Stainless Steel Flanged Ball Valve is a commonly used industrial valve. Its closure element (the ball) is driven by the valve stem and rotates around the axis of the ball valve, thereby enabling the opening and closing of the pipeline as well as fluid control. In addition to simple on/off functions, stainless steel flanged ball valves can also be used for fluid regulation. In particular, hard-sealed V-port ball valves, relying on the strong shearing force between the V-shaped ball core and the hard alloy-welded seat, are especially suitable for media containing fibers or fine solid particles.
In industrial applications, multi-port stainless steel flanged ball valves can flexibly achieve medium merging, diversion, and flow switching, while also being able to shut off any single passage to ensure normal operation of the remaining pipelines. these valves generally require horizontal installation to maintain long-term stable performance. According to the driving method, stainless steel flanged ball valves can be classified into manual, pneumatic, and electric types, meeting the needs of different operating conditions.
To ensure reliable performance and consistent quality, stainless steel flanged ball valves comply with the following standards:
• Design and Manufacturing: GB12237-89, API608, API 6D, JPI 7S-48, BS5351, DIN3357;
• Flange Dimensions: JB/T74–90, GB9112–9131, ANSI B16.5, JIS B2212–2214, DIN2543,EN1092;
• Face-to-Face Dimensions: GB12221-89, ANSI B16.10, JIS B2002, DIN3202,EN558;
• Inspection and Testing: JB/T 9092, API 598,API6D.
These standards not only guarantee the interchangeability and compatibility of the valves but also ensure their safety and reliability in various industrial environments.
Common models and parameters of stainless steel flanged ball valves include:
Electric Flanged Ball Valve Q941F: Size DN15–200, Pressure 0.6–10 MPa, Material: Cast Steel / Stainless Steel
Carbon Steel ANSI Ball Valve Q41F: Size DN15–200, Pressure 150LB–900LB, Material: Carbon Steel / Cast Steel
ANSI Stainless Steel Ball Valve Q41F: Size DN15–200, Pressure 150LB–900LB, Material: Stainless Steel
Worm Gear Flanged Ball Valve Q341F: Size DN15–200, Pressure 0.6–6.4 MPa, Material: Carbon Steel / Stainless Steel
Pneumatic Stainless Steel Ball Valve Q641F: Size DN15–200, Pressure 0.6–6.4 MPa, Material: Stainless Steel
• Excellent Wear Resistance: The core of the hard-sealed ball valve is overlaid with alloy steel, and the valve seat is surfaced with alloy steel, ensuring strong wear resistance.
• Reliable Sealing Performance: Precision grinding guarantees a perfect fit between the ball and the seat, preventing leakage.
• Easy Operation: The spring-loaded valve seat design makes opening and closing smoother and less labor-intensive.
• Long Service Life: Widely used in industries such as petroleum, chemical, power generation, paper making, and aerospace.
When installing a stainless steel flanged ball valve, the actual working conditions should be taken into account:
• Avoid installation in environments exposed to wind, sand, rain, or direct sunlight.
• For high-temperature (>450℃), low-temperature (<-20℃), highly corrosive, or flammable and explosive environments, specially designed valves should be selected.
• In applications such as ships, nuclear power plants, or under severe vibration conditions, extra attention should be paid to sealing and corrosion resistance.
For operation:
• Ensure that the pipeline and valve body are thoroughly cleaned before operation.
• A 90° rotation of the valve is sufficient to open or close it (parallel to the pipeline = open; perpendicular = closed).
• For long-term shutdown, keep the valve in a half-open position and perform regular inspections.
• Regularly check the internal pressure of the valve body to ensure safety.
• Before maintenance, make sure the upstream and downstream pipelines are fully depressurized.
• Avoid damaging the sealing surfaces during disassembly and assembly; use specialized tools for O-rings.
• Flange bolts must be tightened symmetrically, gradually, and evenly.
• Cleaning agents must be compatible with the valve materials and the medium to prevent corrosion or residual contamination.
• For minor leakage at the packing, the valve stem nut can be slightly retightened as appropriate.
Q1: Can stainless steel flange ball valves be used with particulate-laden media?
A: Yes. Especially hard-sealed V-type ball valves, which provide strong shearing force, are ideal for media containing fibers or fine solid particles.
Q2: Why should flange ball valves be installed horizontally?
A: Horizontal installation reduces uneven stress on the ball, ensuring sealing performance and extending service life.
Q3: What should I do if the ball valve is not operating smoothly?
A: Check for foreign objects causing blockage or spring failure in the seat; clean, lubricate, or replace components as necessary.
Q4: What is the typical service life of a stainless steel flange ball valve?
A: Under normal operating conditions and proper maintenance, they can last for many years, significantly longer than standard material ball valves.
