Features and Design of V-Notch Ball Valves

V-notch ball valves are a special type of ball valve known for their unique design and excellent flow control capabilities. They are widely used in industrial automation systems due to their ability to provide precise flow regulation and efficient shutoff performance. Compared to traditional ball valves, V-notch ball valves offer significant advantages, allowing for accurate flow adjustments and reliable shutoff. In this article, we will explore the features, design standards, structure and unique benefits of V-notch ball valves.

Working Principle of V-Notch Ball Valves

The core feature of a V-notch ball valve is its closure element, which is a semi-spherical ball with a V-shaped notch. As the ball rotates, the sharp edges of the V-shaped notch come into contact with the valve seat, creating a shearing effect that provides strong shutoff force. The V-notch and the seat form a fan-shaped area, which can be adjusted by rotating the ball. This adjustment changes the cross-sectional area of the flow path, allowing for precise control of fluid flow. This unique design enables the V-notch ball valve to avoid media accumulation during flow regulation while maintaining the same sealing performance as traditional ball valves. It combines both shutoff and flow control functions.

Design Standards and Features of V-Notch Ball Valves

V-notch ball valves are a type of fixed ball valve that typically use a single-seat sealing design. This makes V-notch ball valves among the best in terms of flow control within the ball valve family. The flow characteristics are evenly distributed with an equal percentage, and the flow control range can reach up to 100:1. Common versions include electric and pneumatic models, which are widely used in automation control systems. The shearing action between the V-notch and the metal seat makes V-notch ball valves particularly suitable for handling media with fibers, small solid particles, and slurries, offering strong adaptability.
In terms of basic operation, V-notch ball valves regulate fluid flow by rotating the ball 90 degrees to change the flow direction or cross-sectional area. The ball's passage or channel rotates to perform functions such as shutoff, distribution, and flow regulation. Although ball valves are traditionally used for on/off control, the development of V-notch ball valves allows for both shutoff and precise flow regulation, meeting the complex control requirements of modern industries.

Structure and Performance of V-Notch Ball Valves

V-notch ball valves are available in two main structural forms: wafer-type and flanged-type. The valve body is typically designed with a side-mount configuration, which provides excellent rigidity, effectively preventing deformation and leakage. The valve body is equipped with self-lubricating bearings, which have a large contact area with the valve stem, offering high load-bearing capacity and low friction. This reduces the operational torque and ensures smoother operation, lowering the burden on actuators.

1. Sealing Performance

The sealing method of V-notch ball valves can be selected based on the media and working environment. Metal hard-sealing valve seats are usually surface-treated with carbide welding, while the ball itself may undergo hardening treatments like hard chrome plating, spraying, or ion nitriding. These processes enhance the durability and high-temperature resistance of the seat. On the other hand, soft-seal PTFE or reinforced PTFE seats provide excellent sealing performance, strong corrosion resistance, and adaptability to a wider range of working conditions.

2. Structural Advantages

The lightweight design of the V-notch ball valve body and the reduced stem torque allow for smaller actuator specifications, which results in a high cost-performance ratio. Additionally, the shearing force between the V-notch and the valve seat, along with the smooth internal flow path, effectively prevents media buildup in the valve chamber. Due to this feature, V-notch ball valves are suitable for not only liquid media but also for media containing fibers and solid particles, ensuring stable system operation.

Precise Control for Small Flow Rates

V-notch ball valves can provide precise flow regulation for small diameters thanks to their carefully machined V-shaped notches. Especially for applications requiring accurate control of small Cv values, V-notch ball valves offer high-precision flow control, ensuring that the flow remains within a precisely set range. This makes V-notch ball valves indispensable in applications with high flow regulation demands, such as chemical processes and laboratory use.

Conclusion

V-notch ball valves, with their unique design, combine both shutoff and flow regulation capabilities, making them widely used in various industrial automation control systems. Their exceptional performance allows them to handle a wide range of media, with particular strengths in high-precision regulation and handling specialized media. By selecting the right model and design, V-notch ball valves can meet the diverse needs of industrial applications, improving system reliability, operational efficiency, and overall process control.