What happens when the handle of a ball valve is turned?

When the handle of a ball valve is turned, it directly affects the position of the internal ball mechanism, which is designed to either allow or stop the flow of fluid through the valve. When the handle is rotated a quarter turn, it aligns the hole of the ball with the flow path, effectively opening the valve and permitting fluid to pass through. Conversely, if the handle is turned in the opposite direction, the solid portion of the ball blocks the flow, leading to a closed valve.

This operational design provides efficient and quick control over fluid flow in a system, as the valve can transition from fully open to fully closed with minimal effort. It's important to note that the ball valve is not designed to restrict flow in a controlled manner; instead, it either fully opens or fully closes the pathway, making it a suitable choice for applications requiring rapid on-off control rather than variable flow adjustment.