Stainless Steel Ball Valve Body

The Stainless Steel Ball Valve Body is a reliable, high-performance component designed for on-off control and flow regulation in industrial pipelines. Manufactured from 304 (UNS S30400), 316 (UNS S31600), or high-strength duplex 2507 (UNS S32750) via investment casting or forging, these bodies feature a full-bore design and precision-machined seats to minimize pressure drop and ensure bubble-tight shutoff (API 598 compliant).

Engineered with threaded, flanged, or welded end connections to meet ASME B16.34 and DIN EN 1092-1 standards, the valve bodies offer bi-directional sealing and easy integration with manual, pneumatic, or electric actuators.

The valve body is used to hold the ball. Stainless steel ball valves control the flow and passage of fluid by rotating the ball, offering advantages such as a simple structure, flexible operation, excellent sealing, and strong adaptability. The use of stainless steel materials and precision manufacturing processes ensures the valve's long service life.

Superior Sealing Technology: Double-offset ball geometry and PTFE/metal seats provide zero leakage in both directions, with seat materials selected for temperature (up to 450°C/842°F for metal seats) and chemical compatibility.

Corrosion Resistance Matrix: 316 bodies resist chloride solutions (≤ 1,000 ppm Cl⁻), duplex 2507 handles seawater (≥ 30,000 ppm Cl⁻), and 904L (UNS N08904) offers exceptional resistance to concentrated sulfuric acid (≥ 70% H₂SO₄).

Fire-Safe Design: Optional graphite packing and metal-to-metal backup seats comply with API 607 and ISO 10497 fire-safe standards, ensuring integrity during accidental fire exposure.

Low Torque Operation: Polished ball surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.4μm) and anti-friction coatings (e.g., electroless nickel) reduce operating torque by 20%, enabling manual operation of large-diameter valves (up to 24 inches).

The working principle of the ball valve is based on the rotational motion of the sphere, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. The valve body houses the ball, and the rotational movement of the ball within the valve body enables the fluid to be turned on, turned off, or regulated.

Stainless steel ball valves are highly valued for their versatility, long service life, and ability to perform in demanding environments. Key application areas include oil and gas, the chemical industry, water treatment, and marine and offshore industries.

Oil & Gas Production: Used in wellheads and pipeline distribution systems, with duplex 2507 bodies resisting stress corrosion in sour gas (H₂S) environments and high-pressure (100 bar/1,450 PSI) services.

Chemical Processing: Controls the flow of corrosive solvents, acids, and alkalis, with 316 bodies paired with Hastelloy® seats for compatibility with hydrofluoric acid (HF) and chlorine gas.

Water & Wastewater: Installed in potable water networks and sewage treatment plants, where 304 bodies offer cost-effective corrosion resistance and NSF/ANSI 61 compliance for drinking water.

Power Generation: Integral to steam and condensate lines, with 316H bodies handling high-temperature (450°C/842°F) and high-pressure (200 bar/2,900 PSI) steam cycles in thermal power plants.

Q: What is the difference between full-bore and reduced-bore valve bodies?

A: Full-bore bodies (same diameter as pipeline) minimize pressure drop for high-flow applications; reduced-bore designs offer cost and weight savings for low-flow systems.

Q: Can these valve bodies be used in cryogenic services?

A: Yes—316L bodies with extended bonnets and cold-rated seals (Viton® GLT) handle temperatures as low as -196°C (-321°F), compliant with ASME B16.34 cryogenic standards.

Q: How often should the seat seals be replaced in abrasive services?

A: In slurry applications, replace elastomer seals every 5,000 cycles; metal seals last indefinitely but require periodic inspection for wear, facilitated by body drain ports.