Why the ball valve cannot be opened halfway
Let's see why the lion's share of manufacturers of ball valves prohibits the use of a valve in various intermediate positions and strongly recommends operating such products in only two: “Open” / “Closed”.
Ball valve device
The name "ball" these products received due to the distinguishing feature of the design of the locking mechanism. Having a standard device, they consist of:
- a housing in which all elements of the internal structure are mounted;
- metal, mirror polished, ball with a hole;
- locking device seal;
- control lever.
How to use a ball valve
Many manufacturers do not recommend using products to adjust the pressure of the fluid flow, using intermediate positions. Such cranes are designed to work in position - until the end open or closed.
It is not possible to smoothly change the water flows by the locking mechanism due to a nonlinear change in the bore, and its sharp opening at high pressure can lead to water hammer and, as a result, to destruction of the elements of the heat supply system.
In other than the extreme positions of the control lever, there is a possibility of deposition of solid particles on the mirror surface of the locking ball, this will lead to damage to the sealing material and as a result to disruption of the crane.
In an emergency, when you need to quickly shut off the pipeline, you will not be able to do this. The locking unit may “sour” and the valve will turn into a part of the pipe with a reduced bore.
Ways to adjust the pressure in the water supply
To protect communications from water hammer, stable operation of household appliances and plumbing, it is necessary to maintain water pressure in the system. This task is performed by reducers.
Most manufacturers produce designs with a preset pressure setting not exceeding 3 bar. But, if desired, you can configure yourself.
Adjustment is made exclusively when the valves are closed by rotating the installation head. To increase the pressure, it must be rotated to the right, and to reduce the pressure, rotation is performed in the opposite direction.
One turn of the adjusting head changes the pressure by 0.5 bar.
When a pressure gauge is installed in the system, the adjustment is carried out quite accurately, and where there is no pressure gauge, the result can be visually estimated by the pressure force from the mixer.
In a private house, the pressure in the water supply system is maintained with the help of a hydraulic accumulator and a pressure switch. Ready-made pumping stations are completed with these products, but you can mount the system yourself. Relay adjustment in the required range is carried out by setting large and small springs, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
The undeniable advantage of ball valves:
- large size of diameters;
- wide application range in temperature and pressure;
- long term of work;
- competitive price.
The locking mechanism will function smoothly and for a long time, only if the operating requirements stated by the manufacturer are observed. Non-intended use does not guarantee the correct functioning of the product, reduces its reliability and MTBF.
Using ball valves as shutoff valves and pressure regulating gears you will ensure reliable operation of the water supply system for a long time.
