Every installation in which a liquid or gas flows needs a control function. Various types of valves are usually used to open, close and regulate the flow. They are used in both residential buildings and industrial facilities. For many years, practical globe valves were primarily used everywhere, but currently they are increasingly being replaced by modern ball valves . How do they differ from each other and which is better to choose?
In this article you will learn:
- how ball valves work and how globe valves work,
- Is it better to choose a ball valve or a mushroom valve?
- What are the characteristics of good ball and globe valves?
What is a ball valve and what is a globe valve?
How does a poppet valve work?
The globe valves that until recently dominated the market can be easily recognized by the tap used to regulate the flow of the medium. It is used to move a special stem, ending with a disc with a seal. Pressing it limits or closes the circulation. This type of valve works great in, among others, hot utility water systems. In such a case, the seal must be made of metal or Teflon, for example. If only cold water flows through the pipes, a rubber seal will be sufficient.
The globe valve is usually made of cast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel. Products of this type can take on various forms. They are divided primarily into:
- cut-off,
- pass-through,
- regulatory,
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Globe valves differ not only in terms of their function, but also in terms of construction. Models with one or two globes and flanged, flangeless and inter-flange versions are available on the market. It is worth paying special attention to this criterion, because it will determine the method of mounting a given valve.
The globe valve is universal in nature, as it is used in both water installations and industry. It is used, among other things, to regulate the flow of working media, but also to control heating systems. The key advantage of globe valves over ball valves is that they allow not only to completely cut off the access of the medium to the further part of the installation, but also to precisely regulate its flow.
Most often, screw-on globe valves are used, which guarantee easy installation on pipes. An alternative is welded models, but they are recommended only for installations requiring the highest level of resistance. They can be found primarily in industrial devices.
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How does a ball valve work?
Due to their significantly greater reliability, ball valves are becoming more widely used. Instead of a knob, they are equipped with a lever, sometimes a butterfly. To open or close the water flow, simply change the position of the handle by 90 degrees. Such a movement will rotate the ball inside, which has a hole that allows the medium to pass through. Depending on whether it is arranged in line with the pipe or across, the liquid or gas can flow freely through the installation or become blocked.
Ball valves – similarly to globe valves – are installed in many different installations. Depending on their size, they can be installed on hydraulic hoses, sections supplying water to apartments or on gas pipes. The valve is often equipped with additional elements, thanks to which it gains in versatility. For example, we are talking about a screw connection, which translates into a more compact and aesthetic design, or filters that retain scale particles and other insoluble impurities.
It is worth noting that ball valves are used only to cut off the water or gas supply. They do not allow the flow of the medium to be reduced or increased. The ability to close the circuit with just 1/4 turn makes this type of protection invaluable in crisis situations. It does not require a lot of force to cut off the flow of liquid, so even older people can handle it.
Ball valves are characterized by very favorable utility properties. They are exceptionally resistant to various types of mechanical damage and are characterized by a long service life. Nickel-plated models are particularly well suited for use in a water environment, due to their increased corrosion resistance.
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The growing dominance of the ball valve over the globe valve is no coincidence. Products that operate on a movable stem are prone to loss of tightness. This is because impurities settle on the piston surface over time. They can let water or gas through, which makes them unusable. There is no need to worry about such problems with ball valves. They close the water supply by inserting the ball into the seat, making the blockage 100% tight. The chances that the efficiency of a ball valve will deteriorate over time seem minimal.
Which valve to choose – ball or mushroom?
Knowing the properties and applications of globe valves and ball valves, it will be easier for you to choose the right solution for the installation being installed or modernized. Before making a purchase, consider first of all whether you need a solution that serves only for emergency shut-off of the flow or also for smooth regulation of the medium flow. In the first case, reach for one of the ball valves, and in the second - for the globe valve.
Remember that both globe and ball valves offer a whole host of variants with different specifications. It is therefore very important to precisely match the selected product to a specific installation. Make your choice dependent on both the medium flowing through the system (different seals will work in a cold water system, and different ones in a hot water system) and the function the valve is to perform (e.g. through-flow or non-return variants).
Selected ball valves from the Ferro brand offer
If you decide to choose a ball valve, take advantage of the Ferro brand. It is a well-known and valued manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom fittings, as well as various plumbing products. Among the offers available in our online wholesaler, you can easily find any type of shut-off valve. You can choose from, among others:
- Ferro ball valve with 3/4" inclined filter – equipped with a choke and a practical lever,
- Ferro water ball valve 2-1/2" - female-female version, equipped with a durable, steel handle with a gland,
- Ferro drain ball valve 1/2" - screw-in version, used in water installations, made of brass, enriched with PTFE seal, as well as hose connector and cap,
- Ferro ball valve with 1" screw connection – chrome-plated female-male model, made of brass and equipped with a gland.
These are just a few of the different Ferro products that await you in the rich Onninen assortment. Choose a valve that is perfectly suited to the installation you are working on and guarantee your customers maximum satisfaction!