision Details

The size of the ball valves is important and must open and close quickly. Otherwise, your system loses heat and doesn’t shut off properly. This way, you could end up losing a lot of water or steam if this happens.

Manufacturers now have to make sure that there are no burrs on the balls. The valve has to be re-sized and tested before it can go into production.

But why go to all the trouble while Everlasting Valve Company can customize your ball valves to fit your plant equipment?

3) Pitting and Corrosion Details

Ball valves rust quickly due to being exposed directly to water and acidic substance. Thus, they corrode more easily compared with other types of valves. Again, they can fail at any given moment.

This corrosion can lead to pitting and cause leaks. This is not always the case, yet it’s a factor that should be considered when buying valves.
One way to reduce leakage most times is using materials such as stainless steel.

However, these steels have a lower melting point.

The material properties of the valves change, and the tolerance has to be increased to prevent melting while in operation. This doesn’t mean that manufacturers cannot use stainless steel.

Whether or not you’re making a bulk purchase, deal with a manufacturer that uses the best materials for the ball valves. Corrosion can be a nightmare to plant operators, and you don’t want your equipment stalling now and then.

4) Leaking Hinges Details

Another common problem with ball valves is leaks at their hinges, whether it is a rubber to ring or a metal to metal seal. The ball valves work less efficiently and could shorten their lifespan by reducing the material’s fatigue resistance.

5) Leaking Fluid Details

If fluids are allowed to leak out, they can cause safety issues in some cases and reduce the overall efficiency of the ball valves. This could pose serious problems within specific industries.

It makes them less cost-effective than other types of valves like gate valves or butterfly valves.

6) Friction Details

If ball valves are not lubricated, they’ll wear out. Remember, friction can reduce material endurance. As such, ball valves could fail at any moment, which can be dangerous for operators. It can also reduce its lifespan.

Although ball valves are quick and inexpensive, there are many disadvantages to using them in industrial uses. Due to these issues, they have been replaced by other types of valves, including butterfly or gate valves.

However, some industries still use them, but most prefer the more efficient options currently offered by manufacturers today.

7) Noisy

One of the significant disadvantages of using ball valves for industrial purposes is that they’re very noisy. Several things can cause this noise. They include loose parts, worn bearings, and corrosion build-up on the valve stem.

Sometimes the only way to fix this problem is to replace the entire valve or buy a new one. If you choose to replace the whole thing, it’ll not be cheap. You’ll have to purchase an entirely new plant control system with all its peripherals.

8) Not Accurate

Another major disadvantage of ball valves for industrial purposes is their inaccuracy when taking pressure readings during operation. While traditional stop check valves are much more accurate, ball valves are often used in industrial settings because they are cheaper and easier to maintain.

If you need to know the pressure readings during operations for proper plant flow and control, ball valves may not be your best option. The accurate pressure reading is a critical system component in manufacturing plants.

9) Does Not Accommodate Low Flow

Ball valves are not accommodative when it comes to low-flow scenarios. If your plant experiences a low flow situation, the media liquid cannot traverse through the internal liquid channels within the valve head and body.

You must shut down the system when this happens until everything gets restored to normal operating conditions with ample plant liquid available again.

No one needs to stop production because of a ball valve. Our ball valves are calibrated with precision and are guaranteed to offer enough flow.

10) Inconvenient to Repair

Repairing and servicing industrial ball valves can be incredibly inconvenient because of several equipment parts. For instance, ball valves need to be dismantled and disassembled to get at the stem assembly.

This is not always convenient or possible, depending on the current situation.
It may also be easier for plant personnel to replace the entire system with an entirely new plant control system.

It should be designed specifically around stop check valves that can provide much more flexibility.

Tired of Ball Valve Disadvantages and Need a Better Solution?

Are you a plant manager who’s tired of ball valve disadvantages and need a better experience? At Everlasting Valve CO., our valves are designed to be more reliable by having a simple yet effective design.

The company is the world’s best Industrial Ball Valve for Sale supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

Understanding the Pros and Cons of Ball Valves

Ball valves are commonly used in factories due to their fast operation and tight sealing. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of ball valves is essential for selecting the right valve for your needs. While they require minimal maintenance, ball valves are not suitable for thick or dirty fluids and are not ideal for throttling applications. As demand for these valves is expected to grow by , with some users experiencing up to 15% improved efficiency from new designs, making an informed decision is crucial. To ensure quality and reliability, consider trusted suppliers like ina Cast Steel Ball Valve Manufacturer Stv Supplie when choosing your ball valves.

Key Takeaways

  • Ball valves open and close fast with a quarter turn. This makes them great for quick shut-off in clean fluid systems. They give a tight seal that stops leaks. They also work well with high pressure and heat. Ball valves do not need much care and last a long time. This is true when used with clean liquids or gases. They are not good for changing flow speed. They also do not work well with thick, dirty, or rough fluids. These fluids can hurt or block the valve. Pick the right valve material and size for your fluid type. Also, check your system pressure to keep things safe and working well.

What Are Ball Valves?

Structure

You can think of a ball valve as a simple device with a round ball inside. This ball has a hole through its center. When you turn the handle, the hole lines up with the pipe, letting fluid flow. If you turn the handle again, the ball rotates and blocks the flow. Ball valves come in different sizes and shapes to fit many needs.

Here is a table that shows some common measurements and parts you might find in ball valves:

Ball valves use strong materials to handle pressure and temperature. You might see bodies made from steel or stainless steel. Seats often use RPTFE or PEEK for better sealing. The stem and ball can be stainless steel or other tough metals. Here is a quick look at some parts and their materials:

You will also find different body styles, such as one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece designs. Some valves have split bodies or top-entry features for easier maintenance.

Operation

You operate a ball valve by turning its handle a quarter turn, or 90 degrees. This simple movement opens or closes the valve quickly. When the handle lines up with the pipe, fluid flows straight through. When you turn the handle perpendicular to the pipe, the ball blocks the flow completely.

Ball valves work well in high-pressure and high-temperature situations. You get reliable shut-off and very little leakage. Many industries, like oil and gas or water treatment, use ball valves because they save time and reduce downtime. The fast quarter-turn action means you can open or close the valve in seconds. This helps prevent leaks and keeps your system running smoothly.

However, you should know that closing a ball valve too quickly can cause a water hammer. This is a sudden pressure surge that can damage pipes. Some new ball valves use smart technology to monitor performance and improve efficiency. You can also find valves with special designs to control flow better or handle tough fluids.

Tip: Always check the valve size, material, and pressure rating before choosing a ball valve for your system. This helps you avoid problems and get the best performance.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Ball Valves

Advantages

Many industries use ball valves for fluid control. They have many good points:

  • Leak-proof Service
    Ball valves stop leaks very well. They keep fluids inside, even after lots of use. The seats press tightly against the ball. This works at both low and high pressures.
  • Quick Quarter-turn Operation
    You only turn the handle a little to open or close it. This helps you stop flow fast in emergencies. It also makes work go faster.
  • Durability and Long-lasting Performance
    Ball valves are made from strong materials. Stainless steel and PTFE seals last a long time. They do not rust or wear out easily. Good ball valves last longer and need less fixing. In oil and gas, they work longer and cost less to fix.
  • Minimal Pressure Drop
    The full-bore design lets fluid move straight through. This means less energy is lost. Your system stays efficient.
  • Compactness and Versatility
    Ball valves are small and simple. You can put them in tight spaces. They work with water, gas, oil, and chemicals.
  • Low Maintenance and Cost-effectiveness
    Ball valves have few parts. This means less can break. You spend less time and money fixing them. Three-piece ball valves are even easier to fix. You can change parts without taking out the valve. This saves time and money.
  • Reliable Shut-off and Safety Features
    Ball valves shut off flow very well. This keeps people and systems safe. Some have fire-safe seals and pressure relief. Others have anti-blowout stems. These features protect everyone.
  • Suitability for Various Media
    Ball valves work with clean liquids, gases, and some chemicals. If you pick the right material, you can use them in many jobs.

Here is a table that shows some top features and their benefits:

Tip: If you want a valve that is easy, safe, and saves money, ball valves are a great choice.

Disadvantages

Ball valves have some limits you should know about. Here are the main problems:

  • Not Ideal for Throttling
    Ball valves do not control flow well when partly open. This can cause rough flow and uneven pressure. Studies show flow drops a lot when not fully open. Pressure goes up too. Other valves control flow better.
  • Potential Wear in Certain Conditions
    If you use ball valves with gritty fluids, they wear out faster. Dirty fluids can scratch the ball and seats. This can make leaks happen over time.
  • Size and Cost Considerations
    Big ball valves or special types cost more at first. You save money later, but the first price is higher. This is true for big pipelines.
  • Limited Suitability for Slurries or Dirty Fluids
    Ball valves work best with clean fluids. Thick or dirty fluids can clog them or hurt the seals. This can cause leaks or make them hard to use.
  • Possible Water Hammer
    Turning the valve fast can stop flow suddenly. This can cause a water hammer. Pipes can get damaged if you are not careful.
  • Maintenance Complexity for Some Designs
    Most ball valves are easy to fix. But some fancy or automatic ones need special tools or skills.

Here is a table that lists some limits:

Note: Always think about the fluid, pressure, and how you will use the valve before you choose. The good and bad points of ball valves depend on what you need.

When to Use Ball Valves

Best Applications

Ball valves are great when you need to stop flow fast. They work best with clean liquids or gases. You can open or close them with a quick turn. This makes them good for emergencies. Ball valves can handle high pressure and heat. For example, they work at 50-60 bar and from 25°C to 350°C. Leak tests show very little leakage over four hours. These valves meet tough industry rules, so you can trust them for many jobs.

You should use ball valves in these cases:

  • Turning water, oil, or gas lines on or off
  • Systems with high pressure or heat
  • Jobs that need quick shut-off
  • Clean fluids with no dirt or debris
  • Places where you want less fixing and long use

Here is a table to help you compare:

Tip: Pick a ball valve if you want fast shut-off in a clean system.

Unsuitable Situations

Ball valves are not good for every job. If you need to control flow speed, do not use them. They do not give fine control and can get damaged if partly open. Tests show that using them this way causes wear and seal problems. Fast flows can wear out the valve. If you use slurries or dirty fluids, ball valves can clog. Dirt and bits can build up and cause leaks or make the valve hard to turn. In these cases, try globe or gate valves instead.

Do not use ball valves in these cases:

  • When you need to control flow speed
  • Systems with slurries, sand, or rough bits
  • Dirty or sticky fluids that can block the valve
  • Jobs where you open and close the valve partway a lot

Note: Always pick the right valve for your fluid and needs. For dirty or rough fluids, or when you need careful flow control, use a different valve to avoid trouble.

You now know the good and bad sides of ball valves. Ball valves shut off flow fast and need little fixing. They work well in systems with high pressure. But they are not good for controlling flow or thick fluids.

Pick a valve that fits your system’s needs. Think about how much pressure you have and what fluid you use. Also, think about how often you will use the valve. Ball valves are good if you want quick shutoff and little fixing. If you need to control flow or have dirty fluids, try a different valve.

FAQ

What is the main reason to choose a ball valve?

You should choose a ball valve when you need fast shut-off and a tight seal. Ball valves work well with clean liquids or gases. They last a long time and need little fixing.

Can you use a ball valve to control flow speed?

You should not use a ball valve to control flow speed. Ball valves do not give smooth control. They work best fully open or fully closed. For flow control, try a globe valve.

How do you know which material to pick for your ball valve?

Pick the material based on what flows through your system. Here is a quick guide:

Tip: Always check if the material resists rust and damage from your fluid.

What should you do if your ball valve leaks?

First, check if the handle is fully closed. If it still leaks, look for dirt or damage on the seals. You may need to clean or replace the valve. Always turn off the system before fixing leaks.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Industrial Ball Valve Price. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.