What types of ball valves exist, their device and installation. Where are ball flanged valves used and their characteristics Valves flanges

Hello dear reader! Among the representatives of shutoff valves, the flanged ball valve stands out as well as for its appearance, and the way of joining communications. In today's article, we will analyze what design it is, how best to use it.

Flanged ball-type valves differ from their counterparts in the presence of flanges - round or less common square parts, with the help of which the body of the assembly is attached to the mating pipe flanges.

The main function of the valve is to open or block the movement of flow through the pipeline.

Depending on the characteristics, the material of manufacture and the thickness of the walls of the case, it can be installed in systems with contents that differ in their characteristics.

Purpose and scope

Like a shutoff valve Ball Valves practically ousted valves and gate valves from the market. By virtue of their design, they allow you to quickly block the work flow, including in certain sections of the network. This quality is in demand in emergency situations, if necessary, local repair and other cases.

Use a flange connection where it is difficult to use a threaded or welded connection.

For example, it is difficult to cut high-quality threads into large diameter pipes. Therefore, as a rule, flange structures are installed in industrial and utility networks, in pipelines with a cross section of more than 40 mm.

At home, flange connections are used for mixers, laying water supply systems through submersible pumps.

Submersible pump connection diagram using a flanged valve:

Characteristics

State standards normalize the main sizes and technical specifications device data. They are installed in a single dimensional interval, but have different restrictions, depending on the application.

The main sizes are:

• nominal inner diameter (DN), the range of which is allowed from 15 to 1400 mm;
• construction length.

Technical parameters include:

• the value of the working pressure PN with different restrictions in individual GOSTs from 1 to 10 MPa, up to 250 MPa and above;
• meaning operating temperature or its ratio with the pressure indicator (determined by the manufacturer).

The applicability of cranes to various working environments is set by the developers.

What materials are made from

The raw materials for the manufacture of the body and the shut-off part of flanged valves are:

1. cast iron;
2. brass;
3. carbon and alloy steel;
4. stainless steel.

On the picture steel crane stainless:

Crane device

The crane of the type under consideration consists of a body with flanges, a locking mechanism placed inside it, a manual control handle or another drive.

The locking device includes a polished ball, often chrome-plated or stainless steel, a stem fixed through a spindle with a handle. A slit is made in the sphere, which serves as a through hole.

Principle of operation

When the handle is turned, the ball turns with a slot either towards the walls of the body (closed position) or towards the flow and opens a passage for it through the pipe.

Advantages and disadvantages

Consider the pros and cons of these cranes.

• The main advantage of flanged devices is that the valve can be relatively easily dismantled without damaging the joints, repaired and put back in place.
• Connections through flanges are considered the most reliable with a high pressure of the working medium in the system.
• The crane can be mounted both vertically and horizontally.

Flanged type ball valves also have disadvantages:

• ball valves do not like impurities in the working environment, their sphere begins to wear out and leaks appear;
• for use in everyday life they are quite expensive;
• have a heavy weight, which creates an additional load on the pipeline.

Differences between a crane and a valve

Valves and gate valves were previously widespread. However, the spherical design turned out to be more reliable, easy to manage and operate. Gate valves, for example, require constant care, they are often jammed, they are more massive.

Types and designs

The division of flanged ball valves by type occurs according to the operating conditions and areas of application.

From the point of view of maintainability, the design of the hulls can be:

1. all-welded;
2. two-part;
3. three-piece.

By degree bandwidth distinguish between cranes:

1. full bore;
2. standard passage.

The division by type of management is important:

1. manual;
2. with gearbox;
3. electric drive;
4. pneumatic drive;

Differences

Manual control is standard.

Mechanical gearboxes are installed where a smooth opening of the device is necessary, as well as on taps with a diameter of more than 30 cm.

Electric drives make it possible to control the device remotely, quickly adjust the settings.

Pneumatic actuators also allow you to control the object remotely, including in explosive areas where the installation of an electric actuator is impossible.

Life time

The duration of stable operation of ball flanged valves is determined by the operating conditions and the material of its manufacture. Often the first to fail are seals exposed to hot temperature network content. According to manufacturers, the mechanical part of stainless steel units can last up to 50 years.

The choice is predetermined by the composition of the working environment and the dimensions of the communication pipes.

The most basic information about the crane is included in the data sheet of the device and is shown on the body marking.

approximate price

The cost of devices of this type depends on the size, specifications and trademark products. Flanged valve with a diameter of 100 mm with a working pressure of 16 bar made of carbon steel, manufactured Russian manufacturer can be purchased for an average of 3,500 rubles. A valve of the same size, but with a stem and a stainless steel ball, a control function and a manufacturer from Finland will cost 49 thousand rubles.

Rules for the installation and operation of the crane

The installers must be familiar with the installation instructions recommended by the manufacturer.

Important to check before starting installation work completeness of the equipment, the absence of any damage and defects.

When installing the tap, check the position of the valve - it must be in the open position.

During operation, the device is regularly inspected, the tightness of flange connections, the cleanliness of the surface of the sphere and seals are checked.

Do not use tools or levers that extend the handle to operate the crane.

Necessary tools and materials

To mount a flanged manual valve, you will need:

• a set of keys;
• ruler for checking alignment;
• pipe cleaning tool;
• armature itself;
• bolts and nuts for fasteners.

If there are no mating flanges on the pipes, welding equipment and flange discs will be needed.

Work progress

• Determine the installation location: it must be accessible for work on maintenance faucet, and have room for a full turn of the handle.
• Pre-attached flanges

products on two bolts to the mating parts of the pipeline.

• Check the alignment of the valve holes and pipes, the coincidence of the bolt holes in the flange disks.
• Install flange seals.
• Tighten the bolts crosswise with the appropriate force.

Installation video

Installation of a manually operated flanged valve:

Operation features

It is necessary to turn the valve handle until it stops, that is, the valve must be open or completely closed. Incomplete rotation of the handle may damage the sealing seats of the valve.

Depending on the design, the valve handle must be turned through certain time, to avoid jamming the sphere.

Common errors and installation problems

Incorrect selection of fittings according to the type of working medium, its pressure and other important parameters.

Violation of the installation rules: errors in the alignment of the valve and pipeline, misalignment of the flanges during installation, which lead to stress and damage to the connection.

Installing defective flanges will quickly lead to leaks.

When choosing equipment, it is necessary to provide for a margin of conditional pressure - the fittings must have a higher rating of this parameter, which is very important for the stable operation of the product in the future.

One of the disadvantages of flanged models is the loosening of fasteners over time and, as a result, loss of tightness. Therefore, it is important to periodically tighten the bolts.

Flanged has found wide application in many areas. For example, it can be seen on pipelines used in gas, oil, chemical, food industries, as well as in other areas. The steel flange ball valve is used in the transportation of oil products, hydrocarbons, liquids and gases as shutoff valves. In addition, this device has found the widest application in such areas as ventilation, water and gas supply. It is also actively used in agriculture and shipbuilding. This device is designed to shut off the flow or to release it into the pipe. flanged is also used in steam supply, as well as when working in temperature conditions up to 250 degrees Celsius.

It cannot be used for throttling. This type taps cannot be used to adjust the flow pressure of the shut-off device. This is due to the fact that such devices have only two states: fully closed or open. These devices use a ball as a locking part, which is why they got their name. Valves are made from three types of materials, the choice of which depends on the intended working environment. Stainless steel is designed to function in the corrosive; st.20 is designed to work in normal conditions; 09G2S - for sulfur version. It is unacceptable to use a flanged ball valve in pipelines where there is a possibility of the flow of untreated liquids with solid impurities. This can cause abrasion of the chassis, and then leaks. Do not use this type of device as shut-off for silty, viscous or viscous liquids. There is a high enough risk of sediment, which can adversely affect the time useful application devices. The rules for the use of this type of equipment prescribed in the instructions should be strictly observed. It is impossible to increase the load on the crane; it should not be used as a flow force regulator when partially opened.

Steel flange can have certain design features. The first type has a locking part that is not connected to the spindle. In relation to it, the spherical element moves freely. When the ball is subjected to medium pressure from the inlet side, it is pressed against the sealing element, providing sealing and shutting off the flow. This design can be used with a diameter not exceeding two hundred millimeters. This choice of dimensions allows to reduce the load that is created by the locking element in relation to the sealing ring.

The flanged ball valve of the second type assumes that the ball is on supports. The locking product in such structures is mounted due to the presence of an axial protrusion. When pressure is applied from the saddle side, a spherical shape is pressed against the support. This design of the ball valve allows you to reduce the force required to lock or unlock it.

Ball valves are used in various systems pipes and wires. They serve to block individual parts of pipes and stop the flow. The flanged ball valve is distinguished by the fact that it contains 2 flanges connecting the valve with pipes. Ball valve flanges are metal rings connected to pipes with bolts. In order for the pipes in this design to remain airtight, specialized sealing gaskets are used. Flanged ball valve can be either full bore or standard bore.

Such attachments should not be used if you are handling contaminated liquids with solid particles. They may cause leakage. It is also not recommended to use them with viscous and thick materials, because sediment may appear inside.

Device and features

Such devices have a simple device system. Inside the central pipe made of metal is a ball made of brass or steel. The ball has a hole through which it is attached to the turning mechanism. This mechanism is driven by a drive.

When it turns, the ball turns around and, depending on its position, the pipe either opens or closes. Flange plates are fixed on the edges of these parts.
Flange plates eliminate the need for welding in the installation of the crane. It is only necessary to attach the ball valves with flanges to the pipeline by tightening the bolts. A special rubber ring makes the design airtight.

Varieties of cranes

Since the ball flanges themselves are one of the locking valves, there are only two subspecies of them. These are standard bore balls. It will be difficult for an inexperienced eye to distinguish, but there is a serious difference between them.
It is in the volume of the internal duct. If a certain valve is capable of passing a different amount of flow, then a full bore variation of the same model will be able to pass much more. Its price will increase accordingly.
Full bore models are heavier, stronger and more durable than their standard variations. That's why different devices used in different areas. Full bore are suitable for industry, and standard ones are suitable for housing and communal services pipes.

Main characteristics

Ball flanged valves made from high quality metals. Usually it is steel or brass, and steel is used both ordinary and galvanized or stainless steel. Cast iron was also used earlier, but is now out of use.
Steel and brass parts work great even with a slightly dirty stream. Although it is better to play it safe by installing coarse cleaning filters. Such pipes operate in a wide temperature range - sometimes from -50 to +350 Celsius.

Such devices also withstand high pressure. The most common range is from 1.6 MPa to 4.0 MPa. However, depending on the specific model, more impressive indicators are possible.
The defining characteristic remains the diameter of the conditional duct. It is he who decides how and for what a flanged valve can be used. The cost of the device depends most often on this indicator.

Manufacturers and pricing policy

The cost of a valve with a DN 32 ball flange ranges from $20 to $24. The price tag of DN 25 is kept at a lower level. Diameters narrower than 20 mm are rare in the assortment of most manufacturers.
Thus, DN 25 is one of the most available options in your category. You can buy DU 25 in the region from $15 to $18.

A valve with a DN 40 ball flange is much larger in diameter, its cost varies from $25 to $100. One of the novelties of the market, DU 65, is sold at a price of $32-100. And samples such as DU 100 are usually used only in industry.
Famous Flange Suppliers steel cranes are LD, Naval, Breeze. - the most economical option.

Benefits of ball systems

Fast-growing demands put the old valves out of use. They were replaced by more modern flange technology, which has serious advantages:

• very low hydraulic resistance
• large area of ​​use
• many functions
• durability and reliability
• resistance to changes in environmental conditions
• high level of security
• elementary repair
• long time use
• compactness

First of all, you need to be guided by safety precautions. Make sure the faucet and pipe are correctly aligned. Before starting work, check all parts for defects and damage.
A valve is installed between the flanges on the pipes using seals. Before installation, center the axis, insert bolts into the fastener holes.

Operating conditions

Do not leave the ball part in one position for a long time - for prevention, sometimes change its position for a short time. There is no need to perform this operation more than three times a year. It will help you keep the ball in working condition longer, preventing the appearance of dirt on it.

Once every six months, it is recommended to carry out a technical inspection of such equipment. Such a valve does not need to be lubricated and tightened frequently. The steel flanged ball valve is a type of durable equipment, only minimal compliance with operating conditions is necessary.

Types of locking parts

The floating locking device moves freely inside the crane. The flow is blocked with the help of medium pressure, which forces the ball to press into the seal. Most often, this type of device is used in samples whose diameter does not exceed 200 mm.
The ball is installed on specialized supports and is held from below by the protrusions of the axis. The seat is pressed against the protrusions and the duct opens/closes. Such a device makes the operation of ball flanges more convenient and easier.

Actuators for crane control

The mechanical drive is equipped with a handwheel, with which the flow is opened / closed manually. The use of a mechanical drive is necessary in situations where compactness or low price equipment.
The pneumatic drive works on air compression. This type of control is unpretentious to the properties of the transported substances. Therefore, it is used in pipes experiencing high pressure or very high temperature.
The electric drive brings to automatism the regulation of the flow inside the pipe. Big choice devices of different power makes it possible to choose the desired steel flange crane in accordance with the production area. Serrated parts smoothly open and close the flow.

All-welded ball flanged valves LD are manufactured by ChelyabinskSpetsGrazhdanStroy LLC. They are presented in the catalog in full range. Steel flanged standard bore and full bore LD valves are on sale. Flanged valves LD KSh.Ts.F. designed to shut off the working flow in steam and water pipelines operating under pressure up to 40 atm, with temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius. Below detailed description production materials:

• Frame: steel (St.20, 12X18H10T, 09G2S)
• Ball: stainless steel
• DN 15-32: 20X13; DN 40-65: AISI 304; DN 80-700: AISI 409;
• Stock: stainless steel (12X18H10T, 20x13)
• stem seal: fluorosiloxane elastomer
• Rod seal/plain bearing: fluoroplast Ф4К20 (PTFE+C, Teflon)
• ball seal: fluoroplast Ф4К20 (PTFE+C, Teflon) with backup seal made of fluorosiloxane elastomer

Steel flanged ball valves LD are manufactured in Russia and occupy a leading position in terms of price and quality. Full cycle production within one enterprise ensures maximum product quality.

Control options for flanged valves LD KShTsF

DN 15-250: handle - painted carbon steel with polymer tip

DN 300-700: mechanical gearbox included

Flanged valves are a type of shut-off valves that act as functional jumpers or pipeline blockers. At any time they can be blocked, which is very convenient, even gas or steam DN 100.

At the same time, the design of such equipment is very simple and understandable, and the likelihood of breakdowns is minimal.

Purpose, properties and device

Flanged ball valves DN 100 have the usual scheme devices. Inside the central full bore metal tube is a small steel or brass ball.

Make a hole in the ball round or rectangular shape. With the help of special gaskets and clamps, it is mounted inside the passage tube and connected to turning mechanism, which in turn is controlled by an external all-welded handle.

When you turn the handle, the ball also turns. In one position, it completely blocks the flow with its solid side, and in the second it opens it.

Such parts are called flanged because of the flange plates fixed on their edges. With their help, it is possible to mount cranes without the use of welding from DN25, DN65, DN 100 to DN200 on gas pipelines and for couples

It is only necessary to attach the part to the flange outlet by tightening the special bolts. The tightness of the ru16 flange is ensured by a rubber sealing ring, even steam will not leak out.

Advantages and disadvantages of products

Now consider the main advantages and disadvantages of flanged ball valves.

Advantages:

• Simplicity of design;
• Reliability;
• Durability;
• Functionality (gas, water, steam);
• Possibility for a few seconds to completely shut off a full-bore pipeline by 100%;
• Convenient connection system.

Flaws:

• The price of a ball flanged valve DN65, DN100, DN150 per pair is higher than the average on the market. Especially if you mean industrial designs DN200.

Similar equipment du200 is used in the construction of both civil and industrial pipelines. However, it all depends on the specific characteristics of the product.

And to be more precise, then from the conditional diameter. The nominal diameter has the designation DU and means the dimensions of the working passage in the ball valve.

The prefix DU is on almost all products of this type. For example, steel ball full bore all-welded flange valve DN50 is a valve with a spherical design and nominal bore (DN) 50 mm. But the steel ball valve DN100 already has twice the diameter (DN) and is intended more for industrial use ( gaseous media, steam).

Types and differences

Since flanged ball parts themselves are a subspecies of a larger group of valves, there are only a few varieties of them.

These products are divided into two main types:

• full bore;
• Standard passage.

At first glance, the dimensions of two such products are difficult to distinguish from each other, but the difference between them is quite significant. It consists in the features and dimensions of the passage inside the crane.

For example, steel ball valve DN80 or DN65 in the standard version is capable of passing a certain amount of liquid. However, the same model from the full bore range has a much higher capacity.

Moreover, the price of a ball flange valve DU80 will also seriously differ from the cost of standard models. Accordingly, this difference will be quite significant.

As a rule, full-bore examples are heavier, stronger and more reliable than conventional valves, but they cost a lot. This difference in cost also affects the areas of application of such equipment..

Most likely, the steel full bore ball valve DU50 will be used in industry, installed on gas lines or steam. But standard bore ball valves DN 100 are often installed on domestic pipelines, especially if this is necessary.

At the same time, the price of a steel ball flanged valve DU50 will be 20-100% higher than the price of conventional valves.

Brands, specifications and prices

Ball valves are manufactured from high quality metals. Predominantly steel or brass is used. Steel can be either ordinary, galvanized or stainless steel. Previously, shut-off valves were made of cast iron, but now they are quite rare.

Due to the peculiarities of their design, these elements are able to work even with slightly polluted water. Although, for reinsurance, it is still recommended to put coarse cleaning filters on the pipes.

Their operating temperature range is from -50 to + 100 - +350 degrees Celsius. The working pressure is determined specific tasks that are placed in front of a particular crane model.

Mass samples withstand pressure from 1.6 MPa to 4.0 MPa. However, if a gas steel ball valve or a sample from a similar line is considered, then its highest allowable pressure mark will be much higher.

But still, the diameter of the conditional passage is considered the most important parameter. It is he who affects how and where a steel ball valve can be used. It is worth noting that the price of cranes in most cases also depends on this indicator.

The ball valve flanged steel DU32 has a small cross section, and therefore is used mainly in everyday life. For example, for work in boiler rooms or in heating systems. The price of a ball flange valve DU32 is at the level of 20-24 dollars.

Similarly, flanged ball valves DN 25 are used. In most lines of stop valves, passage diameters of less than 20 mm are not found at all. The price of the DN25 flanged ball valve is considered to be one of the lowest in its class. You can buy du25 for only 15-18 dollars.

The flanged ball valve DU40 is already larger, but the difference is still not so significant. It is samples with such a conditional passage that are the most popular and in demand on the market, which, however, is quite understandable. The price of a ball flange valve DU40 is 25-100 dollars.

The DN 65 flanged ball valve is one of the latest models that are used on medium-sized pipeline branches.

While the flanged ball valve ld DN 100 and samples with larger dimensions are installed on highways and industrial supply systems. The ld DU65 ball flanged valve is sold in the store for 32-100 dollars.

If we recall the specific manufacturers and models of the products described, then the 11s67p flanged ball valve is very popular.

Of the well-known manufacturers, it is worth noting the companies LD and NAVAL. The flanged ball valve LD DN40, DN65 is made in Russia, which has a positive effect on its price. At the same time, the quality of products from LD is at a very high level.

Ball flange valve steel ld or Naval D350 du150 is also known in wide circles of builders. The price of a ball flanged valve D350 is 40-45 dollars, therefore it is used mainly for industry (gas media, steam).

Overview of flanged valves (video)

Installation technology

Since it is the flanged sample of the ld dn200 shut-off valves that is being considered, then it is fixed only with the help of ru16 flanges. Luckily, the process is easy and shouldn't be difficult.

It is only important to make sure that the ru16 flanges are fully consistent with each other and that the bolts tightly tightened will fix the connection properly.

If there are no flanges on the inlet pipe, then they can be additionally welded on or fixed with a threaded connection. Consider the presence or absence of sealing ring in ld flanges. In most cases, a channel is cut along the inner circumference of the plate, into which the ring is inserted.

Stages of work:

1. We check the ru16 flanges on the pipe and the ld valve.
2. If they are absent or inconsistent, we correct the situation by mounting the appropriate ones.
3. We fix the device ld in the correct position.
4. We fix the sealing ring.
5. We install bolts in the flange holes.
6. We tightly tighten the connection with the nuts.
7. We check the tightness of the pipeline.