When it comes to selecting the right valve for industrial applications, two popular types often come up in discussions: quarter-turn valves and ball valves. Both are highly effective in controlling fluid flow, but they each have distinct characteristics, performance metrics, and ideal use cases. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between quarter turn valve vs ball valve, highlight the industries that use these valves, and explore why understanding their comparison is crucial.
What is a Quarter-Turn Valve?
A quarter-turn valve is a type of valve that operates by rotating 90 degrees to either open or close the flow of a liquid or gas. The term “quarter-turn” refers to the simple motion required to operate the valve, typically involving a 90-degree rotation of a handle or lever. These valves are highly valued in industrial settings for their speed and efficiency, offering a quick and easy method to control the flow of substances.
Quarter-turn valves include several types, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and plug valves. Each type shares the fundamental mechanism of a 90-degree turn, but they differ in their design and the applications they are best suited for. They are commonly found in applications where rapid opening or closing of the valve is essential, and they are used across industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing.
How Does a Quarter-Turn Valve Work?
Source: Sure Water LLC
A quarter-turn valve is designed to operate with a simple 90-degree rotation, which instantly opens or closes the fluid flow. This design allows for quick and efficient control, making it ideal for systems that require rapid response. The term “quarter-turn” refers to the rotation of the valve handle or actuator, which moves the internal component (like a ball, plug, or disc) into a position that either allows or stops the flow of fluid.
Types of Quarter-Turn Valves
The primary types of quarter-turn valves include ball valves, plug valves, butterfly valves, diaphragm valves, and needle valves.nwe will delve into the specifics of butterfly valves, plug valves, diaphragm valves, and needle valves, focusing on their key features and applications.
Butterfly Valve
The butterfly valve is one of the most common types of quarter-turn valves used in both small and large diameter piping systems. This valve operates through a rotating disc that acts as the obstructer of flow. When the valve is turned 90 degrees, the disc moves into or out of the flow path, allowing or restricting the passage of fluid. Butterfly valves are compact, lightweight, and are ideal for applications where space is limited.
The design of butterfly valves is highly adaptable, with various configurations available to suit different piping requirements. For instance, resilient-seated butterfly valves are common, where a seal ring around the disc ensures a tight shut-off. These valves are particularly useful in large-scale systems like water treatment plants, HVAC systems, and fire protection systems, where they are employed for both on/off control and flow regulation.
Due to their quick-operating mechanism and efficient sealing ability, butterfly valves are often preferred for larger pipe sizes, where ball and plug valves may become bulky or expensive. They are also well-suited for applications that require moderate pressure and temperature handling.
Plug Valve
The plug valve operates in a similar way to the ball valve, using a tapered or cylindrical plug to control flow. It requires a 90-degree turn to either allow or block the flow of media. Plug valves are favored in situations where leakage prevention and ease of maintenance are critical.
One notable feature of plug valves is their lack of voids or cavities in which fluid can become trapped, making them an excellent choice for handling corrosive or slurry-type media. Plug valves are classified into two main types: lubricated and non-lubricated.
- Lubricated Plug Valves: These valves feature lubrication to prevent leaks between the plug and the valve body. The lubricant reduces friction, providing smooth operation and enhanced sealing performance, making them ideal for use in high-pressure applications involving harsh chemicals or hydrocarbons.
- Non-Lubricated Plug Valves: These are designed without lubrication, using materials that can withstand wear and tear. They are typically used in applications where leakage concerns are less critical, and ease of maintenance is a priority.
Plug valves are frequently used in industries like oil and gas, petrochemical processing, and wastewater treatment, where corrosion resistance and minimal maintenance are essential.
Diaphragm Valve
A diaphragm valve uses a flexible diaphragm to control the flow of media, and it operates by compressing the diaphragm against the seat. This type of valve is highly effective for regulating or throttling flow in a variety of applications, especially where precise control is needed. Diaphragm valves are most commonly used in industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and chemical manufacturing, where hygiene and contamination control are critical.
The diaphragm forms a seal that isolates the flow path from the actuator and the environment, preventing contamination of the medium. These valves are often used for controlling viscous liquids, slurries, or corrosive chemicals, and they provide a simple yet reliable solution for regulating media flow with minimal risk of leakage.
Needle Valve
The needle valve is a precise control valve designed for applications that require the fine adjustment of small flow rates. It is characterized by its slender, needle-like disc that fits into a seat to create a narrow orifice. By turning the valve handle, operators can adjust the flow to extremely fine tolerances. Needle valves are typically used in high-precision applications such as laboratory work, pilot plants, and instrumentation systems where accurate flow control is critical.
These valves are commonly used in small diameter piping systems, where they can regulate flow for gases, liquids, and even steam with great accuracy. Needle valves are often employed in situations that demand a consistent, steady flow rate and are typically found in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and research.
What is a Ball Valve?
A ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that uses a spherical ball with a hole in it to control the flow of fluids. The ball rotates within the valve body, and the hole aligns with the pipeline when the valve is open, allowing the fluid to flow. When the ball is rotated 90 degrees to the perpendicular position, the hole is blocked, preventing the flow of fluid.
Ball valves are widely recognized for their ability to provide a tight seal, making them ideal for applications requiring leak-proof operation under high pressure. They are versatile and durable, capable of withstanding a variety of harsh environments. Ball valves are easy to operate with minimal torque and can be used for on/off applications as well as flow regulation in certain types, such as V-port ball valves, which allow for more precise control of fluid flow.
How Does a Ball Valve Work?
A ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that uses a ball-shaped disc with a central hole (or port) to control fluid flow. The ball is mounted within the valve body and can rotate 90 degrees. In the open position, the hole aligns with the pipe, allowing fluid to pass through. When the valve is turned off, the ball rotates 90 degrees so the hole is perpendicular to the pipe, effectively blocking the flow of fluid
Types of Ball Valves
Ball valves are widely used in the valve industry due to their robust design, versatility, and ability to handle different types of media, including liquids and gases. These valves are often referred to as “quarter-turn” valves because the ball inside them rotates 90 degrees to either open or close the valve. Within this category, there are several types of ball valves, each designed for specific applications and performance requirements. Below, we’ll explore the most common types of ball valves, highlighting their unique features and uses.
Full-Port Ball Valve
The full-port ball valve is designed with a bore that is the same size as the pipeline. This feature allows it to deliver unrestricted flow, which is particularly important in applications where maximum flow capacity is required. The full-port design ensures minimal pressure drop, making it ideal for critical applications where maintaining flow rates is essential. Full-port ball valves are commonly used in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, and chemical processing, where high-flow operations are standard.
Reduced-Port Ball Valve
The reduced-port ball valve has a bore that is smaller than the pipeline diameter. This design results in a pressure drop as it restricts the flow to a smaller diameter, which can be advantageous in applications where flow control is needed. Reduced-port ball valves are generally more cost-effective than full-port valves and are ideal for lower-flow applications where space and budget constraints are a concern. Although they limit the flow capacity, they can still provide excellent shutoff performance, making them suitable for many general-purpose applications in industrial and residential settings.
V-Port Ball Valve
The V-port ball valve features a ball with a V-shaped port that allows for better flow control and throttling. This design makes the valve more effective in regulating the flow of liquids or gases in systems that require precise control. The V-port ball valve is commonly used in systems where the flow needs to be adjusted gradually, such as in water treatment plants, HVAC systems, or chemical dosing applications. The V-shaped port provides a more linear flow characteristic, which enhances the valve’s ability to control flow across a wide range of operating conditions.
Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valve
The trunnion-mounted ball valve differs from other types by incorporating a trunnion that supports the ball at both ends, providing additional strength and stability. This type of valve is designed to handle high-pressure and high-flow applications with minimal stress on the valve components. The trunnion-mounted ball valve is often used in industries like oil and gas, where the system operates under extreme pressure conditions. The added support prevents the ball from shifting or becoming displaced during operation, ensuring reliable and consistent performance.
Multi-Port Ball Valve
The multi-port ball valve is an innovative design that allows multiple flow paths through a single valve. This type of ball valve is used when there is a need to manage several lines or control the flow of media through multiple directions. A multi-port ball valve is an efficient solution for complex piping systems, such as those found in refineries or large-scale manufacturing plants, as it helps save space and reduce the number of valves needed. These valves are often used for diverting, mixing, or isolating multiple media streams within a system.
Comparison Table: Quarter Turn Valve vs Ball Valve
| Feature | Quarter Turn Valve | Ball Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Operation | Requires a 90-degree turn to open or close | Requires a 90-degree turn for quick open/close |
| Applications | Plumbing, faucets, shutoff applications | Industrial systems, HVAC, plumbing, and pipelines |
| Leakage | Less prone to leakage | May leak if seals degrade over time |
| Durability | Durable for low-pressure applications | Highly durable, suited for high-pressure systems |
| Sizes Available | Typically available in sizes up to 4 inches | Commonly available up to 2 inches |
| Material Options | Brass, bronze, stainless steel | Brass, stainless steel, PVC, plastic |
| Installation | Threaded and socket weld configurations | Primarily threaded, but available in other forms |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance, easy to operate and replace | Requires more frequent seal checks |
| Cost | Generally more expensive | Cost-effective, especially for smaller systems |
Conclusion
Quarter-turn valves and ball valves serve similar functions but have distinct advantages based on the application. Both are designed for quick open or close actions with a 90-degree rotation. Ball valves, a type of quarter-turn valve, are known for their tight seal and reliable shut-off, making them ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature environments. They excel in fluid control but are less effective for throttling unless specifically designed for it. Other quarter-turn valves like butterfly and plug valves are better suited for applications where space or large flow volumes are a concern. Butterfly valves, for example, are more efficient in larger pipe sizes, while plug valves offer self-adjusting features useful for minor leaks. Ultimately, the choice between quarter turn valve vs ball valve depends on system requirements like space, cost, and flow control precision. Ball valves are optimal for reliable shut-off, while other quarter-turn valves may be more suitable for different industrial needs.