What makes ball valves reliable and easy to use?
Ball valves are widely recognized for their efficient shut-off capabilities and simple quarter-turn mechanism. They are commonly used in residential plumbing, industrial automation and HVAC systems due to their compact design and durability.
What sets them apart is their ability to open or close fully with a short handle movement, which makes operation quick and intuitive. In this article, we’ll break down the ball valve working principle by exploring its internal components and explaining how each part contributes to its overall performance.
Key components that make a ball valve work
To understand how a ball valve works, it's useful to first look at its main components and how they interact during operation.
At the heart of a ball valve is the valve body, which serves as the external structure enclosing and supporting all other components. Depending on the application, the body can be made from various materials, though forged brass is commonly used for its strength and resistance to corrosion.
Housed within the body is the ball, a spherical component with a central hole — referred to as the port — that allows or blocks flow depending on its position. The seats, typically made of PTFE or other resilient polymers, cradle the ball and form a seal that prevents leakage when the valve is closed.
Extending from the ball through the top of the valve body is the stem, which transmits motion from the handle or actuator to the ball itself. When the handle is turned, the stem rotates, causing the ball to pivot accordingly. Surrounding the stem are seals and packing materials that help prevent external leaks and maintain smooth, consistent movement throughout the valve’s operational life.
Together, these parts allow the valve to open or close with a simple 90-degree rotation, controlling the flow of liquid or gas through the system.
How do ball valves work?
The working principle of a ball valve relies on a simple rotational movement of a spherical ball to start or stop fluid flow. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the ball inside the valve also rotates, aligning or misaligning the port in the ball with the pipeline.
In the open position, the hole in the ball aligns with the flow path, creating an unobstructed passage that allows the medium to pass through with minimal pressure drop. In the closed position, the solid part of the ball blocks the flow, sealing off the passage completely.
This cycle involves three phases:
- Open – the handle is parallel to the pipe, and flow moves freely through the valve.
- Transition – turning the handle rotates the ball, progressively closing the passage.
- Closed – the handle is perpendicular to the pipe, and the flow is completely shut off.
Because of this simple and effective mechanism, ball valves are known for fast and easy operation. They also provide a tight seal — even after long periods of inactivity — offer long-term durability thanks to fewer moving parts and work well with both manual and automated controls. These features make them a dependable choice for a wide range of applications.
Application examples for RuB ball valves
RuB Inc. offers a wide range of ball valves engineered for HVAC, water, air, and gas systems. These valves are forged for durability and designed to fit different types of handles for manual operation or equipped with ISO 5211 mounting pads for easy actuation. With rigorous quality controls and certifications, RuB valves ensure safe and efficient operation across multiple sectors.
Whether you need a simple shut-off valve or a reliable solution for automation, RuB valves provide consistent performance in demanding environments.
Need help choosing the right valve? Contact RuB Inc. for technical support and product recommendations.