Oil and gas producers use control valves and ball valves to control the flow, pressure, and even temperature of process fluid, water, or gas. In this article we will explain three of the most common types of valves:
- V-Port or Segmented Ball Valves
- Globe Valves
- Full and Reduced Port Ball Valves
V-Port or Segmented Ball Valves
Various industries use v-port or segmented ball valves to control flow in modulating applications. A producer can control v-port or segmented ball valves mechanically or by using pneumatic or electric power to actuate them based on a signal received from a pilot. Additionally, producers use smaller v-port or segmented ball valves in upstream applications and larger sizes in midstream applications.
Kimray recently entered the ball valve market.
Globe Valves
Globe valves are named for their spherical bodies. They have two halves separated by an internal baffle, or wall, causing different flow path than ball valves and other rotary-type valves. These valves actuate in a linear movement.
Oil and gas producers control globe valves by using pneumatic or electric power to actuate them based on a signal received from a pilot. Depending on the type, globe valves can provide either on/off or modulating service.
Examples of globe valves include Kimray’s high pressure control valves.
Full and Reduced-Port Ball Valves
Full or reduced-port ball valves are used in many on/off applications in various industries to control flow. Full-port ball valves have a bore diameter that matches the pipe diameter. Hence, this allows for little to no pressure drop across the valve.
Standard-port valves have a bore diameter one bore size down from the end connection, while reduced-port valves can have bore diameters with any number of bore sizes down from the end connection size. Kimray has the ability to provide fully automated ball valve packages for a range of on/off applications.
If you have questions about which valve is right for your operation, contact your local Kimray store or authorized distributor.
