Ball Valves vs Gate Valves

While ball valves and gate valves are in widespread use in applications all over the globe, there are important differences that should be considered when deciding which type of valve is best for your application.

Ball Valves:
• Ball valves are usually made of metal or plastic and are available in various sizes and materials to suit different applications.
• They are generally easier to operate than gate valves because they require less force to turn the handle.
• Ball valves provide a 90-degree turn from fully closed to fully open position, which makes them better suited to quick on/off operation.
• They are commonly used in applications where high flow rates and high pressure are required, such as in water treatment plants, chemical processing, oil and gas, and power generation industries.
• Ball valves can be divided into two main categories: floating ball and trunnion mounted ball valves. The floating ball design allows the ball to move slightly, which ensures a tight seal, while the trunnion mounted ball design is used for higher pressure applications.

Gate Valves:
• Gate valves are typically made of metal and are available in a variety of sizes and materials to suit different applications.
• They are typically operated by a wheel or lever that turns the gate up or down to control the flow of fluid. They take longer to fully open or close than ball valves because several turns are required to cycle the valve.
• Gate valves provide tight shutoff, which makes them suitable for applications such as isolation valves.
• They are commonly used in applications where low flow rates, low pressure, and infrequent operation are required, such as irrigation systems, and fire protection systems.
• Gate valves can be divided into two main categories: rising stem and non-rising stem gate valves. Rising stem gate valves have a stem that rises and falls with the gate, while non-rising stem gate valves have a stem that remains stationary and the gate moves up and down the stem.
It's important to note that while both ball valves and gate valves have their strengths, they are not interchangeable and should be selected based on the specific requirements of the application.