Brass ball valves
Questions and answers about Brass ball valves
What is a brass ball valve?
Which ball valves are the most reliable?
Which ball valve is better to choose - polypropylene or brass?
Which ball valve is better - brass or stainless steel?
Which material is better for a ball valve?
Why use brass instead of stainless steel?
Features and purpose of brass ball valves
A brass ball valve is a type of shut-off valve used to completely shut off the flow of the working medium in pipeline systems. It is indispensable when you need to quickly and reliably cut off the flow of liquid, steam or gas in an emergency or for repairs.
According to Wikipedia, ball valves can withstand pressures up to PN 140 and temperatures up to 250°C, which allows them to be used in various systems where complete tightness and efficient flow control are important. These include cold and hot water supply systems, gas supply, central heating, pipelines in the gas, oil refining, chemical, and food industries.
Design and working principle of brass ball valve
A brass ball valve consists of the following elements:
- Housing. Has two holes for connection to the pipeline.
- Ball. The shut-off element and key part of a valve. Has a through hole through which fluid can pass freely when the unit is in the open position.
- Stem. The rod that connects the faucet handle and the ball. When the handle is turned, the stem transmits rotational motion to the ball.
- Seals. Elements that ensure the tightness of the entire structure and prevent liquid leakage at joints.
- Handle. A lever for operating a faucet. By turning it 90 degrees, you can open or close it.
The principle by which brass valves work ball valves, is based on the rotation of a spherical locking element inside the body. When the tap handle (valve) is turned along the axis of the pipe, the hole in the ball coincides with the direction of flow of liquid or gas in the pipeline. In this position, the substance moves freely along the pipe and passes through the tap without loss of pressure. When the valve is located perpendicular to the axis of the pipe, the position of the hole in the ball changes and an obstacle is created that does not allow the liquid or gas to move further.
Main types of brass ball valves
Brass ball valves come in different types, which allows you to choose the optimal solution according to your needs.
| Criterion | Crane type | Description and characteristics | Application |
| Connection method | Coupling (threaded) | Has an external or internal thread for connection to the pipe. The most popular type. | Domestic water supply and heating systems, small industrial systems. Most often used with small diameter pipes (DN15–DN100). |
| Flanged | The base has flanges at the ends for bolted connection to the pipeline. It is used together with large diameter pipe fittings in high pressure systems. | Industrial installations, main pipelines. | |
| Welded | Connects to the pipe by welding. | Systems where it is important to ensure complete tightness and reliable protection against leaks (gas pipelines, chemical industry, etc.). | |
| Combined | The body uses various types of connections, most often "American" and threaded. | Systems where elements (pump connection points, meters) are periodically serviced, replaced, or dismantled. | |
| Capacity | Full-passage | The diameter of the hole in the ball corresponds to the inner diameter of the pipeline. | Main water and heating lines where it is important to maintain a high flow rate. |
| Not fully passable | The diameter of the hole in the ball is smaller than the diameter of the pipe. | Domestic systems where a small pressure loss is not critical (connection to plumbing fixtures). | |
| Appointment | For water | They have standard seals that can withstand water pressure and temperature. | Domestic and commercial water systems. |
| For gas | They have improved tightness and special marking, and the seals are resistant to gas. | Gas pipelines. | |
| Handle type | Lever | They have a long lever handle, which is convenient for quick opening and closing, especially on large diameter faucets. | Hard-to-reach places, frequently used shut-off valves. |
| Butterfly | Compact butterfly valve. | In conditions of limited free space, on small diameter cranes. |
Advantages of using brass taps in water supply and heating
Brass fittings are a good choice for a hydraulic system, as well as as a heating tap, due to the following advantages:
- long service life (some brands give up to 10 years of warranty on ball plumbing valves);
- high corrosion resistance;
- resistance to high temperatures and pressures, which is especially important if it is industrial fittings;
- simple crane repair;
- resistance to deformation.
Brass pipes and taps do not rust or pollute water. Thanks to their simple and reliable design, the installation of the tap in the water supply system and its subsequent operation do not cause any difficulties.
How to choose and buy a brass ball valve in Ukraine
Experts from the Ukspar online store recommend that anyone choosing brass ball valves, coupling (threaded) or other types, consider the following details:
- purpose and operating conditions - household or industrial taps are needed for water, in particular drinking water, gas or other raw materials;
- mounting compatibility – type, diameter, thread size on the brass ball valve body and the pipe to which it will be attached;
- ball thickness – the thicker the walls, the greater the operating pressure the sealing element can withstand.
Don't try to save too much by choosing very cheap brass ball valves from unknown manufacturers. Choosing high-quality shut-off valves is an investment in the reliability and safety of the entire system.
Where to buy brass ball valves with a quality guarantee
If you need high-quality brass ball valves, we offer to buy such products at favorable prices in our online store. Ukspar presents products only from proven brands that have received favorable reviews and are in demand on the Ukrainian market. Order brass ball valves from us with delivery across Ukraine to be sure of their originality and quality.