07.06.

13 - 100

Theory

Equipment
Auxiliaries (1)
Without cocks or valves, chemical or petrochemical plants would not be able to
operate. In addition to pipes for transporting liquids and gases, auxiliaries are
needed to be able to shut off or regulate this transport. The category of
auxiliaries includes all equipment on and in pipes and vessels: valves, cocks,
filters, meters and sight glasses, among other things.
As knowledge of cocks and valves (auxiliaries) is of great importance, we have
devoted three lessons to the subject. This is the first of the three: this lesson
examines the valves with 90 operation. The objective of these lessons is to
provide a good insight into the possibilities, properties and impossibilities in the
use of the various types of valves. Enhancing this insight has the following
advantages:
- ability to make a better choice when purchasing new valves;
- ability to judge whether the valve supplied meets the requirements;
- better ability to assess the condition of a valve in operation.
This lesson does not aim to provide instructions for repair. What will be
discussed is the ability to assess whether the valve meets the requirements.
After studying these lessons, you will also be able to judge whether the choice
of a valve is the optimum one for the service concerned.

Contents of the lesson

1

Shut off devices

Hand-operated valves

Ball valves

Plug valves

Butterfly valves

The copyright in this material is vested in Shell Global Solutions International B.V., The Hague, The Netherlands and Shell Netherlands Raffinaderij B.V. All rights
reserved. Neither the whole or any part of this document may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means (electronic,
mechanical, reprographic, recording or otherwise) without the prior written consent of the copyright owner.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Lesson
1

Shut off devices

There is a wide range of shut off devices, allowing many requirements to be
met. In these lessons, however, we will limit ourselves to the most important
types and categories.
Shut off devices can be divided into:
- open and shut valves (manual, pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical operation);
- control valves;
- safety valves;
- one-way valves.
The right choice of shut off device depends, among other things, on the
following factors:
- density;
- temperature;
- rust particles;
- crystals.
It is not possible to draw up a standard guide for the selection of the right shut
off device; practical experience and information provided by manufacturers are
very important.

2
- main functions

Hand-operated valves
Manual valves have three main functions in fluid flow systems:
- starting and stopping the flow;
- regulating the flow quantity;
- different flow paths.
Open and shut valves for starting and stopping the flow are also often used for
control of the flow quantities and vice versa, whereas valves for directing the
flow to different pipes are designed for that purpose only.
In manually operated shut off devices, we can distinguish three groups:
- Valve with 90 turn:
ball valve;
plug valve;
butterfly valve.
- Valve with rising spindle:
gate valve;
piston valve;
diaphragm valve.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Valve with arising-rotating spindle:

globe valve;
diaphragm valve.

Valves with 90 turn

Another name for these devices is rotating open and shut valves. This means that
this type of valve is operated by rotating the sealing element a quarter turn (90)
around an axis perpendicular to the direction of flow.
The shut off devices with 90 turn can be divided into three groups:
- ball valves;
- plug valves;
- butterfly valves.

- ball valves
- plug valves
- butterfly valves

This lesson describes these three groups. The rising spindle valve and the valves
with a spindle that is both rising and rotating will be discussed in the next
lesson.
Question 1
What does 90turn mean?

Ball valves
The ball valve is a valve with 90 turn, in which the sealing element is a ball
provided with a round hole. This ball always remains in contact with the seat.
In the design of ball valves, different variations are possible with respect to:
- ball design;
- ball type;
- body type;
- seal rings;
- valve bore;
- mounting space.

3.1

Ball design
Ball valve with floating ball and reduced bore
In ball valves with 'floating' ball and reduced bore (see figure 1), the seal ring is
in PTFE. The pressure of the medium presses the ball against the seat. If the
pressure difference is too small, the ball is pressed into the seat with insufficient
force, which leads to leakage. If the pressure difference becomes too large,
however, the surface pressure on the seat becomes too large, causing the seat to
yield. In other words, this design is suitable only for use within a certain
pressure range.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Rem.
In closed position, the ball can move towards the downstream seat since the
ball can move relative to the spindle (float).
5603-100-001-P

Figure 1
Valve with 'floating' ball against 'downstream' seal ring

Ball valve with floating ball with full bore

This type of valve can be recognised by a flange in the body (both split body and
top entry, see section 3.3). It should be pointed out that in many cases, split body
is not allowed, and it is never allowed with the centre line of the ball and stem
(the spindle) through the plane of the flange.
Ball valves with bearing-mounted balls (trunnion supported)
This is a type of ball valve in which the ball is supported by bearings in the
body. The top and bottom of the ball are fitted with fixed trunnions. Due to this,
the forces acting on the ball are absorbed by the bearings rather than the seats.
This results in a lower actuating torque. By means of a spring packet, the seats
are pressed in position against the ball. This ensures a constant and adequate seal
at all times, even with extremely low and high pressures. Whether or not to
mount the ball on bearings will depend on diameter and pressure.

3.2

Ball type
In principle, we can distinguish two types of ball: the solid ball and the hollow
ball.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Solid ball
The solid ball (see figure 2) is in most cases made from a perforated rod. The
top of the ball has been provided with a recess, on which the spindle acts. The
solid ball has a straight bore, ensuring uniform flow. As a result, no residual
flow will remain behind in the ball. Particularly in the case of larger dimensions,
the weight is a disadvantage.

5603-100-002-P/

Figure 2
Solid ball

Figure 3
Hollow ball

Hollow ball
For diameters over 6", hollow balls (see figure 3) are often used.
The advantages relative to the solid ball are:
- less weight and therefore lower cost;
- reduction of the surface pressure on the seal rings.
- cavity

One disadvantage to be noted is the fact that the cavity in the ball is hard to
flush. In other words, a 100 % clean valve can never be guaranteed. To enable
flushing to be as efficient as possible, it is done in the open position.
Ball valves are designed in such a way that they have a so-called 'dead' space
(cavity). This is the part of the body around the ball and between the seal rings.
During opening or closing, the bore opening is disengaged from the seal rings.
As a result, the 'dead' space is filled with medium. Due to the temperature, the
pressure in the 'dead' space increases, which may lead to damage to the sealing
mechanism.

- pressure balance
holes
- cavity relief hole

An unacceptably high pressure must be avoided. To this end, the ball is provided
with a pressure balance hole under or opposite the spindle (see figure 4). In
closed position, pressure balancing can take place by means of providing a hole
(cavity relief hole) in the ball (see figure 5). Although this balances the pressure,
the valve will be suitable for only one direction of flow in this case. A better, but
more complicated solution consists in fitting a spring packet on the seal rings,
which balances the pressure.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

5603-100-004-P

Figure 4
Ball valve with "pressure balance hole"

3.3

Figure 5
Ball valve with 'cavity relief hole'

Type of casing
The following casing designs are possible:
One-piece body (see figure 6)
In contrast with the split body ball valve, this type does not have any flange
connection(s), which reduces the risk of leakage. The body is therefore in one
part, usually with a reduced bore.
Split body (see figure 7)
Here, the two body halves are joined by means of flanges.
This type is generally used when a full bore is required. A disadvantage is the
increased risk of leakage in comparison with the one-piece body.
Sandwich (see figure 8)
In this type, the body consists of three components. In multi-part bodies, the
central part, which contains all working components, can be removed as a
whole, while the two connecting ends remain in position. This is practical when
the valve is welded into the pipe. This also enables the use of exchangeable
connecting ends.

5603-100-006-P

Figure 6
Ball valve; one-piece body

Figure 7
Ball valve; split body
6

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

The three types discussed above (all of them 'side entry', i.e. the shut off
mechanism is inserted into the valve from the side) are provided with an 'antiblow-out' spindle design. This is a protection device which ensures the spindle is
not blown out by the pressure of the medium if the top part is loosened. This
precautionary measure is necessary in valves not fitted with a bonnet. The result
is that in removing the gland, the spindle is forced out.

- side entry
- anti-blow-out

'Top-entry' (see figure 9)

The body of this ball valve forms one unit and does not have any screwed
insert(s). The sealing components are mounted 'from the top', and the whole unit
is subsequently locked by a removable cover. In this type too, an 'anti-blow-out'
spindle design can be fitted. This type also allows 'in line' repairs. This means
that maintenance can be carried out without removing the valve. A disadvantage
is the increased risk of leakage of the cover gasket.

5603-100-008-P

Figure 8
Ball valve; sandwich

Figure 9
Ball valve; 'top-entry'

Finally, we should point out for all types that in case of corrosive media (such as
H2SO4 and HCl) the surfaces in contact with these media can be lined with
PTFE (such as Teflon) (lined ball valves), including the ball and the spindle.

3.4
- seats

Seats
The seats can be made in synthetic or metal.
Synthetic seat (soft seated seal ring)
The synthetic seal ring is usually made in PTFE (Teflon). The advantages of
synthetic seal rings are:
- price;
- if the ball is not perfectly round, this is compensated for by the soft seat;
- optimum sealing;
- low coefficient of friction.
The disadvantages are:
- limited temperature range;
- unsuitable for dirty media;
- not form-retaining, particularly at high temperatures and pressures;
- low resistance to abrasive effects.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Metal seal rings (metal to metal seal ring)

Due to the increasingly demanding design requirements (due to the higher
temperatures and pressures and the occurrence of dirt), the use of metal seal
rings is increasing. The seat and the ball are provided with a hard coating (such
as 'stellite').
The advantages of metal seal rings are:
- wide temperature range;
- high allowable surface pressure;
- high wear resistance;
- practically identical coefficients of expansion of seat and ball;
- fire-safe and form-retaining.
The disadvantages are:
- extremely accurate manufacturing required, making it expensive;
- no optimum seal;
- high coefficient of friction.

3.5

Medium bore
In principle, two types can be distinguished with respect to valve opening to
flow: full bore and reduced bore.
The valve bore is the opening the medium flows through if the valve is fully
opened.
If the valve bore is the same diameter as that of the pipe it is connected to, we
speak of full bore.
If the valve bore is smaller than the diameter of the pipe, however, the valve will
form a constriction in the pipe. We then speak of a reduced bore. Particularly in
case of viscous liquids and when there is an increased risk of clogging, it is
necessary to use a valve with a full bore.
Valves with a reduced bore have more pipe resistance than valves with a full
bore, so in case of a reduced bore, the pressure loss will be greater.

- full bore
- reduced bore

3.6

Mounting distance
With respect to mounting distance, we distinguish a short pattern and a long
pattern. In the petrochemical industry, the following standard ball valves are
used: 'short pattern' and 'long pattern' ball valves, both with a floating ball and
synthetic seats; the 'short pattern' ball valve having a reduced bore and the 'long
pattern' ball valve having a full bore.

- short pattern
- long pattern

3.7

Advantages and disadvantages of ball valves compared with

plug valves, butterfly valves and spindle valves
Advantages of ball valves
- rapid switching (90 turn, which also applies to plug and butterfly valves).
- low flow resistance;
- easy to automate by installing an actuator;
- good availability.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Disadvantages of ball valves

- sensitive to fouling (particularly the hard parts);
- sensitive to incorrect mounting of the actuator (spindle leakage);
- the 'dead' space, in which medium and possibly dirt remains behind;
- if a full bore is required, a split body must be used, making the valve more
sensitive to pipe stress.
In the case of synthetic deal rings, the following applies:
- limited temperature range;
- sensitive to improper use in case of:
incomplete opening or closing;
regulating.
Question 2
Which three types of ball designs are there?
Question 3
What are 'lined ball valves'?

Plug valves
The plug valve (see figure 10) (where is fig.10) is also known as cock or plug
cock. In this type, flow is regulated by means of rotating the plug. A big
advantage compared with the ball valves is the fact that the plug valves do not
have any 'dead' space. The valve is switched from fully opened to fully closed
by turning the operating lever a quarter turn. The passage in the valve is straight.
The bore of the pipe is round, but the passage of the plug is not. This shape
transition results in a pressure drop.

- 'multiple-path'
design

An important characteristic of this valve is the ease with which it can be

converted to a so-called 'multiple path' design. By this we mean a 3- or 4-way
plug valve. In 3-way plug valves, the plug has an L- or T-shaped passage. The 4way design is provided with two L-shaped passages (see figure 11). In addition,
there is a distinction between passage overlap and passage interruption in
switching. In case of an overlap, at a given moment all passages are open,
whereas in case of an interruption, all passages are closed first, before the next
passage is opened. These designs can simplify the configuration of the pipes and
also reduce the number of valves required at the plant.

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

PFA diaphragm
PTFE inner bush
Raised sealing ribs
ANSI (ASA) or DIN flange designs
Tapering plug
6. Adjustment
7. Adjusting plate
8. Retaining circlip
5603-100-090-H

Figure 10
Plug valve

Plug valves can be subdivided into three groups:

- unbalanced (grease lubricated) plug valves;
- balanced (grease lubricated) plug valves;
- plug valves with PTFE seats.

4.1

Unbalanced (grease-lubricated) plug valves

These plug valves are provided with conical plugs with lubrication grooves. The
spindle forms one whole with the plug, due to which the spindle packing will act
as a bearing. In unbalanced plug valves, the plug will tend to get stuck relatively
rapidly due to changes in pressure and temperature. As a result, forces are
generated which press the plug into the seat. These forces are:
- the force due to the plug's own weight;
- the force due to the medium pressure;
- the force due to adjusting the bonnet.

10

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

5603-100-011-P

Figure 11
Schematic diagram of plug valves with multiple ports

In this grease lubricated type, an insoluble lubricant is injected under pressure

and forms a thin coating between the plug and the body. The lubricant is
injected via the spindle, by means of a grease gun or a lubrication screw. The
lubricant flows through a check valve and then reaches the seat via narrow
grooves in the seat and the body.
The lubricant, which is injected via a grease nipple, has the following functions:
- sealing in the direction of flow;
- lubrication of the plug in the seat;
- maintenance of the moving surfaces;
- pumping the plug loose from the seat if it gets stuck.
When the valve is in the closed position, the plug is forced into the low pressure
side due to the pressure of the medium. Due to the fact that the spindle forms
one whole with the plug, the spindle packing will act as a bearing. Another
disadvantage is that the plug gets stuck fairly rapidly as a result of changes in
pressure and temperature, fouling and low switching frequencies. The advantage
is the simple design. This type of plug valve is used for low pressures.

4.2

Balanced (grease-lubricated) plug valves

To compensate for the disadvantages of an unbalanced plug valve, a plug valve
with floating balanced plug has been developed. During operation, there are
different forces acting on the plug (see figure 12). This difference between the
forces is created by the difference in surface areas the pressure acts on. These
forces ensure the plug is forced into the seat. The forces in questions are:
- the force due to the pressure of the medium;
- the force due to adjusting the bonnet.

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Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

a. unbalanced plug

b. balanced plug
5603-100-012-P

Figure 12
Pressure distribution of plugs

In a balanced design, a number of features are provided to balance the plug:

- pressure balancing holes at the top and bottom of the plug;
- balancing spring (on the side of the smallest diameter of the plug);
- 'loose' plug design (i.e. free from the spindle).

- balancing spring

The pressure balancing holes ensure a uniform pressure on all sides of the plug.
The adjusting screw at the bottom ensures a correct position of the plug in the
body.
The balancing spring compensates for the difference in surface area of the top
and bottom of the plug and the force with which the plug is forced in the seat. In
addition, the plug remains in the correct position in the body, in spite of changes
in pressure and temperature.
The loose plug design prevents the spindle packing from functioning as a
bearing. In this design, the plug is not forced into the seat and the plug is
provided with a PTFE coating to keep friction and moment of torque low. A
disadvantage is the complicated design. This type is also suitable for high
pressure applications.

4.3

Plug valves with PTFE seat

The introduction of the plug valve with synthetic inner sleeve ('PTFE sleeved')
provided a big advantage. This synthetic inner sleeve is mounted between the
plug and the body and takes over the function of the lubricant. The material of
the inner sleeve is a synthetic material with a low coefficient of friction (such as
PTFE).
12

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Plug valves with a synthetic inner sleeve ensure smooth operation with
improved sealing and, as a result of the self lubricating effect of the synthetic
inner sleeve, require less maintenance than grease lubricated plug valves. The
self lubricating effect of the inner sleeve consequently makes the plug valve
highly suitable for applications in which grease lubricated plug valves are
unacceptable. A disadvantage is the maximum operating temperature of 200 C
(unloaded).
Finally, it should be pointed out that the choice of lubricant depends on the
medium, the temperature and the operating pressure.

4.4

Advantages and disadvantages of plug valves compared with

ball valves, butterfly valves and spindle valves
Advantages
- one-piece body;
- straight passage;
- 'in line' repairs possible;
- rapid switching;
- absence of 'dead' space (compared with ball valves);
- easy to automate by installing an actuator.
Disadvantages
- sensitive to fouling:
the dirt adheres to the lubricant;
with PTFE sleeve: damage to the plug and the inner sleeve, leading to
leakage.
- maintenance-sensitive:
seals on lubricant;
regular lubrication necessary;
lubricant in the product.
- high moment of torque in metal-to-metal seals;
- metal seating surfaces are hard to regrind;
- high flow resistance (due to passage transition);
- no universal lubricant;
- high purchase cost;
- maximum operating temperature is determined by lubricant.
Question 4
What is meant by passage overlap?

Butterfly valves
A circular disc rotates around a diametrical axis. A 90 movement opens or
closes the valve in a fast and simple manner. A butterfly valve usually is light
and compact and has relatively few components. The type of butterfly valve
depends on:
- type of valve;
- valve geometry;
- type of body;
- seal rings.
13

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

5.1

Valve type
There are three types of butterfly valve:
- wafer type;
- lug type;
- flange type.

- preferred
butterfly valve

Wafer type
If the application allows it, this is the preferred type of butterfly valve (see
figure 13). The reason is the relatively low cost, the light weight and the short
mounting valves. This type is wedged between two flanges. A big disadvantage,
however, is the fact that the flange bolts must absorb all the tensile stresses
caused by system stretch. In addition, these bolts must provide the compression
of the two packing surfaces. As a result, there is an increased risk of leakage due
to bolt relaxation. Moreover, this type cannot be spaded (blind flange). Also,
because of the close clearance of the valve, even minor sagging in the pipe is
sufficient to damage the valve disc.

5603-100-013-P

Figure 13
Butterfly valve; wafer type (without flanges)

- 'fire safe'

- can be spaded

Lug type
The difference between the wafer type and the lug type is that the latter has caston lugs with tapped holes which are attached to the pipe flange by means of tap
bolts (see figure 14). This type is used if the entire system must be 'fire safe'
(including the bolts). With the wafer type, this is not the case. Another
advantage in comparison with the wafer type is that the lug type is better
centred. In addition, this type has the following advantages in common with the
wafer type: lightweight and short mounting distance. This type cannot be spaded
either.
Flange type.
This type of butterfly valve differs from the other types in that it is fitted with a
flange on both sides of the body. This increases the (see remarks), avoiding
problems with dismantling, even if the valve is not entirely closed. Another
advantage is the fact that this type can spaded. The mounting distance is not
standardised.

14

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

5603-100-014-P

Figure 14
Butterfly valve; lug type

5.2

Valve geometry
The different valve designs are:
Concentric valve (see figure 15)
A concentric or symmetric valve is insensitive to the direction of flow.
Concentric valves are generally used in 'rubber lined' butterfly valves and in
butterfly valves in low pressure (gas) flows. This type requires the seat to be
adapted to the valve geometry at the location of the spindle passage. The sealing
curve is interrupted by the valve disc as a result of symmetry. There is a
permanent contact between the seat and the valve spindle. The advantage in
comparison with eccentric valves is the fact that due to the concentric position,
the thin valve disc requires only minor thickening for the purpose of the valve
spindles at the top and bottom. Consequently, the pressure drop is reduced.
Symmetric valve disc
Application
* Rubber coated butterfly valves
*

Flue gas ducts or air ducts (air

conditioning system)

Disadvantage
* Valve spindle penetrates the sealing
surface. No metal-to-metal seal
possible between valve disc and seat
Advantage
* Simple design

5603-100-050-P

Figure 15
Concentric (symmetric) butterfly valve

15

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Single eccentric valve (see figure 16)

Here, the spindle is positioned 'adjacent to' the valve, in such a way that a round
and uninterrupted sealing surface of both valve and seat is obtained. A
disadvantage is that there is a permanent contact between the valve disc and the
seat, making the valve sensitive to vibrations. A consequence is that the seat on
the valve disc and the body is damaged. Another disadvantage is the fact that
operation depends on the direction of flow.
1st eccentricity
Valve spindle adjacent to valve disc
Advantage
* Metal-to-metal seal possible
Disadvantage
* Valve disc remains in contact with
seat.
Consequence: local wear at place of
contact
Used rarely

5603-100-060-P/

Figure 16
Single eccentric butterfly valve

Double-eccentric valve (see figure 17)

To compensate for the permanent contact between the valve disc and the seat, a
second eccentricity was introduced. Here, the sealing surface is located a small
distance in front of the axis of rotation. The centre line of the valve spindle has
bee placed adjacent to the centre line in the longitudinal direction of the valve.
This second eccentricity ensures the valve rotates in or out of the seat only
during opening and closing, resulting in minimum seat wear. A disadvantage is
the unequal valve surface areas with respect to the spindle, which results in a
preferential direction of flow. This type is the one most frequently used as there
is no permanent contact between the seat and the valve disc.
Triple-eccentric valve (see figure 18)
The final type we will describe here is the triple-eccentric valve, in which the
seal is obtained by pressing the valve against the seat. The angle of contact is ca.
5 degrees. This valve can be compared with the operation of the gate in a gate
valve. The seat has the shape of a slanted cone section and a slightly ellipsoid
periphery. Consequently, the valve is pressed against the seat and is not rotated.
The disadvantage is that any dirt is not moved from the seat by the valve. In
addition, this type is quite complicated and its purchase price is high. Finally, it
should be pointed out that the degree of leak-tightness of the passage is
determined by the torque with which the valve disc is pressed against the seat.

16

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

2nd Eccentricity
Advantage
* Metal-to-metal seal possible
*

Valve disc in open position not in

contact with seal ring

Disadvantage
* Preferential sealing direction
Attention required in mounting in
discharge of pumps

5603-100-070-p

Figure 17
Double eccentric butterfly valve
3rd Eccentricity
Advantage
* Metal-to-metal seal possible
*

Valve disc in open position in contact

with seal ring

Sealing torque

*
*

High temperature seats possible

Disadvantage
* Preferential sealing direction
*

More expensive design

5603-100-080-p

Figure 18
Triple eccentric butterfly valve

5.3

Body type
Two types can be distinguished: a one-piece body and a split body.
One-piece body
This body forms one unit, with a spindle passage at the top and secured at the
bottom, enabling the valve to be bearing mounted.
Split body
Split body butterfly valves are usually PTFE lined or rubber lined. The
advantage of this type of body is the simplicity of replacing the PTFE or rubber
seat. Just as in the one-piece body, in split body butterfly valves, bearing
mounting is possible.
17

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

5.4

Seal rings
The seal rings can be divided into two groups:
- synthetic seal rings;
- metal seal rings.
Synthetic seal ring (see figure 19a)
Often the design consists of two components: the seal ring and the support ring.
The seal ring is primarily made of PTFE, whereas the material of the support
ring is a resilient elastomer.

- elastomer

Metal seal ring (see figure 19b)

Here, the seat design consists of one single component. The metal seal ring is
mechanically locked in the body by means of a so-called 'T-lock'.

- 'T lock'

5603-100-018-p

Figure 19
Seals in butterfly valves

The seal ring has a smaller radius and diameter than the corresponding valve
surface area, causing it to be stretched when the butterfly valve is closed. The
pressure is concentrated on the vertices of the sealing ring, achieving an
excellent seal. With increasing pressure, the seal improves due to this pressure
penetrating the 'T-lock'.

5.5

Advantages and disadvantages of butterfly valve compared

with ball valves, plug valves and spindle valves
Advantages of butterfly valves
- no 'dead' space;
- rapid switching;
- easy to automate;
- good availability;
- relatively low purchase price;
- short (see remarks);
- less sensitive to fouling than other types of valve with '90 turn'.

18

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Disadvantages of butterfly valves

- can be used from 3 inches due to the large volume of the valve (high flow
resistance);
- some makes have a preferential direction of flow because of a lower torque;
- wafer type and lug type butterfly valve are sensitive to incorrect use and
disassembly (valve half open);
- if the valve is blocked (in the open position), the pipe must be disassembled.
Question 5
Which three types of butterfly valves are there?
Question 6
What is the advantage of a concentric valve compared with an eccentric one?

19

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Summary
Valves can be divided into: open and shut valves, control valves, safety valves
and one-way valves.
The three main functions of hand-operated valves are: starting and stopping the
flow, regulating the flow quantity and providing multiple pipe connections
Valves with 90 turn can be divided into: ball valves, plug valves and butterfly
valves.
Ball valves
Ball valves can have the following ball design: 'floating ball' with reduced bore,
'floating' ball with full bore, and thirdly bearing mounted balls.
The balls can be solid or hollow and can be provided with a pressure balance
hole or a cavity relief hole. The body can be of the one-piece, split or sandwich
type or it can be a top entry design.
The sealing rings can be made in synthetic material or metal.
Plug valves
Plug valves have no 'dead space'. They are highly suitable for 'multiple path'
designs.
Plug valves can be divided into groups: unbalanced types, balanced types and
types with a synthetic seat.
A balanced plug has pressure balance holes, a balancing spring on the smallest
side and the plug has a flexible connection to the spindle.
Butterfly valves
A butterfly valve has a disc which rotates in the passage. Rotating disc types can
be divided into wafer type, lug type or flange type.
The following valve geometries can be distinguished: concentric valve, singleeccentric valve, double-eccentric valve and triple-eccentric valve.
The body type can be distinguished into one-piece or split.
The sealing ring can be made in synthetic material or metal.

20

Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

Test
Exercises
Do not send in your answers for correction
1. Which three groups of hand-operated valves are there?
2. Which three groups of valves with 90 turn are there?
3. What is the purpose of an 'anti-blow-out' spindle design?
4. Which body designs are there in the case of ball valves?
5. Into which groups can plug valves be divided?
6. Give the advantages and disadvantages of plug valves with a synthetic seat.

Answers to the questions in the lesson

1. Rotate a quarter turn to open or close (in contrast with the spindle valves).
2. a.
b.
c.

Floating ball with reduced bore.

Floating ball with full bore.
Bearing mounted ball.

3. Ball valves with coating against corrosive media.

4. During switching, all ports are open for a moment; there is no fully closed
intermediate position.
5. Wafer type, lug type and flange type.
6. Insensitive to direction of flow and the valve disc can remain thin, resulting
in smaller pressure drop.

Answers to the exercises

1. a.
b.
c.

With 90 turn.
With rising spindle.
With rising and rotating spindle.

2. a.
b.
c.

Ball valves.
Plug valves.
Butterfly valves.

3. For the protection of 'side entry' valves to prevent the spindle from being
blown out during disassembly.
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Theory / 07.06.13 - 100

4. a.
b.
c.

One-piece body.
Split body.
Sandwich body.

5. a.
b.
c.

Unbalanced plug valves.

Balanced plug valves.
Plug valves with PTFE seat.

6. Advantages:
a.
smooth operation.
b.
improved seal.
c.
less maintenance.
Disadvantage: operating temperature limited to a maximum of 200 C

Problems and assignments

Answer and send in for correction
1. Which are the main functions of valves?
2. What is the function of a pressure balance hole in a ball valve?
3. Which types of sealing ring are there for ball valves and give the
disadvantages.
4. Which are the functions of the lubricant in a plug valve?
5. How can we prevent a plug from getting stuck?
6. Give the advantages and disadvantages of the wafer type butterfly valve.

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