Gas Ball Valves In Industrial Applications - 5 Things to ...

Author: Marina

May. 20, 2024

Gas Ball Valves in Industrial Applications - 5 Things to Know


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Based on a Google search, it's clear that gas ball valves are essential for various industrial applications, offering excellent performance, fast shut-off capabilities, and a compact design.

What is a Gas Ball Valve?

A gas ball valve is a quarter-turn flow control device designed to offer better performance, shut-off, and sealing characteristics than conventional ball valves. This type of valve has a compact and lightweight body design, making it suitable for multiple applications.

These valves are commonly used in systems that convey combustible fluids such as hydrocarbons, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gases, and chemical vapors. They're also ideal for boilers, furnaces, gas stoves, and residential and commercial water heaters.

Flow control applications relying on gas ball valves operate under high pressure and temperature. Given the combustible nature of most of the working fluids, it is vital to prevent leakage at the valves. Sealing and protection against fugitive emissions rely on metal-seated gas ball valves or PTFE seats.

Benefits of Using Gas Ball Valves

Excellent Shut-off Characteristics

The valves open and close quickly in response to pressure conditions of the pipeline. This quick response is vital for preventing backflows and contamination.

Versatility and Efficiency

Gas ball valves have a compact design that fits different industrial applications. They operate at low torque and require simple actuation mechanisms.

Durability and Easy Maintenance

These valves provide excellent flow control throughout their service life and demand minimal maintenance interventions.

1) CSA Ratings and Gas Ball Valves

Before using gas ball valves for combustible fluid service, they require approval from the Canadian Standards Association (CSA). These ratings are based on application areas and country-specific requirements.

Valves bearing CSA ratings can be used in different industries across the US. For outdoor fluid applications in the USA, these valves bear the BRS125G-rating and CAN 3.16 in Canada.

For indoor applications, the CSA ratings are consistent for both the USA and Canada. Any ball valve bearing the ½ PSI and 5G-ratings is used strictly for indoor gas applications.

CSA 3.16-15 standards apply to all lever-operated gas shut-off valves. These are metallic gas ball valves that are manually operated and contain flanged, threaded, or welded ends.

Valves under the CSA 3.16-15 ratings can be used for methane gas service in sewage treatment plants but are unsuitable for piping systems with traces of hydrogen sulfide (sour gas).

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2) Special Features of Gas Ball Valves

For efficient fluid flow applications, it is necessary to control and monitor fluid pressure. Gas ball valves are equipped with pilot taps for fixing pressure gauges. This ensures accurate pressure control in the system, facilitating the safety and consistency of gas applications.

Standard pilot taps come in the form of ⅛" female pipe thread or female pipe taper (FPT), which include a ⅛" tapering male pipe thread plug to prevent leakages. Several manufacturers use yellow handles for identification, but buyers should not rely solely on visual indicators. Confirm that the intended piping requirements match the CSA approvals and ratings.

3) How to Test a Gas Ball Valve

Gas ball valves operate in applications with varying temperature and pressure ranges. To ensure safety, these valves undergo rigorous air tests to determine their efficiency under different operating conditions.

According to CSA standards, gas ball valves are tested to withstand 1.5 times their rated pressure. The following are gas ball valve ratings along with their test pressures in PSIG (Pounds per square inch gauge):

  • CAN 3.16 rating — test pressure is 125PSIG

  • BRS125G — test pressure is 188PSIG

  • ½ PSI — test pressure is 3PSIG

  • 5G — test pressure is 7.5 PSIG

Each gas ball valve has a specific CSA approval rating. Valves meant for industrial processes with extreme temperatures/pressures may require modifications and additional tests.

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4) Types of Gas Ball Valves

Gas ball valves come in various constructions to suit their applications. Systems for natural gas service, clean gas supply, or compressed air use fully welded ball valves. These valves feature a compact design, ease of insulation, and bi-directional tightness, and are designed to be maintenance-free.

Gas ball valves with flanged and welded ends are used in processes requiring the media to be fully open or closed. When selecting gas ball valves, consider indoor or outdoor usage and select the appropriate size for the desired process parameters.

5) Gas Ball Valve Selection Criteria

When selecting a gas ball valve, identify the system's performance requirements, including flow rates, pressure, and temperature ranges. Ensure that the valve materials are compatible with the chemical characteristics of the service medium.

Piping systems with traces of sour gas should use gas ball valves with PTFE seats due to their inert nature against chemicals. Select valves that are easy to maintain or require minimal maintenance interventions, and ensure minimal contaminants to prevent premature valve damage.

Summing Up

Gas ball valves provide an affordable and ideal solution for combustible gas service in various industrial applications. Their application is guided by CSA ratings and approvals, ensuring safe usage under varying conditions.

Need guidance in determining the appropriate gas ball valve for your specific application?

The experts at ValveMan have the knowledge and experience to help. Shop ValveMan.com today!

Russ Bailey

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Russ Bailey is a seasoned professional with an impressive 35-year career in valve sales. He serves as an Outside Sales Representative for both ValveMan.com and FS Welsford, where his deep industry knowledge and exceptional salesmanship enable him to provide tailored solutions for a diverse clientele. Russ is known for building robust relationships and his unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. With a strong commitment to excellence, Russ continues to drive business growth and contribute significantly to the success of both companies.

Cryogenic Valve Principles | Standards | Selection

The so-called cryogenic valve is a valve suitable for working in cryogenic conditions, generally below -40°C. These valves are often used in cryogenic systems such as liquid helium, liquid hydrogen, liquefied natural gas, and air separation.

In ultra-low temperature conditions, metal materials may experience cold brittleness, drastically affecting their performance. This necessitates special design and manufacturing considerations, such as lengthening the valve from the sealing seat to the stuffing box to prevent freezing.

Principle of Cryogenic Valves

These valves must manage very low temperatures, which increases the strength and hardness of the metal while reducing plasticity and toughness. Utilizing conventional valves in such conditions can freeze the packing in the valve stuffing box, preventing it from sealing effectively.

Selection of Ultra-Low Temperature Valves

Material selection is crucial. For temperatures higher than -100°C, ferritic stainless steel can be used. For temperatures lower than -100°C, austenitic stainless steel or alloys like copper and aluminum are more suitable. The stem should be made of austenitic stainless steel, heat-treated to increase tensile strength.

Design Standards

  • Design: API6D, JB/T7749
  • Routine inspection and test: API598
  • Low temperature inspection: JB/T7749
  • Drive modes: manual, bevel gear drive, electric drive
  • Seat form: Welded structure with a cobalt-based hard alloy
  • Ram design: Elastic structure with a pressure relief hole
  • One-way sealing valve body: Marked with a flow direction mark
  • Cryogenic valves: Long neck structure to protect the packing

For more information on Cryogenic Ball Valve, feel free to contact us.

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