Introduction

The handling of gas through processes and systems has gotten much better with the gas ball valve. Gas ball valves are reliable and applied in offices, homes, and industrial applications. They are famous for their shutoff and the ability to regulate the flow of gases with precision.

Industrial applications of gas ball valves are significant in carrying out multiple processes. And hence, the product is available to match specific needs. This article covers an ultimate gas ball valve guide. Let’s find out the 7 best industrial applications of gas ball valves

What are Gas Ball Valves?

A gas ball valve regulates the gas flow. Its name derives from the round ball within the valve body, which we can rotate to open or close the gas flow. The center hole in the ball is called the bore.

The gas ball valve opens and lines up with the pipe, permitting gas flow. Or, when the valve shuts, the ball rotates perpendicular to the bar, obstructing the gas flow. Gas ball valves apply in residential, commercial, and industrial appliances. They are present near gas meters, furnaces, water heaters, and stoves.

One of the significant advantages of a gas ball valve is that it provides a secure seal when closed. This is important for safety reasons since gas leaks pose a significant hazard. By rotating the ball valve, one can rapidly shut off the gas supply in an emergency or when repairing.

Gas Ball Valve Working:

A gas ball valve is a special kind that helps control gas flow in pipes. It has a spherical metallic brass, bronze, or stainless steel body. The valve body has a round ball with a hole in the middle called the bore.

The gas ball valve working mechanism is simple yet effective. When the gas ball valve is open, the ball turns so that the hole aligns with the pipe for flow passage. Imagine it like turning on a tap for water. When the gas ball valve closes, the turning of the ball takes the hole at a right angle to the pipe. This blocks the flow of gas, just like turning off a tap.

We can control a gas ball valve using a handle or lever on its exterior to control the gas flow. Turn the handle to set the ball inside the valve body into motion. To make the valve available, align the handle with the pipe.

Gas ball valves are crucial for safety reasons. They control the flow of gas to different appliances in the system. In case of a problem with a gas appliance or an emergency problem, you can close the gas ball valve to stop the flow.

Special Gas Ball Valve Features:

Built specially to serve gas applications, these valves have incorporated technologies to survive the gas environment. Here are some of the special features of the gas ball valve.

Fire Protection:

Gas ball valves are employed in an environment with a huge risk of fire burnouts due to high temperature and gas exposure. These valves are designed to minimize fire risks by using fire-resistant materials in their construction. These materials enable heat resistance for extreme temperature conditions and maintain the system’s integrity. To prevent metals from leakages, these valves use special seals between metals that maintain contact and avoid leakage threats.

Seat and Stem Sealing:

The most sensitive components in gas ball valves are the stem and seal, which can be prone to leakages. Thus, these valves have much stronger and more efficient parts, reducing the risk of leakage and damage. They employ spring-loaded seats and specially packed seals as advanced leak-protection tools.

Efficient Bonnet:

The bonnet in the gas ball valve has a slight variation as it is slightly extended. It adds to the protection of the stem and seals and enhances insulation for the sealing mechanism. It helps the valve perform well under high-temperature conditions.

Distinctive Appearance:

Gas ball valves have a CSA-approved identification in the form of yellow handles. It indicates their type and capability to deal with flammable gases.

Pressure Measures:

Monitoring pressure changes is essential in gas operating systems. These valves have pilot taps that monitor and control fluid pressure. It tests to ensure the pressure level’s vitality with the desired controls.

Types of Gas Ball Valves:

There are two main types of gas ball valves: full port ball valves and reduced port ball valves. Let’s understand each type:

Full Port Ball Valves: 

A complete port ball valve has a bore the same size as the pipe it connects with. This means the bore allows the gas to flow without restrictions when the valve opens. Full port ball valves are applicable in applications with the best max flow capacity. They are suitable for situations where we need high gas flow rates, such as in industries.

Reduced Port Ball Valves: 

The reduced port ball valve has a relatively more minor bore than the pipe size. The bore restricts the gas flow slightly when the valve is open. This type of valve works where lower flow rates are enough or space constraints exist. Reduced port ball valves are standard in residential and commercial settings.

Gas Ball Valve Industry Standards:

Gas ball valve industry standards are set parameters for applying them in an industrial environment. This includes specific rules and regulations for gas media flow. Here are some common gas ball valve industry standards.
AGA Standards: American Gas Association
ISO Standards: International Organization for Standardization
API Standards: American Petroleum Institute

Specifications of Gas Ball Valve:

Here are the specifications of the gas ball valve.

7 Best Industrial Applications of a Gas Ball Valve:

Gas ball valves are applied in various industrial applications to control gas flow. Here are 7 of the best industrial applications of gas ball valves.

• Oil and Gas Industry
• Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG)
• Manufacturing Industry
• Petrochemical Industry
• Medicine Industry
• HVAC System
• Cryogenic Applications

Oil and Gas Industry: Best Industrial Application of Gas Ball Valves

Gas ball valves control the flow of natural gas in pipelines in the oil and gas industry. Their usage is in gas distribution systems, processing plants, and refineries. Being designed for the industry, it is among the best industrial applications of gas ball valves.

Liquified Petroleum Gas(LPG): 

LPG systems need efficient control in household and commercial industries for safety purposes. Gas ball valves are ideal in such applications as they ensure robust shutoff of liquid petroleum gas. These valves regulate gas by distributing it to the burners, heaters, storage tanks, stoves, and cylinders. Their structure supports the basic requirements of the LPG systems and enables safe operations.

Manufacturing Industry: 

Gas ball valves function in manufacturing facilities to regulate gas flow for processes. They are applicable in metalworking, food processing, and automotive industries.

Petrochemical Industry: 

Petrochemicals also stand among the best industrial applications of gas ball valves. They control the flow of ethylene, propylene, and methane in petrochemical industries. These valves ensure the safe and efficient operation of producing chemicals and plastics.

Medicine Industry: 

The medicine industry requires distributing gas media to various sections and systems. Gas ball valves are crucial in such applications for distribution and carrier services.

HVAC Systems _ Gas Ball Valve Applications.

Commercial and industrial building (HVAC) systems often incorporate gas ball valves. They control gas or propane flow to furnaces and boilers, etc.

Cryogenic Applications: 

Gas ball valves control cryogenic gases like liquid nitrogen and liquid oxygen. They serve in industries that deal with low temperatures. It includes cryogenic storage facilities or liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants. Due to their compatibility in this industry, they are the best industrial gas ball valve applications.

Advantages of Gas Ball Valves in Industries:

Gas ball valves are handy products for industrial applications—their construction syncs with the requirements of industries. The advantages of gas ball valves in industrial applications can be understood from the details below.

Excellent Shutoff Properties:

Gas ball valves serve as the ultimate shutoff applications. They are specially built to withstand quick shutoff with minimal pressure drops. They are ideal for conditions where a shutoff is required more than media regulation. Their response time is quick against changes in media flow, and they prevent contamination from entering the system.

Efficiency:

Industrial operations and reactions often need a promising and regulating body for media control. They need a relatable product that is efficient in control and shutoff mechanisms. They demand low torque for activation, and their operation is quite simple. Gas ball valves are suitable due to their super-efficient nature.

Versatility:

One of the best advantages of gas ball valves is their ultimate versatile approach. They are adaptive to multiple conditions in different industries. They fit in different media conditions without compromising the gas ball valve’s working.

Easy to Maintain:

The maintenance requirements for gas ball valves are almost negligible. They give maximum output and serve for a relatively longer period due to the presence of the ball as a control element. Even if the maintenance need arises, it can be done by a layman by following simple instructions.

Durability:

Durability is one of the top advantages of gas ball valves. They are built to perform reliably with the least operational failures. They can endure considerable levels of pressure and temperature ratings.

Gas Ball Valve Leakage Classification:

There are two categories of gas ball valves based on their leakage classification. They define the leakage rates and their exposures.

API 598: This standard stands for leakage rates of up to six classes from Class 1 to Class 5. Class 1 means zero visible leakage, and class 5 is for significant leakages.
ANSI/FCI 70-2: defines leakage classes from class 1 to class 6, where the last one represents the slightest leakage with tight shutoff. It is a more precise standard classification system.

Testing a Gas Ball Valve:

Before installing gas ball valves in industries, it is important to test their performance. It ensures they meet industry standards and can endure system conditions. Here are a few essential aspects of testing a gas ball valve.

Testing Against Flow:

This test checks the credibility of flow requirements for industrial usage. It includes measuring pressure drop, response time, and flow rates. These tests ensure the valve is capable of consistently regulating the media flow.

Testing Against Leakages:

One of the necessary tests required for gas ball valves is leakage testing. It ensures these valves maintain an efficient seal in industrial applications and do not pose a safety threat.

Testing Against Endurance:

The endurance of a gas ball valve refers to its capacity to serve long spans with durability. Endurance test checks if the valve can behave and perform in industrial conditions for frequent use. These tests involve repetitive opening and closing of the valve and checking for its response time. This testing is designed to check for valve sustainability in industrial settings.

Testing Against Pressure:

Pressure is one of the crucial aspects of gas ball valve testing. It usually works by gradually increasing the pressure on the valve and checking for leakages or bursts in case of high pressure. The pressure applied is often one and a half times more than the valve’s capability to simulate its working. This test prepares the valve to sustain in a world environment.

Installing a Gas Ball Valve:

Installing a gas ball valve demands careful attention and proper procedures. Trained professionals must perform gas-related tasks. Here is a general guide for the gas valve installation process,

• Start with the necessary tools and materials for the installation. The tools include the gas ball valve and pipe thread sealant for gas applications. Take an adjustable wrench and right-sized pipe fittings.
• Disconnect the gas supply at the main shutoff valve. This valve often lies near the gas meter. It’s crucial to shut off the gas to avoid accidents during installation.
• Prepare the pipe by cleaning and removing dirt or old pipe thread sealant. Use a wire brush or appropriate cleaning tool to ensure the pipe’s surface is clean and smooth.

Apply pipe thread sealant over the male threads of the gas ball valve. Ensure you use an adhesive for gas applications for sealing. Follow the sealant instructions on the package for proper application.

• Thread the gas ball valve onto the pipe by hand with the correct alignment of threads. Once hand-tightened, use an adjustable wrench for the gas ball valve.
• Inspect the installed gas ball valve for leaks. Address the issue before proceeding, if any.

Selection Guide:

First, you must determine your system’s specific requirements. Think about the type you’ll work with, the pressure levels and the flow rate. These factors will select a gas ball valve that will suit your system’s demands.

The size of the gas ball valve is another crucial consideration. It is available accordingly to match various pipe diameters. Choosing a gas valve that fits the size of your existing gas piping system is essential. Ensure the valve’s inlet and outlet dimensions align with your pipes for a proper fit.

Opt for high-quality materials that can withstand the properties of the gas. Also, remember the environmental conditions in which the valve will continue to operate. Look for trusted brands that are known for producing high-quality valves.

Evaluate the design and construction of the gas valve. Prefer the features such as a blowout-proof stem. It helps prevent internal components from being forced out due to high pressure. Check for a locking mechanism or a visual indicator in the valve that enhances safety and ease of use.

Conclusion:

Gas ball valves are revolutionary products for managing gas operations. They are different from standard ball valves and offer relatable services. They are best for handling combustion applications. The above 7 best industrial applications of gas ball valves show their versatile usage. You can buy a resonating product by preparing a customized selection guide. Plumberstar is one of the most trusted wholesale suppliers of plumbing fixtures. They manufacture custom-grade gas ball valves in different materials. Their dedicated team is always there to help you assist in selecting, supplying, installing, and repairing gas ball valves. Contact Plumberstar to get the best B2B customer services.