The Principle, Function, and Selection of Ball Valves for Refrigeration Equipment
Working principle of ball valves
The
ball valve is a valve used to control the flow of refrigerant in a refrigeration system. It is usually composed of a ball, valve body, and valve stem. It can be divided into O-shaped
ball valves and V-shaped ball valves based on the shape of the ball opening inside the ball valve. The O-type ball valve is most suitable for use as a switch and shut-off valve, while the V-type ball valve is more suitable for use as a regulating valve due to its more linear flow characteristics.
When the valve stem rotates to align with the hole, the refrigerant can freely flow through the hole, achieving a fully open state. At this point, the refrigerant in the refrigeration system can flow smoothly to achieve maximum cooling effect. When the valve stem rotates to align vertically with the hole, the refrigerant cannot flow through the hole, achieving a fully closed state. At this point, the refrigerant in the refrigeration system stops flowing.
The main reasons for using ball valves in refrigeration equipment
The ball valve in the refrigeration system has advantages such as almost zero fluid resistance, quick and convenient opening and closing, good sealing, long service life, and a wide working temperature range. Ball valves are commonly used in refrigeration systems for the following purposes.
1. Automation control
The ball valve is installed in the system pipeline, which can cut off the distribution and change the flow direction of the medium, especially the electric ball valve, which can replace the electromagnetic valve and achieve automatic control.
2. Maintenance
Installing ball valves in refrigeration systems can make maintenance easier and more convenient. For example, when it is necessary to replace oil filters, dry filters, or perform daily maintenance, ball valves can be easily disassembled and replaced with components. In addition, installing ball valves can greatly save labor, time, and material costs, making your refrigeration system more efficient and economical.
3. Adjusting System Load
In a refrigeration system, excessive or insufficient refrigerant flow may have a negative impact on the cooling effect of the system. By using ball valves, a quick response can be achieved. The system load can be quickly adjusted. The refrigerant flow can be regulated, and various unexpected situations can be responded to in a timely manner.
Selection of Ball Valves
Whether it is an air conditioning ball valve or a refrigeration ball valve, their principle is similar. They are both used to control the flow of fluid (refrigerant) and use a ball as the closing element of the valve. By rotating the ball, the on-off and flow of the fluid are adjusted. There may be some differences in the selection of air conditioning ball valves and refrigeration ball valves in some details, mainly due to differences in the application environment and working conditions.
The main differences refer to the following tips.
1. Temperature range: Refrigeration ball valves usually need to operate at lower temperatures and can withstand lower temperatures. The refrigeration air conditioning ball valve is usually used in indoor air conditioning systems, and the working temperature is relatively high.
2. Pressure level: Refrigeration ball valves usually need to withstand higher pressure. For example, the carbon dioxide ball valve of Castel has a pressure rating of up to 140 bar, while the pressure rating of the refrigeration air conditioning ball valve is relatively low.
3. Sealing material: There may be lower temperatures and higher pressures in the refrigeration system, and the sealing material of the refrigeration ball valve usually needs to have better resistance to low temperatures and high pressure.
Therefore, when selecting ball valves, suitable ones should be selected based on specific application needs and working conditions, such as common carbon dioxide ball valves, welded ball valves, electric ball valves, etc.
Taking Landeevalve's ball valve products as an example, ball valves mainly have the following characteristics.
1. Welded ball valves: it is suitable for welding connections in refrigeration systems, providing reliable sealing performance and flow control.
2. Electric ball valves: A ball valve with an electric actuator that can be automatically controlled and remotely operated through an electric device. Compared to solenoid valves, electric ball valves can better complete tasks such as heat recovery, heat exchanger bypass, full liquid heat exchanger defrosting, and hot gas defrosting.
3. Stainless steel ball valves: It is a ball valve made of stainless steel material with corrosion resistance, which is suitable for special environments and media, such as carbon dioxide systems.
4. Carbon dioxide ball valves: The carbon dioxide ball valve is a valve designed specifically for carbon dioxide refrigeration systems, with characteristics such as high pressure, corrosion resistance, precision control, and reliable sealing. In addition, carbon dioxide ball valves can replace solenoid valves to meet the application requirements of pipeline control in carbon dioxide trans-critical refrigeration systems.
