Difference Between Control Valves And Ball Valves

Both control valves and ball valves are widely used in industry to start, shut off, and regulate flow. In this article, we will introduce you to the difference between control valves and ball valves, so that you can better understand their differences and applications, hoping to help you better choose the right valve for your projects.

What is a control valve?

The control valve is mainly used to control the flow of fluid, and it can also achieve the purpose of dividing and converging. The control valve receives the adjustment signal through the actuator, thereby allowing a certain amount of flow to transport. The control valve could manage the flow and pressure effectively.Secondly, the control valve can use pneumatic actuators, electric actuators, or driven by its own pressure.

What is a ball valve?

The ball valve is one of the shut-off valves, mainly used for transport and shut-off. The ball valve can be driven manually, electrically or pneumatically. The adjustment signal is received through electric actuators and pneumatic actuators or regulates the open/close angle manually, to achieve the purpose of flow adjustment.

What is the difference between a control valve and a ball valve?

working principle

The control valve is a linear motion valve, while the ball valve is a quarter rotary valve

Internal structure

The internal structure of the control valve is completely different from that of the ball valve.

There is a disc inside the control valve, and the disc moves linearly up or down.

Source: Instrumentationtools

There is a ball inside the ball valve, which can be opened or closed by rotating 90 degrees.

Source: Instrumentationtools

Function

Due to the special structure of the control valve, it is more suitable for regulating function, and the regulating flow is more precise.Although the ball valve can also be used to adjust the flow, the adjustment effect is not as good as the control valve. Ball valves are more used for start and on-off.

Application

Control valves are widely used in industries that have adjusted flow needs. Such as boilers, water supply systems, chemical industries, fuel oil systems, oil and natural gas, etc.Ball valves are widely used in industries that require tight closure, such as shipbuilding, power plants, water treatment, fire protection, etc.

Summarize

If you have precise requirements for flow regulation, we will recommend the control valve for you. If you need a shut-off valve, then the ball valve will be your best choice.

If you need more valve information, please feel free to contact us at sales@covnavalve.com