High quality stainless steel ball valves are often used in industries that deal with fluids at high pressure and temperature. They are corrosion resistant and can withstand adverse conditions for long periods of time.
A ball valve is a valve which consists of a hollow, pivoting and perforated ball in order to control the flow of fluid through it. The ball valve is open when the hole in the spherical ball is in line with the flow and closed when the valve handle is pivoted by 90 degrees. When it is open, the handle is parallel to the flow and is perpendicular when it becomes closed.
Ball valves are durable, perform numerous cycles and are reliable. They close securely even when they have been closed for a long period of time. This property makes them an excellent choice for controlling and shutting off appliances and are even preferred over other types of valves.
What is Stainless Steel?
One of the reasons that the market is flooded with stainless steel ball valves is because it is a superior material. It is tougher than ductile iron, cast iron, copper and brass when it comes to temperature tolerance and pressure rating. The material competes with carbon steel on several fronts but is far more capable at fighting corrosion.
Stainless steel is a material that is difficult to beat but it is relatively expensive. But the price jump is justified by the quality and benefits it offers. There are several grades of stainless steel available in the market and the most common being 316 and 304. these numbers represent the chemical constituents of the stainless steel. If you are looking to buy high quality stainless ball valves, you must check these options and then decide which one will meet your needs.
Applications of Stainless Steel Ball Valves
High quality stainless ball valves offer a number of advantages as mentioned below.
Petroleum Refining
The process of refining crude oil is quite complicated and has many processes that can only be managed by high quality valves made of stainless steel. Crude petroleum contains sulfur, carbon dioxide, water and a wide variety of micro-organisms that can corrode valves. Stainless steel is therefore extremely important in this situation as it is corrosion resistant and can withstand long hours of extreme conditions.
Seawater Environments
Sea water is rich in soluble salts that encourages the corrosion of metal valves. Some processes occur near seawater, like desalination, and in order to protect the equipment from the harmful effects of seawater, it is important to use a valve that does not corrode. Plastic valves are an option, but they are much less durable than stainless steel valves, do not have the physical strength, and cannot withstand high temperatures and pressures.
Brewing Systems
Stainless steel valves are generally used in the brewing industry. They are used throughout the brewing process, including in the kettle where they allow the user to have a control over the flow of liquid at the time of transfer. It is important to use stainless steel valves because they come into contact with the wort which is highly corrosive. Plastic valves fail here as well because of their inability to withstand high temperature.
We trust that you now have a clearer idea about the usefulness of stainless steel ball valves.
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