In the process of renovating waterways in our family, we will inevitably use many valves. There are actually two types of valves commonly used in households: ball valves and globe valves. So which of these two valves is more suitable for use in our homes? What is the difference between these two? Many friends may not be very familiar with this. For example, a friend now asks a question: Is a shut-off valve or a ball valve installed on the PPR main pipeline of tap water? What material is better to choose? Why?
What is a ball valve and what are its characteristics?
A brief introduction to ball valves: In our national standard GBT21465-2008, there is a specific definition for valves in valve terminology. The definition of a ball valve is as follows: a ball valve is a valve that is driven by an opening and closing rod to rotate around the axis of the ball. This type of valve can be used for flow regulation and control. So it can be installed on our main pipeline or on the branch pipeline in our home.
Introduction to the characteristics of ball valves: The first feature is high wear resistance. The second characteristic is excellent sealing performance. The third characteristic is that the switch is relatively convenient. The fourth characteristic is that its service life is still very long. The fifth and personally most important characteristic is that the fluid resistance is relatively low. It can be said that ball valves have the lowest fluid resistance among all valves.
Introduction to the working principle of ball valves: In fact, the working principle of ball valves is very simple, because the inside of the ball valve is a ball with a through-hole. This sphere is installed inside the valve and rotates around the centerline of the valve body during operation to achieve opening and closing. So when the ball valve is opened to its maximum angle, there is no resistance to the entire fluid.
What is a globe valve and what are its characteristics?
A brief introduction to a globe valve: A globe valve is actually what we commonly refer to as a shut-off valve. It is also currently the most widely used type of valve. The shut-off valve relies on the principle of closure during operation. The closing principle relies on the pressure of the ball valve stem to ensure a tight fit between the sealing surface of the valve disc and the sealing surface of the valve seat. This can achieve the opening and closing of the fluid, thus preventing the circulation of the medium and achieving the function of a valve.
Introduction to the characteristics of globe valves: Firstly, the structure of globe valves is relatively simple, so their production and maintenance are very convenient. Secondly, its sealing surface is located internally and is not prone to wear and scratches, resulting in excellent sealing performance. Thirdly, during the opening process, the friction force of the sealing surface is relatively smaller than that of a gate valve, and the friction resistance is higher. However, the fluid resistance of ball valves is relatively high, and it takes a lot of effort to open and close. It is particularly unsuitable for fluids with impurities and particles in some pipelines, and its regulating performance is relatively poor.
Principle analysis of globe valve: In fact, globe valve relies on the up and down movement of the screw to achieve the sealing surface of the lower valve disc and the sealing surface of the valve seat, in order to adjust and open or close the fluid flow.
Analysis of whether to install ball valves or globe valves on the main water pipeline
The first thing we need to understand is the valves installed on the water supply pipeline, which actually play a role in controlling our indoor waterway. That is to say, it can achieve the function of turning off and turning on the entire indoor tap water. So when choosing a door, we need to consider this characteristic.
Let's take a look at the common types of valves that can be used on the main water pipeline. In fact, the first most common type of valve is a globe valve, and the second common type of valve is a ball valve. Both types of valves are used on the main pipe of tap water.
What are the factors to consider when selecting valves on the PPR main pipeline of tap water
The first point is to consider our installation space. Because ball valves usually come with a handle, they occupy a certain amount of space during installation. So when we choose a ball valve, we must see if it can be installed.
The second point is to consider the convenience of our future operations. As we all know, currently there is usually a first hand wheel on the globe valve, and we rely on turning the hand wheel to open or close this valve. So if we encounter difficulties in later operations, we definitely do not recommend choosing to connect the shut-off valve.
My personal suggestion for valve selection on the main water pipeline
The first suggestion is that if we have installation space indoors, I personally recommend everyone to choose ball valves. Because ball valves are relatively labor-saving to operate, and in addition, the resistance of ball valves to water flow is very small, which means they will not affect the water pressure in our home.
The second suggestion is that if the space for installing the main water pipeline valve is limited, my personal suggestion is to choose a shut-off valve. Because if there is no space for the handle of the ball valve, it will be difficult to open in the later stage, which is our key concern.
What are the material choices for valves on the PPR main pipeline of tap water
The first personal suggestion is to choose PPR material ball valves or globe valves. Because valves made of this material are not afraid of any corrosion and are very easy to install. One of my most important points is that the price is much cheaper than copper ball valves or stainless steel ball valves.
The second option is to choose copper or stainless steel ball and globe valves. Whether it is a copper or stainless steel valve, the essential difference between them is not very significant, and both can be chosen by everyone.
