In the design and maintenance of industrial processes, selecting the right valve is one of the most critical decisions. The valve must be suitable for its application, withstand operating conditions, and perform reliably over the long term. The ball valve is one of the most versatile valve types, which is why it plays an important role in many process industry applications.

In this article, we take a closer look at ball valves: their structure, operating principle, typical applications, and why they are such a popular solution across various industrial sectors.

What Is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve is a valve in which opening and closing are achieved by a rotating ball. Inside the valve body is a ball with a hole (flow bore). When the ball is rotated 90 degrees, the flow is either fully opened or completely shut off.

Key features:

  • simple and robust design
  • fast opening and closing
  • excellent tightness

The performance of a ball valve and its suitability for different pressure and temperature conditions make it an exceptionally versatile valve type.

How a Ball Valve Works

The operation of a ball valve is based on the rotation of the ball:

  • Open position: the flow bore is aligned with the pipeline, allowing unrestricted flow.
  • Closed position: the ball is rotated so that the flow bore is perpendicular to the flow direction, effectively stopping the flow.

This simple motion makes the ball valve very fast-acting and easy to use—provided the valve is selected correctly and used in a suitable application.

Advantages of Ball Valves

1. Excellent Tightness

Ball valves are known for their tight shut-off. A correctly sized and properly installed ball valve effectively prevents leakage, which is essential in pressure control and safety-critical processes.

2. Durability and Long Service Life

Ball valves withstand demanding use and a wide range of operating conditions. They are often less prone to wear than, for example, diaphragm valves or sliding control valves.

3. Fast Operation

A 90-degree turn of the ball valve handle enables opening or closing. This quick operation is particularly beneficial in situations where flow must be stopped rapidly and safely.

4. Easy Maintenance

Maper’s ball valves are designed so that wear parts, such as seals and balls, can be replaced easily without removing the entire valve from the pipeline. This extends the valve’s service life and reduces lifecycle costs.

Typical Applications

Ball valves perform reliably in many industrial processes, including:

  • shut-off valves in process pipelines
  • water supply and wastewater systems
  • chemical and process industries
  • energy industry and steam systems
  • general industrial environments where reliable flow control and tight shut-off are required

These valves are often an excellent choice when durability, simplicity, and operational reliability are key requirements.

Why Choose a Ball Valve?

When selecting a ball valve, it is essential to consider operating conditions such as pressure, temperature, flow requirements, and the properties of the medium. A ball valve is not always the best solution when extremely precise flow control is needed, but it is almost always an excellent choice as a shut-off valve or for applications where tightness and reliability are critical.

Maper’s ball valves are designed to meet customer needs:

  • easy maintenance
  • long service life
  • high material quality
  • documented traceability and compliance with quality standards

These features make ball valves a versatile and cost-effective solution in the long term as well.

Summary

Ball valves are among the most versatile valve types used in industry. Their tightness, durability, and reliability make them a strong option for many applications. When properly selected and maintained, a ball valve can operate reliably for decades, which is why it plays such a significant role in process industries.

In our next article, we will introduce bottom valves, their applications, and how they differ from other valve types.

If you would like to deepen your understanding of valves, you may also find our earlier articles useful:

19.1.2026