Ball valves come in different sizes, shapes, and designs, making it hard to tell the difference between them. Likewise, keeping up with the minor details that set them apart can be daunting. Such misunderstanding may lead to operators or companies buying the wrong valves for a particular project. Of all the available valves, the full bore and the reduced bore ball valves are the ones that are often confusing.
We will look at the differences to determine the best option.
Full Bore Valves
Full bore valves are those that open entirely, allowing gases and liquid to pass through a pipe unobstructed. The internal bore dimensions on the end connections tend to be bigger than the valve. The flow channel on the full bore ball valve has a width equal to the inlet and outlet. However, the diameter cannot be smaller than the conventional size specs.
Reduced Bore Valve
This ball valve has a somewhat smaller opening than the endpoint connection. In many cases, the opening never goes past 9mm and is used in smaller pipes that feed raw materials into storage units and tanks, especially in refinery processes.
The internal components of the reducing ball valve are more comprehensive than the diameter of the path allowing the flow. At the same time, the actual diameter of the flow is path is nearly one specification smaller than the conventional measurements.
Full Bore Valves Vs. Reduced Bore Valves
- Reduced ball valves are smaller in volume, making them easy to install. They have fewer requirements and are lighter than full bore valves. It is therefore ideal for reducing pipeline load and minimizing transportation costs.
- Full bore valves are suitable for handling viscous liquids that reduced bore valves would not pass. They can be used on heavier mediums, unlike reduced bores only applied to lighter mediums.
- A reduced bore valve is smaller and only used on smaller pipes and tubes, while a full bore valve is installed onto wider tubes.
