Hydraulic ball valves are valves designed for water conservation, water supply systems, drainage networks, etc., mainly used to control, shut off, or regulate water flow. Their main characteristics are high pressure resistance, corrosion resistance and reliable sealing. They are suitable for large flows and extended water pipelines such as reservoirs, pumping stations, irrigation systems, etc.
1. Main Types of Hydraulic Ball Valves
1. Fully welded ball valve
Features: The valve body is fully welded, no risk of leakage, suitable for underground installation (such as main water pipelines).
Application: South-north water drainage, urban water supply main pipes.
2. Flanged Ball Valve
Features: Flange connection, easy to disassemble and maintain, good sealing.
Application: Pumping station inlet and outlet, tank valve well.
3. Eccentric Half Ball Valve
Features: Eccentric design, small opening and closing torque, resistance to abrasion by dirt and sand.
Application: river drainage with precipitation, treatment facilities.
4. Floating Ball Valve
Features: Floating ball design, suitable for medium and low pressure systems.
Application: Municipal water supply, agricultural irrigation pipe.
2. Key Considerations When Choosing Hydraulic Ball Valves
1) Material Selection
● Valve body:
Fresh Water: Cast Steel (WCB) epoxy coating.
Seawater/Corrosive Environment: Stainless steel (316/duplex steel).
● Sealing:
Pure water: EPDM rubber.
Water with impurities: metal solid seal (tungsten carbide).
● Pressure & Gauge:
Low Pressure (PN10~PN16): DN50~DN1200.
High pressure (PN25~PN40): DN50~DN600 (such as pump station outlet).
● Drive Mode:
Manual: small diameter (DN≤300) or spare valve.
Electrical/hydraulic: large diameter or automatic control system (such as remote water pumping).
● Special needs:
Anti-settling: Use a V-shaped ball valve or an eccentric half-ball valve.
Antifreeze: In the Arctic region, the valve cap must be lengthened (to prevent cracking when freezing).
3. Installation and maintenance
1. Installation precautions
● Flange alignment: The bolts are tightened symmetrically to avoid uneven force on the valve body.
● Weld Protection: All-welded ball valves need to be primed with argon arc welding to prevent the inner coating from catching fire.
● Flow direction mark: Some ball valves have flow direction requirements (such as eccentric valves) and must be installed according to the arrow.
2. Service points
● Regular inspection:
Seal (hydraulic pressure test once a year).

Valve stem lubrication (add lithium grease every 6 months).
● Common troubleshooting:
Internal leakage: Replace the valve seat or sand the sealing surface of the ball.
Operation jamming: Remove dirt or replace a worn valve stem.