Key Technologies and Guide to Selecting Ball Valves for Marine Applications
Due to their fast closing, low flow resistance, and high sealing properties, ball valves are widely used in marine systems, covering key scenarios such as power systems, fuel supply, ballast water management, and fire protection systems. Below is the analysis of the adaptability of ball valves in the marine industry and the main points of selection:
Ball Valve Applications in Major Ship Systems
1. Energy system (fuel/lubricating oil)
1) Application Scenarios:
● Shut-off of the intake/return oil line of the main engine.
● Lubricating oil circulation system control.
2) Selection requirements:
● Material: Carbon steel (fuel), 316 stainless steel (sulfur fuel)
● Seal: PTFE valve seat (oil resistant), flame retardant design (in accordance with IMO standards).
● Certification: Must meet the standards of classification societies such as DNV-GL and ABS.
2. Ballast water system
1) Application Scenarios:
● Control of water intake/discharge into ballast tanks.
● Balancing the draft of a ballast vessel.
2) Selection requirements:
● Corrosion resistance: ultra-low carbon stainless steel (316L) or nickel-aluminum bronze (resistant to seawater corrosion).
● Working mode: hydraulic drive (large diameter) or manual (emergency mode).
3. Fire extinguishing system
1) Application Scenarios:
● Fire water switch control.
● International Shore Connection (FSS Code requirement).
2) Selection requirements:
● Quick Open & Close: 90° rotation for full opening/closing (actuation within 10 seconds in an emergency).
● High pressure resistance: PN16 or above, forging treatment of the valve body.
4. Oil loading and unloading system (tanker)
1) Application Scenario:
● Inlet and outlet valves of oil cargo tanks.
● Inert Gas (IG) System Control
2) Selection requirements:
● Explosion-proof design: ATEX certified, anti-static design (avoid sparks).
● Zero leakage: Double Piston Effect (DPE) valve seat to prevent oil and gas leakage.
5. Domestic water supply system
1) Application Scenario:
● Freshwater/grey water pipeline control
● Drinking Water Sanitary Valve
2) Selection requirements:
● No pollution: food-grade rubber seal (such as EPDM).
● Low Lead: ACS or WRAS Certified.
Zhejiang Gaodun Valve Co., Ltd. specializes in the production of valve products made of carbon steel, stainless steel and special materials.
The company's main products include all-welded ball valves, stainless steel ball valves, fixed ball valves, eccentric half ball valves, butterfly valves, butterfly valves, gate valves and other product series.
