Improved ball valve design reduces torque
AS-Schneider
Process plants handling abrasive materials, especially at high temperatures and high pressures, often need metal-seated ball valves, and extreme operating conditions with temperatures to 450°C and pressures to 420 bars require special sealing technology for ball valves that are more rugged than standard soft-seated ball valves. The patented Dissolution ball valve design (photo, p. 34) offers optimum distribution of forces and loads in the ball valve, allowing it to be actuated easily even at pressures to 420 bars, says the manufacturer. The seat and ball surfaces are coated with Hardalloy and carbide compounds at the metal seated ball valve. During operation, the forces needed to maintain the tightness between the ball seat and the valve body are only directed onto the corresponding graphite seal rings. The ball is spring-loaded, which ensures a low, defined minimum pressure and smooth, reliable operation — AS-Schneider, Nordheim, Germany