Metal Seated Ball Valve vs. Soft seat valves

What is the best option?

As the world of industry and engineering advances, challenges are constantly presented when selecting the right components for various applications. When it comes to flow control systems, choosing the right valve is critical to ensure optimum performance and reliable operation.

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In this article, we will focus on a common but crucial question, &#;Which is the better choice?&#; when comparing metal-seated ball valves and soft-seated valves.

Both options have their own features and benefits, but also present significant differences in terms of design, operation and ideal applications. We will explore the advantages and disadvantages of each type of valve, as well as key factors to consider when making an informed decision. By understanding the features and implications of each option, you will be better equipped to choose the most appropriate valve for your specific needs.

Introduction to ball valves and their importance in the industry

Ball valves are a type of valve widely used in industry to control and regulate the flow of liquids or gases through pipes and ducts. They are known for their simple yet effective design, which allows precise flow control with quick and easy open/close operation.

Ball valves consist of a body with a ball-shaped opening inside, which can rotate to allow or block the flow. A fundamental part of ball valves is the seat, which is the sealing surface that comes in contact with the ball and prevents leakage or pressure loss when the valve is closed.

Metal-seated ball valves: features and benefits

Metal-seated ball valves are manufactured with a hard metal seat, such as stainless steel or cobalt alloys, which offers a number of distinct features and advantages compared to soft-seated valves.

Increased resistance to erosion and abrasion: The metal seat of ball valves is much more resistant to erosion and abrasion caused by fluids flowing through the valve. This makes them ideal for applications where the fluid contains solid particles or is highly corrosive, which could quickly damage or degrade the seat of a soft-seated valve.

Longer service life: Due to their resistance to erosion and abrasion, metal-seated ball valves tend to have a longer service life compared to soft-seated valves. This reduces maintenance and replacement costs, making them a more cost-effective option in the long run.

Greater temperature and pressure range: Ball valves with metal seats are capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and pressures, which makes them suitable for applications where high performance is required under high temperature and pressure conditions. In contrast, soft-seated valves may have limitations in terms of temperature and pressure due to the nature of the soft seat material.

Increased leak resistance: The metal seats of ball valves offer increased leak resistance compared to soft-seated valves. This is because the hard seat material creates a more effective seal with the ball, preventing unwanted leakage and pressure loss.

Metal-seated ball valve with metal seats

Soft-seated valves: features and benefits

Improved sealing: Soft-seated valves offer improved sealing compared to metal-seated ball valves. This is because the soft seat material conforms better to the ball, creating a more effective seal. This is particularly important in applications where corrosive or toxic fluids are handled and must be kept within the system.

Increased vibration absorption: Soft-seated valves are able to better absorb vibrations and shocks that may occur in the system, reducing the risk of damage to piping or the valve itself.

Easier installation: Soft-seated valves are easier to install compared to metal-seated ball valves. This is because the soft seat material adapts better to irregularities in the piping or valve body, reducing the need for additional adjustments.

Lower cost: In general, soft-seated valves are less expensive than metal-seated ball valves. This is because the materials used in the manufacture of soft-seated valves are less expensive than those used in metal-seated ball valves.

Soft seat valve

Typical applications of soft-seated valves

Soft seat valves are suitable for a wide range of applications in industry. Some typical applications include:

Water and wastewater applications: Soft seat valves are ideal for water and wastewater applications due to their ability to effectively seal the fluid and resist corrosion.

Chemical applications: Soft seat valves are widely used in chemical applications due to their ability to resist corrosive and toxic chemicals.

Pharmaceutical and food applications: Soft seat valves are used in pharmaceutical and food applications due to their ability to prevent product contamination.

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Low pressure applications: Soft seat valves are suitable for low pressure applications due to their ability to effectively seal the fluid at a low pressure level.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both metal-seated ball valves and soft-seated valves have their own characteristics and advantages depending on the specific application in which they are to be used. While metal-seated ball valves are more resistant to erosion and abrasion and have a longer service life, soft-seated valves offer better sealing and vibration absorption.

They are also easier to install and less expensive. The choice of the right valve will depend on the application and the specific conditions.

Metal Seated Ball Valves

Engineered to excel in the most demanding industrial settings where valve deficiencies can endanger safety, plant efficiency and reduce profitability, metal seated ball valves stand out. These long-lasting valves are perfect for the oil and gas industries, refining and power generation.

Metal Seated Valves vs. Soft Seated Valves
Deciding on the right seat material can be a difficult decision when it comes to ball valves because you'll have several options. Determining factors you will need to consider include the materials used in construction, the appropriate size, and the type of design features including V-port, bleed, double bock, 1, 2, or 3 pieces, etc. An even more important consideration is the seat type.

Having a complete understanding of the process conditions should be the starting point when it comes to choosing seated valves. Does your situation require a bubble tight shut off? Is the fluid corrosive? Does it contain abrasive particulates? Will it be under high pressure or temperatures? Once you have a firm grasp on these factors, the choice will be apparent.

Metal Seated Ball Valves
The key advantage of metal seated valves when compared to soft seated valves is that they can withstand high temperatures and severe service conditions. Metal seats can stand up to extreme flashing, hydraulic shock, abrasive process fluid, and high temperatures up to and exceeding 1,000° F. They are also ideal for high erosion or corrosion applications. Another important factor is that metal seats can be hardened by specialized coatings.

Soft Seated Ball Valves
Soft seats are typically composed of thermoplastic components like PTFE. These valves are appropriate for applications in which chemical compatibility is crucial, and in situations where having the tightest seal is important. Soft seats, however, aren't suitable for processing abrasive or dirty fluids. These valves are known to break down under conditions like these, resulting in a leaky valve. Complications introduced by soft seated valves are related to the fact that they don't stand up to applications that challenge their service limits. Metal seated ball values on the other hand can hold up under high temperatures and extreme service conditions. Well established in the field, metal seated ball valves deliver uninterrupted service with the maximum shut off standards. The valves also work for longer time periods than soft seated valves. These durable valves can basically handle the majority of abrasive applications.

Metal Seated Values Coating Options
With metal to metal seating, and depending on the service conditions, applying various coatings make it possible for ball and seat rings to be hard faced on sealing locations. Examples of these specialized coatings include satellite hard facing, chromium carbide, tungsten carbide and electrolysis nickel plating. Sealing is achieved by the metal-to-metal contact in between two hard coated surface areas.

Metal-Seated Ball Valve Costs
Even though metal seated valves are more expensive, the cost of downtime resulting from failure, coupled with the replacement of soft seated valve break downs, should be factored in. The efficiency and longevity of metal seated ball valves will pay off and counteract the higher price. Bottom line, metal seated ball valves are the best, long lasting, economical options for critical applications.

Installation
The installation of metal seated valves can comply with shut off standards which include ANSI/FCI 70-2- and designed for allowed leakage. The most frequently specified leakage classes include Class V and VI. Class VI is often misinterpreted as "bubble tight." In fact, a certain amount of leakage is permitted, measured by the amount of air bubbles that escape per minute during testing. "Bubble tight" shut-off is more accurately related to resilient-seated valves.

The Series 370 Metal Seated Valve
When it comes to metal seated ball valves, the Series 370 is a good example. This series is offered in sizes that range from 1/4" to 4&#;, with threaded (NPT) or flanged connection ends. Manufactured from premium quality 316 stainless steel, this metal valve also has pressure ratings as high as PSI. Another important aspect is that it provides the ISO mounting pad intended for actuation. There are three available configurations, including type A, B and C, described as follows.

Type A
This configuration features the conventional metal seat, showcasing polymeric seat seals, body seals, in addition to stem packing. The Type A configurations are designed for use in highly erosive and abrasive applications where higher temperatures aren't in use.

Type B
Utilizing a downstream metal seat, this configuration is a metal seat that incorporates flexible, die-formed graphite seat seals along with stem packing. This configuration increases the temperature capacities of metal seated ball valves.

Type C
Similar to Type B, the Type C configuration uses a downstream metal seat, along with an upstream seat, spring loaded against the to assist in downstream. This configuration is ideal for higher temperature gasses and fluids. The Type C configuration is well suited for saturated steam at 720PSIG.

The Series 370 metal ball valves include the following characteristics.

Available in flanged or threaded connection ends, in sizes that range from 1/4" to 4".
For this configuration, the service temperature limitation is 450°F (232.2°C).
Configurations include metal seat with body seals polymeric seat seals, stem packing.
The body seal on the ball valve is spiral wound flexible/SS316 graphite (flexible/die-formed graphite).
Intended usage is in erosive and/or abrasive applications in which higher temperatures aren't a concern.
The polymeric seals incorporated in this metal seat configuration are replaced with flexible, die-formed graphite seat seals with stem packing.

Recognizing your process condition is critical when it comes to choosing the appropriate seat for your specific application. If you determine that the best solution is metal seated ball valves you'll find them to be long lasting, cost effective solutions for critical applications.

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