The handle of the ball valve is a vital part of the ball valve as it is the part through which the clients manage the flow of the fluids and the gases. This paper sought to explain how the handle of the ball valve operates and how the design of the handle that is incorporated in the ball valve influences the type of the ball valve that is required in a specific application. This article focuses on the structure of the ball valve handle and working principles of the handle, and the choice of a good ball valve manufacturer.
General Information
The ball valves are used in various industrial applications because of their shut off characteristics and good control on the flow. The ball valve handle is the external knob or wheel that the user turns in order to rotate the ball inside the valve body in order to open or close the valve. It is a highly effective form of on-off flow control that, owing to its simple structure, usually rotating a quarter turn, is often used in many applications.
The position of the ball valve handle is desirable for the operation of the valve but is a part of the valve’s construction. The handle must be ergonomic in that it can be smoothly operated and in addition the outside features must show the operating position of the valve in addition to being robust enough to face the stress that it is likely to face in industrial use. Manufacturers of ball valves provide the handle types according to the requirements of the particular applications starting from the manual to the automatic ones.
Description
A ball valve handle is designed for functionality and comfort of the users or operators handling the valve. In more general terms, handles might be created of such robust materials as stainless steel, aluminum, or plastic, in accordance with the possible use of the piece. The handle is made of stainless steel which is usually preferred in industries where handle strength is an issue. Plastic handles are less sturdy and preferred in residential and light industrial use because of the cost factor.
The design of the ball valve handle used is chosen to give maximum control with least effort for the proper levering shape. This is especially so in high-pressure systems wherein the force needed to turn the valve may be quite high. Handles are conventionally extended to provide improved leverage so as to facilitate movement of the ball within the body of the valve. One of the features of the handle is the existence of protective mechanisms in the form of locking systems for preventing the handles from being triggered accidentally, especially in cases where the handles are used in life-threatening situations.
Furthermore, a great percentage of ball valve handles have an indication showing whether the valve is open or closed or by either colors or labels on the handle. This feature is particularly useful in large plants where there is a need to quickly identify the status of the valve in order to avoid catastrophic issues. When it comes to the valve handle it has also become a question of customization so that the handle corresponds with the needs of the ball valve suppliers and the industry at large.
Functionality and Operation
The basic purpose of the ball valve handle is to ensure that manipulation of the valve can be easily and effectively made. The handle’s operation is straightforward: In other words, if the internal ball is in one position, rotating the handle 90 degrees will open the valve while if the internal ball is in the other position, rotating the handle 90 degrees will close it. This quarter-turn operation is one of the benefits of enabling a fast and accurate control of the fluid or gas flow in a valve.
Some handles of the ball valve are designed to offer both on/off control, while some can be set to throttle to enable control of the flow of the liquids in the system. Nevertheless, this is not very frequent as ball valves are mainly launched for on or off positions optimally. The longevity of the ball valve handle is of paramount importance in increasing the lifespan of the valve, most especially if it is operated or used in some rough conditions.
In the case of the automation of the ball valve handles, they are fitted with actuators to enable remote or automatic opening or even closing. Such actuators can be pneumatic, electric or hydraulic depending on the need of the actuators in the particular automatons. Manufacturer of ball valves also offer handles that are compatible with different types of actuators allowing for fitment in automation systems. These characteristics make ball valves suitable to modern industrial processes in which automation and remote control processes are frequently applied.
Selecting the Right Ball Valve Manufacturer
How an enter supplier buys the ball valves is very important so that the ball valve handles in the particular system can be appropriate for the respective usage. While shopping for a supplier of handles, it will be wise to go for a supplier who can provide a myriad of handles depending on the intended application of the handles, whether coming with a mechanical lever handle only or a special machine handle. Experts will also be of use when it comes to choosing the right handle material and the features that will meet your needs.
When procuring handles for your ball valves you don’t want to just get handles that are durable and reliable, but handles that have also been designed to upgrade your valve’s capabilities. Such factors as ergonomics, ease to operate and compatibility with other systems within your establishment will be included. If you opt for a supplier that offers quality and innovation the ball valves you get are very effective in the places where they can be applied and will last longer.
Conclusion
The ball valve handle is an important part of the valve which affects its efficiency and durability to a greater extent. Knowledge concerning the structure and use of these components is critical for the correct choice of a valve. Thus if you get your ball valves from the right company, you will be assured of handles that offer easy operation, endurance and safety. For a large industrial application or a small household, it is crucial to understand the best ball valve handle that can be used and the best supplier to reach.
