Components of a Ball Valve

Valve Body:

• The main housing of the valve which contains all the internal components.
• Typically made from durable materials like brass, stainless steel, or plastic.

Ball:

• A spherical disc inside the valve body that controls the flow of fluid.
• Has a hole (bore) through the center that allows fluid to pass through when aligned with the pipe.

Seats:

• Ring-shaped components, often made of PTFE (Teflon) or other materials, that provide a tight seal between the ball and the valve body.
• Ensures no fluid leaks when the valve is in the closed position.

Stem:

• The shaft that connects the ball to the handle or actuator.
• Rotates the ball when the handle is turned.

Handle:

• The lever or mechanism on top of the valve used to manually turn the stem and ball.
• Can be a simple lever handle or a more complex actuator for automated systems.

O-Rings:

• Elastic seals placed around the stem and other connections to prevent leaks.
• Usually made of rubber or other elastomeric materials.

Gland Nut:

• A component that compresses the packing around the stem to ensure a tight seal.
• Prevents fluid from leaking along the stem.

Packing:

• Material packed around the stem inside the gland nut to maintain a seal.
• Helps to prevent leakage and allows for smooth operation.

End Caps:

• The parts of the valve that connect to the piping system.
• Can be threaded, flanged, or welded depending on the application.

Fasteners:

• Bolts, screws, and nuts that hold the valve components together.
• Ensure the integrity and alignment of the assembly.

Assembly Process

Insert the Ball:

• Place the ball inside the valve body ensuring the bore aligns with the flow direction when the valve is open.

Install the Seats:

• Place the seats on either side of the ball within the valve body.

Insert the Stem:

• Insert the stem through the top of the valve body, connecting it to the ball.

Add O-Rings and Packing:

• Place O-rings and packing around the stem to ensure a tight seal.

Secure with Gland Nut:

• Tighten the gland nut around the packing to secure the stem and prevent leaks.

Attach Handle:

• Connect the handle to the top of the stem for manual operation.

Fasten End Caps:

• Attach the end caps to the valve body using the appropriate fasteners, ensuring a secure connection to the piping system.

Test the Assembly:

• Ensure the ball rotates smoothly and the valve opens and closes fully without leaks.