FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The maximum operating pressure for a ball valve depends on its material and design. For example, a stainless steel ball valve can handle pressures up to 1000 psi, while plastic or PVC valves have lower limits. Always refer to the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact rating.
Cavitation occurs when liquid pressure drops below its vapor pressure, forming bubbles that collapse violently, causing damage to the valve body and trim. It can be prevented by selecting a valve with appropriate flow characteristics and reducing pressure differentials.
Valve leakage class defines the amount of permissible leakage when a valve is fully closed. The leakage classes, as per ANSI/FCI 70-2 standards, range from Class I (no leakage) to Class VI (permissible soft seat leakage). It’s important to choose the correct class based on your application’s tightness requirements.
Temperature affects valve materials and seals. For example, high temperatures can cause thermal expansion, impacting valve clearances, while low temperatures can make materials brittle. Always ensure that the valve is rated for your system’s operating temperature to avoid material failure.
A full port (full bore) valve has an internal diameter equal to the pipe diameter, offering no flow restriction. A reduced port (reduced bore) valve has a smaller internal diameter than the pipe, which can cause some flow restriction.