Whether looking to upgrade an existing water supply or install one from scratch, there are some big decisions about the valves that can be used to control the flow of water into the home. If the goal is to be able to shut off the flow manually, then we need to choose between angle and ball valves.
Ball and angle valves are two of the most common plumbing options, each with benefits and drawbacks. While both have their uses, it’s essential to understand their benefits and drawbacks so that anyone can choose the one that best suits their specific needs. Here’s everything one should know about dombor valve to make an informed decision before purchasing one for the project or business.
What Is an Angle Valve?
An angle valve is a device used to regulate the flow of fluids or gas in a piping system. Angle valves are typically used in residential and commercial plumbing applications to regulate water flow in a piping system. Angle valves are also used in industrial applications, such as chemical processing plants.
The angle valve is used to control the flow of liquids and gasses. It is named for its triangular shape, which allows it to fit into tight spaces. The angle valve is often used in plumbing and industrial applications. The angle valve operates by opening or closing the flow of liquid or gas through a triangular-shaped opening. The opening size can be adjusted to control the flow of liquid or gas.
The angle valve has three ports, two of which can be opened and closed. The third port will always be open to maintain constant pressure. Angle valves are primarily used for liquid transfer, and when it comes to size, they’re available in smaller sizes than ball valves.
If anyone wants control over the flow rate or shut it off entirely, Angle Valve allows them to regulate the flow rate easily. They are also better suited for applications requiring rapid flow rate changes (like hot water). When it comes to installation, Angle Valves are not as space-efficient as ball valves because they have a 90° orientation, so if space is limited, go with the ball valve instead.
What is a Ball Valve?
A ball valve is a valve with a spherical disk that controls the flow of fluid through it. The disk is attached to a rod that goes through the center of the valve. When the valve is opened, the disk is rotated so that it is perpendicular to the opening, allowing fluid to flow through. When the valve is closed, the disk is rotated to parallel the opening, blocking the fluid flow. Ball valves are used in various applications, such as water and gas lines, oil pipelines, and chemical processing plants.
A ball valve has a wheel-shaped handle on one side. When rotating the handle, the disc inside the valve rotates and opens or closes the opening on the other side of the valve. A ball valve works by restricting water flow as it passes through it by creating a narrower opening so that less water can pass through at once. The most common way to use a ball valve is to connect it to the garden hose and regulate the flow from there. When connected, the higher we lift the nozzle from its resting position, the more water will come out (and vice versa).
Angle Valve Vs Ball Valve
Here are a few differences:
- A ball valve is better than an angle valve if anyone has many left-hand turns. The sharp bend can add friction and increase the chances of sticking. In contrast, an angle valve might be the best choice if the water lines are in front of something that can easily get broken. A potential damage point like this would be a gas fireplace or a fridge. The valves are protected because they’re behind a wall, and nothing can come in contact with them.
- Ball valves require more maintenance than angle valves, but it may not be a concern if the installation location provides easy access to the whole plumbing system.
- An angle valve will work with either copper or PEX tubing. A ball valve works only with metal pipe connections (copper, steel, PVC). To seal off the line with a ball valve, unscrew the handle on top of the valve from its threaded shaft. Then turn it 180 degrees, blocking flow out of the fitting and sealing it off against the inside wall of its hole in the flange plate.
With both types, tightening doesn’t automatically mean sealing; after turning until resistance is felt, tighten another quarter turn past where resistance was felt, so there’s no chance of leakage. It’s a good idea to do this with pliers instead of by hand.
- No matter which type to choose, make sure it fits securely. An angled valve should align directly over the piping nipple, while a ball valve should fit snugly into its opening and extend slightly past the threads. Both should never leak even when they’re turned off at complete tightness; that said, don’t over-tighten. If a bolt seems too loose, replace it before proceeding with the next step.
Angle valves typically don’t need gaskets because they seat flush to the pipe, but gaskets can be used if needed (they should last 20 years or more). Most people find angle valves collection easier to install than ball valves. Be careful not to install a valve upside down!
- With an angle valve, the outlet has a smooth radius rather than sharp edges like with a ball valve. That means less strain on fittings and more excellent protection against clogging. In addition, the service life of all parts is longer because the wear is spread evenly over the curve vs. concentrated on one spot around the edges.
- The flat back end of an angle valve simplifies plumbing installations in cramped quarters, such as behind kitchen cabinets or shelves holding heavy objects. The valve stays accessible and won’t ever obstruct the path of other pipes.
- To change a ball valve, loosen the two nuts on top of the valve with a wrench, then unscrew the handle from the threaded shaft. This exposes a hexagonal nut under the knob. Unscrew it with a wrench to detach it, then pull up on the stem to remove it. It can reattach a new stem or remove the old one (called reaming) and use new packing materials to repair any leaks.
- Both valves offer safety benefits: angle valves prevent entrapment hazards near shutoff valves, while ball valves eliminate the risk of cutting through supply lines during repairs in places where children might be present.
How To Choose: Angle Valve Vs. Ball Valve
Here are ten things to consider when choosing between Angle Valves and Ball Valves:
- Performance needs: Is the application operating at high pressures or temperatures or carrying corrosive media, such as sewage or oil? If so, then it might need to select a material other than steel for the valve’s body or choose an oil and gas valve.
- Maximum Flow Rate (Qmax):
What’s the maximum flow rate through the valve at typical conditions of inlet pressure and temperature? Then make sure the valve will be able to handle this flow rate.
- Exposure Conditions:
How will this valve be used in a typical service life cycle? The valve will experience vibration, abrasive media, excessive shock loads, and thermal cycles that could shorten its lifespan. Consider these factors when determining which type of valve to use in a given application.
- Port Configuration:
Will the port configuration dictate whether an angle or ball valve should be selected? For example, if there is not enough room to mount an angle valve due to piping constraints, it may necessitate using a ball valve instead. Also, remember that some types of pipe connections may not allow for the installation of either type of valve; if this applies to the situation, then the user has more limited options available to choose one that meets the needs.
- Installation Cost:
Installation costs will vary depending on the industrial ball valve supplier and what kind of valve is chosen, but generally speaking, angle valves are cheaper because they don’t require any additional pieces, such as seats, packing nuts, and packing strips. However, ball valves typically last longer because they can withstand higher pressure surges due to their design.
They also can be opened easier because they don’t require tools like hex keys to tighten their packing nuts. Ball valves also have much smaller external dimensions, making them easier to install on many different pipe sizes without reducing bushings or flanges.
- Cleaning Cost:
Cleaning costs will vary depending on what kind of valve is chosen. Angle valves do not come with protruding parts that can get dirty and stick out of the valve opening once installed. A ball valve may get gunked up with debris and fluids over time, making it difficult to open and close.
- Operating Cost:
Operating costs will depend on how often each type of valve is being operated during a day, week, or month, for example. The most significant difference here is that an angle valve does not need to be rotated off its seat before being closed, which saves wear and tear on internal components. On the other hand, ball valves are designed to entirely shut off the fluid flow, whereas angle valves will only partially close after the operation.
Some people may think that an angle valve has fewer failure points than a ball valve; however, research has shown otherwise; angled valves can fail by cracking where the valve seats meet because of stress concentration, which can leak even when not under pressure. On the other hand, ball valves are more likely to corrode and develop leaks due to the buildup of sediments on valve seats and passageways.
There is no doubt that both angle valves and ball valves serve an essential function in industrial settings for a variety of applications and industries, which is why it is always recommended to first know the limitations of the specific application before making a final decision about which type will work best.
Bottomline
Angle and ball valves are two of the most popular industrial valves. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the correct valve for the application is essential. To learn more about industrial valves and how to choose the right one for the application, contact us today.
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