What is the structure of a ball valve designed to control?

The design of a ball valve is fundamentally intended to control the alignment of fluid flow through the valve. Ball valves are characterized by a spherical disk, or ball, that has a hole through the center. This ball can be rotated to either allow flow when the hole is aligned with the flow path, or stop flow when it is rotated 90 degrees to block the flow.

This structure makes ball valves particularly effective for on/off control of fluid flow in a system, which is precisely why the focus on flow alignment is crucial. The ability to quickly open or close a valve—and the straight path provided when open—minimizes resistance and helps in maintaining the efficiency of the piping system.

In contrast, while ball valves can handle various types of media, such as high-pressure liquid flow or aerated gas flow, these features are secondary to their primary function of flow alignment. Their versatility allows them to be used in a range of applications, including pneumatic systems, but the core function remains the control of fluid flow alignment.