Selecting a high pressure ball valve may seem straightforward, but choosing the right high pressure hydraulic ball valve for your application involves more than finding one that fits the system. Taking the time to evaluate important selection criteria before installation can improve system reliability and extend the service life of your equipment.
Understand System Operating Pressure
Before selecting a high pressure ball valve, determine the maximum pressure your system will experience during normal operation. While operating pressure is an important starting point, it’s also important to account for pressure spikes or surges that may occur during startup, shutdown, or changes in flow.
Choosing a valve with an appropriate working pressure rating helps ensure safe, reliable operation throughout its service life. Operating a valve beyond its rated pressure can lead to premature wear, leakage, or failure.
Know the Media
The type of media flowing through the system is another important consideration when selecting a ball valve. Hydraulic oil, water, compressed air, chemicals, and other industrial fluids each present different compatibility requirements.
The valve body, seats, and seals should all be compatible with the media being conveyed. Using incompatible materials can lead to corrosion, seal degradation, leakage, or reduced service life.
If an application involves aggressive chemicals or specialized fluids, consult Dixon’s corrosion resistance chart to verify compatibility before making a selection.
Consider Operating Temperature
Temperature can significantly affect valve performance. Both high and low operating temperatures influence the performance of valve body materials, seats, and seals. In many cases, pressure ratings can also change as temperature increases.
When evaluating a valve, consider both the temperature of the media and the surrounding environment. Selecting materials designed for the expected operating range helps maintain sealing performance and extends the life of the valve.
Select the Right Valve Material
Valve body material should be selected based on the application, operating environment, and media. Carbon steel is commonly used in hydraulic and industrial systems because it provides excellent strength for demanding applications. Stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance, making it a good choice for washdown environments, corrosive media, or outdoor installations.
Depending on the application, other materials may also be available to meet specific performance requirements. Choosing the appropriate material helps improve durability while reducing the likelihood of corrosion-related failures.
Choose the Proper End Connection
Selecting the correct end connection helps ensure a secure installation and minimizes the potential for leaks. Depending on the application, common end connections include:
- NPT threaded
- Socket weld
- Butt weld
- SAE
- O-ring Boss (ORB)
The best connection type depends on factors such as system pressure, installation requirements, maintenance needs, and existing equipment. Matching the valve to the system’s connection style simplifies installation and helps maintain system integrity.
Flow Requirements
High pressure ball valves can be full-port or reduced-port.
A full-port or full-bore ball valve has an opening that closely matches the inside diameter of the connecting pipe or hose. This design minimizes flow restriction and pressure drop, allowing media to move through the system with minimal resistance.
Reduced-port valves have a smaller opening than the connecting pipe. While they still provide reliable shutoff, the smaller bore creates additional flow restriction and a greater pressure drop.
Understanding the difference between the two designs is important to ensure the valve performs as expected within the system.
Dixon High Pressure Ball Valves
High Pressure Full-Bore Ball Valve
- Blow-out proof stem
- Rugged construction
- Full port, sizes 1/4” - 1”
Specifications
- Temperature range: -20°F to 215°F (-29°C to 101.6°C)
- 1/4” - 1/2” pressure rating: 5880 PSI
- 3/4” - 1” pressure rating: 6000 PSI
Materials
- 316 stainless steel
- FKM/FPM seals
- POM (polyacetal) ball seats
High Pressure Clear Zinc Ball Valve
Features
- Zinc clear coating is RoHS compliant
- 1/4” - 1” is a block body and full port
- 1-1/4” - 2” is a forged body and reduced port
- NPTF-ORB connections
Specifications
- Temperature range: -20°F to 215°F (-29°C to 101.6°C)
- 1/4” - 1/2” pressure rating: 7350 PSI
- 3/4” - 2” pressure rating: 6000 PSI
Materials
- Nitrile rubber O-rings
- POM (polyacetal) ball seats
- Nickel plated ball
- Carbon steel body
High Pressure Full-Bore 3-Way Ball Valve
- Rugged construction
- L-flow pattern
Specifications
- Temperature range: -20°F to 215°F (-29°C to 101.6°C)
- Pressure rating: 5145 PSI
Materials
- Clear zinc carbon steel
- Nitrile rubber O-ring
- Nickel plated ball
Summary
Choosing the right high pressure ball valve involves more than selecting a valve with the correct pressure rating. Dixon recommends using the acronym STAMPED, which stands for size, temperature, application, media, pressure, ends, and Dixon, to ensure you are selecting The Right Connection®.
Whether you’re designing a new system or replacing an existing valve, taking a thoughtful approach to valve selection can improve efficiency, reduce maintenance, and help keep operations running smoothly.
For more information, visit dixonvalve.com or call 877.963.4966.
