What is a High Pressure Ball Valve
A high pressure ball valve is designed to control and shut off fluid flow in extreme-pressure environments. Its core component – a spherical disc (ball) – rotates via a stem to manage media flow. These valves are critical in hydraulic systems, oil refining, and natural gas industries.
Ball Valve Classification by Pressure Rating
Low Pressure Ball Valve: PN ≤ 1.6MPa (Class 150)
Medium Pressure Ball Valve: 2.5MPa ≤ PN ≤ 6.4MPa (Class 300-600)
High Pressure Ball Valve: PN ≥ 10.0MPa (Class 900+)
Working Principle of High Pressure Ball Valves
The valve operates by rotating the ball 90° using a stem connected to an actuator. When aligned with the pipeline, media flows freely; when perpendicular, flow stops. Critical note: Due to high torque, these valves require turbine, pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators – not manual handles.
Material Selection for High Pressure Ball Valves
Forged materials are mandatory for pressure-containing parts:
Recommended: A105, F304, F316, F11, F22, F51, F91
Why forged? Eliminates internal defects (sand holes, porosity) common in castings, ensuring reliability under high pressure.
Avoid castings: Inherent flaws (cracks, inclusions) risk failure in high-pressure scenarios.
Connection Types for High Pressure Ball Valves
1. Welded (SW) Connections: Ideal for permanent, leak-free installations.
2. Flanged Connections:
RTJ (Ring Type Joint) Flanges: Recommended for high-pressure sealing.
Avoid RF (Raised Face) Flanges in critical high-PN applications.
Structural Features of High Pressure Ball Valves
- 90° Rotation Mechanism: Ball rotates via stem for precise flow control.
- Core Components:
Ball:
Features a bore/channel for media flow.
Stem:
Transmits actuator force to rotate the ball.
Seats:
1. PTFE-lined for wear resistance and tight shutoff.
2. Metal Seat for high temperature and high pressure
- Sealing Technology: Double-sealing faces + pre-loaded disc springs maintain seal integrity under thermal/pressure fluctuations.
Typical Applications
Suited for high-temperature, high-pressure, and corrosive media in:
Oil & gas pipelines
Chemical processing
Power generation
High Pressure vs. Low Pressure Ball Valves
| Factor | High Pressure Ball Valve | Low Pressure Ball Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure & Flow | 10-80 MPa, large flow | ≤1.6 MPa, smaller flow |
| Structure & Material | Forged steel/stainless, 3-piece body, HRC60+ sealing | Cast metal, simpler design |
| Safety Features | DBB function, fire-safe, anti-static stem | Basic sealing |
| Applications | Oil pipelines, municipal projects | Residential gas systems |
High Pressure vs. Medium Pressure Ball Valves
Pressure Rating
Medium: 1.6–6.4 MPa
High: ≥15 MPa (Class 900+)
Applications
Medium: Water, standard gas pipelines
High: Nuclear, petrochemical, metallurgy
Construction
High: Complex forged steel with actuators
Medium: Simplified cast iron designs
Sealing
High: Metal-to-metal (tungsten carbide)
Medium: Soft seats (PTFE/rubber)
Cost
High-pressure valves are 2-3x pricier due to advanced materials and engineering.
How to Choose a High Pressure Ball Valve Manufacturer
Certifications: API 6D, ISO 15848-1 compliant.
Material Traceability: Full MTCs for forgings.
Testing: 100% hydrostatic/pneumatic tests per API 598.
Connection Flexibility: Offers RTJ, SW, and Class-specific designs (900/1500/2500).
Post time: Aug-14-2025