API UK answers your FAQs about stainless steel full bore ball valves
In this article, API Pneumatic UK answers five of your most frequently asked questions about full bore ball valves. We discuss a host of common queries that consumers and buyers in the industry enquire about regularly. We’ll also highlight some of our own stainless steel full bore valves and explain how they can improve your processes.
What is a full bore ball valve?
Full bore ball valves (also known as a full port ball valve) are control valves which feature an oversized ball to ensure that the hole within the ball is the same size as the pipelines to which they are applied. This key characteristic allows lower friction losses within processes.
Why use a full bore ball valve?
By using full bore ball valves, not only will you benefit from greater flow control, but you will also avoid pressure drops which might otherwise affect the performance of your application. Full port ball valves also help reduce cavitation, which will help towards the longevity of your application.
Due to their flow restrictions which might separate materials causing build-ups and reduced flow, full bore valves can be used in flows which contain a mixture of both liquids and solids.
Which applications are full bore ball valves best suited to?
Full bore ball valves are best suited to industrial applications that require low flow resistance to help maintain flow. For instance, applications involving pumps and pipelines will benefit from implementing full bore ball valves. Any applications that also involve piggable lines or production manifolds would also benefit from choosing a full bore ball valve.
What are the flow characteristics of full bore ball valves?
One of the advantages of using full bore ball valves is that flow is unrestricted. Although they are typically larger and more costly compared to other ball or ancillary valve types, they are particularly useful for applications requiring free flow.
What is the difference between a full bore vs reduced bore valve?
The main difference between full bore vs reduced bore valves is how they manage pressure drops. Because of their low flow resistance in applications where pressure drops might affect performance, full bore ball valves are preferred. Whereas, in applications where there are no concerns over pressure drops or turbulence in the flow, or if particular characteristics of materials are not a priority, reduced bore ball valves would be prefered for a more economical and lightweight solution.
Why choose stainless steel full bore ball valves from API Pneumatic UK?
As part of our range of stainless steel valves, API Pneumatic UK stocks and supplies full bore ball valves manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel. Featuring long levers for manual operation, our full bore stainless steel ball valves can be used to open or close the airflow in both directions whilst mounted inline.
Stainless steel full bore valves from API UK have temperature ratings of -20 °C to +150 °C and pressure ratings of between 40 and 100 bar. As such, they are designed specifically for use within alimentary and chemical applications and are capable of treating a wide variety of media, including inert gasses, steam, water and compressed air.
API UK can provide stainless steel full bore ball valves as part of a bespoke package or individually and customised to meet the exact specifications of your process. To discuss your requirements or to find out more about our other ancillary valves, call API Pneumatic UK today on 01782 206 995, email [email protected] or complete our contact form.