In fluid control systems, ball valves are key components, and their size selection has a significant impact on system performance, energy consumption, and operating efficiency. This article will compare ball valves of different sizes: 1/2 ball valve and 2 inch ball valve, their features, applicable scenarios, and how to choose the right ball valve according to specific needs. Helping readers better understand ball valves and deepen their knowledge of ball valves can better optimize system design and improve overall performance. Helping readers better understand ball valves and deepen their knowledge of ball valves can better optimize system design and improve overall performance.
The 1/2 ball valve
The 1/2 ball valve recommended by HANUMAN is Q644F/Q645F Series.
Q644F/Q645F series modulating type 4-20mA three ways flange pneumatic ball valve. Next, the size, specifications, applications and advantages of the Q644F/Q645F Series of 1/2 ball valve will be introduced in detail.
Q644F/Q645F Series installation connection dimensions:
Q644F/Q645F Series main technical parameters and performance:
| Allowable pressure difference (MPa) | ≤ Nominal pressure |
| Range of motion | 0~90° |
| Valve body type | Segmented cast valve body |
| Bonnet type | Integral |
| Gland type | Bolt-on type |
| Sealing packing | V-type PTFE packing, PTFE impregnated asbestos packing, asbestos textile packing, graphite packing |
| Connection | Flange type, threaded type (applicable to 1/2″~2″) |
| Valve core type | Three-way ball valve core |
| Flow characteristics | Approximate fast-opening characteristics |
| Leakage Q | Soft seal: zero leakage; Metal seal: according to GB/T4213-92, less than rated KV0.01% |
| Basic error | ±1% |
| Return difference | ±1% |
| Dead zone | ≤1% |
| Configure actuator model | GT, AT, series single and double acting pneumatic actuators |
| Control method | Switch two-position control, 4-20mA analog control |
The 1/2 ball valve is mainly used to control and regulate the flow of media in small fluid systems. The precise size and structural design of 1/2 ball valve make it particularly suitable for low-pressure and small-flow piping systems. These systems are commonly found in homes, small commercial facilities, light industrial production lines, and laboratories. The 1/2 ball valve can efficiently control the flow of water, gas or other fluids to ensure the stable operation of the system.
Especially in low-pressure, small-flow pipeline systems, the 1/2 ball valves have shown significant advantages in terms of flexibility and ease of installation.
1. Flexibility
• Precise flow control: The 1/2 ball valve controls the flow of the medium by rotating the ball. This design makes it very accurate in regulating the flow. In situations where fine flow control is required, such as laboratory equipment, small water supply systems, etc., the 1/2 ball valve can provide stable and reliable flow regulation.
• Strong adaptability: Due to the structural characteristics of the ball valve, it can adapt to a variety of media and working conditions. Whether it is liquid or gas, the 1/2 ball valve can provide effective control. In addition, it can maintain stable performance in high or low temperatures or corrosive environments.
2. Easy installation
• Compact structure: The 1/2 ball valve has small size and compact structure, which makes it take up little space when installed. In narrow or space-limited areas, such as household plumbing systems, water supply and drainage systems of small commercial facilities, the 1/2 ball valve can be easily installed without taking up too much space.
• Easy to connect: The 1/2 ball valve usually adopts threaded connection, which is simple and convenient, and can be quickly installed and disassembled. Compared with other types of valves, 1/2 ball valve does not require complicated flange connection or welding process during installation, which reduces installation cost and time.
• Easy maintenance: Due to its relatively simple structure, the 1/2 ball valve is also more convenient to maintain and replace. Once a failure or maintenance is required, users can easily remove and replace the valve to ensure the normal operation of the system.
The 2 inch ball valve
The 2 inch ball valve basic structure
- Ball: The closing element of a ball valve, usually spherical in shape, with the passage formed in the middle of the ball. The opening and closing of the pipeline is controlled by rotating the ball 90 degrees. The ball is made of various materials, commonly used are stainless steel, copper, cast iron, etc., to adapt to different working environments and media requirements.
- Valve Seat: The positioning device of the ball, usually made of metal, plastic or elastic material. The valve seat is a groove cut on the spherical surface of the sphere. When the sphere rotates to the closed position, it cooperates with the valve seat to form a seal to prevent medium leakage.
- Valve stem: A shaft that runs through the center of the ball, with one end connected to the ball and the other end connected to the operating mechanism. The valve stem rotates or pushes the operating mechanism to drive the ball to rotate, thereby opening and closing the pipeline.
- Operating mechanism: Includes manual operating mechanism and automatic operating mechanism. The manual operating mechanism usually consists of handles, gears, etc., and controls the movement of the ball by manual rotation or pushing. The automatic operating mechanism is usually composed of an electric motor, a pneumatic mechanism, etc., and controls the movement of the ball through electrical or pneumatic signals.
In addition, the 2 inch ball valve may also include other auxiliary components, such as valve body, bearings, seals, locking devices, etc., to ensure the normal operation and sealing performance of the valve.
The 2 inch ball valve features
- Withstand high pressure: The structural design, material selection and processing technology of the 2 inch ball valve ensure its ability to withstand high pressure, allowing it to operate stably under high pressure conditions.
- Good sealing: The 2 inch ball valve adopts ball sealing structure, which has high sealing performance. At the same time, the matching accuracy between the valve seat and the ball is high, which further improves the sealing effect.
- Corrosion resistance: Since the ball, valve seat and other key components are made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and copper, the 2 inch ball valve has strong corrosion resistance and is suitable for a variety of media.
- Long service life: 2 inch ball valve has a simple structure, easy maintenance, and key components are made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant materials, so it has a long service life.
Types of 2 inch ball valve
The 2 inch ball valve can be classified according to material, connection method, function, etc.:
1. Classification by material:
• Stainless steel ball valve: Excellent corrosion resistance and strength, suitable for a variety of corrosive media and high pressure environments.
• Brass ball valve: It has good conductivity and corrosion resistance, suitable for some specific media and occasions.
2. Classification by connection method:
• Externally threaded ball valve: Connected to the pipe through external threads, easy to install, suitable for some small pipeline systems.
• Other connection methods: Such as flange connection, welding connection, etc., the appropriate connection method can be selected according to specific needs and pipeline system.
3. Classification by function:
• Heavy-duty ball valve: More robust structure, suitable for use in high pressure, high temperature or harsh environment.
• Other functional ball valves: Such as two-way ball valve, three-way ball valve, etc., have special functions and uses.
Comparison between 2″ ball valve and 1/2 ball valve
1. Flow Control
Same point:
• Whether it is a 2″ ball valve or a 1/2 ball valve, flow control is achieved by rotating the ball. The flow rate is linearly related to the rotation angle, and the fluid flows smoothly when it is opened.
Differences:
• Difference in diameter: The diameter of the 2″ ball valve is approximately 50.8mm, which is much larger than the 12.7mm of the 1/2 ball valve, and the cross-sectional area is significantly increased.
• Flow rate difference: According to the flow rate formula Q=A×v, at the same flow rate, the 2″ ball valve allows a larger flow rate, which is suitable for large water supply systems or multi-point water supply. The 1/2 ball valve is more suitable for small water-using equipment, such as wash basins.
2. Stress tolerance
Same point:
• The pressure bearing capacity is jointly affected by the valve body material, structural design and sealing performance. It can be used safely if the conditions are met.
Differences:
• Structural robustness: The 2″ ball valves are relatively more robust due to their larger size and can usually withstand higher pressures, but the specific manufacturing process and quality must also be considered.
• Exception: Some high-quality industrial 1/2 ball valves may have pressure ratings comparable to ordinary 1/2 ball valves and should be selected based on actual application.
3. Usage scenarios
Same point:
• Both are widely used in industry, construction, water supply and drainage, HVAC and other fields for fluid control.
Differences:
• 2″ ball valve: Suitable for main pipelines, large equipment inlets and outlets, and large flow branch pipelines, such as factory cooling water circulation systems, urban heating branch pipelines, etc.
• 1/2 ball valve: Suitable for small flow and compact space, such as reagent delivery of small laboratory equipment, hot and cold water control of residential sanitary appliances, etc.
4. Selection a method
• Pipe size matching: The diameter of the ball valve should match the diameter of the pipe or be slightly larger to ensure smooth flow of fluid. Large pipe choose large diameter ball valve, such as 2″ ball valve. Small pipe select small diameter ball valve, such as 1/2 ball valve.
• Flow requirement: The flow rate of the ball valve must meet the design flow rate of the pipeline. Choose a large flux ball valve for large flow, and a small capacity ball valve for small flow or branch pipes.
In summary, according to the specific application scenario, flow requirements and pressure conditions, it is necessary to reasonably select a 1/2 inch or 2″ ball valve to ensure the efficiency and safety of the fluid control system.
Importance of size selection:
In fluid systems, the size selection of ball valves is critical. Different sizes of ball valves, such as 2″ ball valve and 1/2 ball valve, have a direct impact on the performance, energy consumption and operating efficiency of the system. Correct size selection can ensure the smooth operation of the system, while incorrect size selection may lead to increased fluid resistance, increased energy consumption, and even affect the overall stability and safety of the system.
Therefore, it is particularly important to understand how to optimize system performance, reduce energy consumption and improve operating efficiency by selecting the appropriate ball valve size.
1. Size selection in system design
Large size ball valves, such as 2″ ball valves, are usually used in systems that require large flow and high pressure tolerance, such as industrial cooling cycles, urban water supply networks, etc. Its spacious channel design can effectively reduce fluid resistance, lower energy consumption and ensure efficient operation of the system.
The small size ball valve, 1/2 ball valve, is more suitable for occasions with limited space and small flow requirements, such as residential water pipes, small experimental equipment, etc. Correctly selecting the ball valve size can ensure that the system flow and pressure requirements are met while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption and cost waste.
2. Optimize performance and reduce energy consumption
Selecting the right ball valve size is critical to optimizing system performance and reducing energy consumption. Large size ball valves can reduce pressure loss when fluid passes through, improve flow efficiency, and thus reduce energy consumption of power equipment such as pumps and compressors.
Small size ball valves can reduce fluid leakage and improve system stability when accurately controlling small flows. Through reasonable selection, the system can minimize energy consumption while ensuring performance.
3. System security and long-term operation
The correctly selecting valve size has a profound impact on system safety and long-term operation. An undersized ball valve may cause abnormal increases in fluid pressure, increasing the risk of system leakage and failure. An oversized ball valve, while providing greater flow capacity, may increase system complexity and cost.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate ball valve size according to the actual needs of the system is the key to ensuring the safe and stable operation of the system.
