Although the essential functions and designs of side entry ball valves and top entry ball valves are identical, the methods for installing and maintaining the valves are very different.
In this context, both valves use a holed ball through their center to control the flow of gas and liquid through respective pipelines. Find out more about the differences between those two valves by referring to these specific comparison points:
-Design structure
-How they are maintained and operated
-Sealing ability
-Pressure resistance capabilities
-Temperature tolerance
-Cost comparison
What Is a Top Entry Ball Valve?
Top entry ball valves are a type of ball valve with a detachable top trunnion that is also utilized in pipe systems. The three types of rotary valves used in industrial facilities are top entry ball valves. They are frequently used to control flow in fluid-handling systems. These types of rotary valves are suitable for situations involving corrosion. They are used in textile mills, food processing facilities, detergent, chemical, rubber, pulp & paper, and water treatment facilities. When compared to other types of valves, Top Entry Ball Valves generally offer a number of advantages. They are easier to use and can sustain and control large volume, high, and warm temperature flow. The majority of top entry ball valves are reasonably priced, have a long service life, and are built to last. Additionally, the valve style allows for the inspection and repair of seats and seals without removing the valve body from the pipeline, and the regulating part's design allows the valve to function without the complications of aspect hundreds, which are typical of the globe or Top Entry Ball Valves categories.
Ball of Top Entry As the name suggests, valves are stop valves that stop or start the flow using a ball. The globe valve's disk causes the ball to carry out an equivalent function. The ball rotates to a degree wherever the outlet via the ball is in line with the valve body's intake and outlet after the valve handle is turned to open the valve. When the valve is closed, which for the majority of valves only involves turning the hand wheel or Worm gear 90 degrees, the ball is rotated until the hole is perpendicular to the valve body's flow apertures, stopping the flow.
The main reason why ball valves are chosen is that they are simpler to replace, fix, and maintain as necessary. It is widely used in piping systems because of its ease of use and operational design.
What Is a Side Entry Ball Valve?
With your prior knowledge of top entrance ball valves, you can quickly determine the purpose of the other kind. Ball valves that have their ball formed from the inside are known as side entry ball valves. This ball has a two- or three-piece body that is connected by bolts and studs.
Although they are also widely utilized, their primary applications are in high-performance industries including pumping units, compression, reinjection, natural gas, crude oil, transmission lines, and measuring stations. It can be difficult to top side entry ball valves in some application instances.
Key Distinctions Between Side Entry and Top Entry Ball Valves
1. Design Structure
A top entrance ball valve's design structure is characterized by simplicity. The housing, which houses the ball, is the first component of its structure. Another piece holds its internal components together. This arrangement makes cleaning, inspection, and maintenance simpler.
The body of the valve comes next. Because it is made of a single component, its strength is maintained even under the most extreme operating pressures. Its margin wall thickness and connecting bolts also help ensure that it is maintained properly. It has a special pipe connection as well.
The handle, which is likewise on top, is movable, allowing the hollow ball inside the valve to move to change the fall. A top entrance ball valve typically functions similarly to a standard ball valve, with the exception of its top-end construction.
On the other hand, side entrance ball valves have a more conventional yet robust design structure. Typically, the valve body is divided into two or more parts. The ball is positioned between them. As a result, the parts of the valve are simple to assemble or disassemble from the side.
Additionally, when the valve needs to be cleaned, it is simple to reach the internal components, which include the ball, stem, and seals.
2. Maintenance and Operation
Compared to side entrance, top entry ball valves are simpler to repair. With the former, you may easily reach its interior components for repair, eliminating the need to remove the valve from its pipeline.
Side entrance ball valve maintenance can be more difficult because all of its parts need to be taken out of the pipeline. more labor-intensive and time-consuming than top entrance ball valves.
Because of their design, top entrance ball valves usually require less working torque, making them perfect for both automated and manual operations. However, because of their design, side entry ball valves may need a larger operating torque, which is a drawback because it makes some applications more difficult.
3. Sealing Ability
The top entrance ball valves are by far the best in terms of sealing ability. They feature cutting-edge sealing materials that are appropriate for aggressive fluids in addition to having a detachable top cover that makes maintenance easier. As a result, they have excellent sealing capabilities and very little leakage happens in harsh environments.
On the other hand, side entry ball valves may be susceptible to leaks and may not function effectively in high-pressure or high-temperature environments due to their split-body construction.
4. Pressure Resistance
To prevent the valve from rupturing, leaking, or deforming under pressure, it is crucial to ensure that ball valves are totally resistant to pressure. In industries where pressure levels fluctuate, this is essential.
While side entrance ball valves' split-body design may limit their efficiency by introducing potential leak spots, top entry ball valves' construction can withstand a wide variety of pressures.
5. Temperature Tolerance
Ball valves' ability to withstand temperature changes guarantees that they function properly and hold up even in the face of changing operating temperatures.
It could be difficult to determine which is superior in this case. The type of seat determines how much temperature a side entrance ball valve can withstand. Metal-seated valves work best in temperature ranges up to 540 degrees Celsius, while soft-seated valves work best at temperatures below about 260 degrees Celsius.
In a similar vein, whether a top entrance ball valve is metal-seated or soft-seated affects its temperature tolerance. While the latter is designed for high-temperature industries, the former is favored for lower temperature ranges. You can understand why selecting a winner at this stage is challenging. What about the price?
6. Cost Comparison
You will instantly choose the top entry ball valve when comparing the features and designs of those two types of ball valves. Be sure to consider your options because those valves are more costly than the side entrance type.
Expert advice: Although top entry ball valves can be more expensive initially, they can save you money over time since they require less maintenance than side entry ball valves.
Conclusion: Which Is Better for Your Application?
In terms of design, upkeep, operation, sealing capability, and pressure resistance, it is evident that top entrance ball valves are superior to side entry ball valves; yet, they are comparable in terms of temperature tolerance, with the latter being less expensive.
You can still invest in side entry ball valves even if top entry ball valves win this race since, in addition to being more affordable, they take up less room and are capable of handling more complex activities. Ultimately, be sure to understand your needs and match them with these valves' characteristics.
