Industries that utilize hydraulic and pneumatic systems rely on high-quality valves and fittings to ensure their systems operate efficiently. If you require a flow control component, such as a diaphragm valve or ball valve, you may wonder which one will perform best within your machinery.
Below, we’ll discuss the key differences between diaphragm and ball valves and which applications they are best suited for. Keep reading to learn where to get quality valves and fittings from Hy-Lok Canada.
What Is a Diaphragm Valve?
A diaphragm valve is a component that uses a flexible diaphragm to control the flow of liquids, gases, mixtures of solids and liquids (or slurry), and viscous materials. Unlike butterfly or ball valves that move in circles for on/off and isolation applications, this type of valve moves in a straight line.
These valves offer a flexible design that helps prevent contamination in the fluids passing through your system. This is critical for industries like food and beverage processing, where contamination of a consumable batch could pose a significant health hazard.
Diaphragm valves can also be applied in environments with corrosive and abrasive substances, as they are designed with corrosion-resistant materials, such as stainless steel.
Common industry applications for diaphragm valves include:
- Ultra high purity processing
- Semiconducting
- Biotechnology
- Pharmaceutical systems
- Chemical processing
- Water treatment
- Food processing
- And more!
What Is a Ball Valve?
Ball valves are shut-off components that use a rotating ball and a hole for flow control in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Also known as quarter-turn valves, the ball in this component can rotate a full 90 degrees with the aid of an actuator to complete the open and close functions.
There are several types of ball valves designed for different environments, including pneumatic, cryogenic, manual, electric, and high-pressure ball valves.
Unlike diaphragms, which are designed to handle corrosive environments, ball valves are ideal for systems involving extremely high pressures, extremely low temperatures, and combustible materials.
Common industry applications for ball valves include:
- On and offshore oil and gas production
- Fuel gas systems
- Pipeline systems
- Manufacturing
- Chemical processing
- LNG systems
- Oxygen and nitrogen storage
What Type of Valve Does Your Fluid System Need?
Ball and diaphragm valves are used for a similar purpose: to control the flow of fluid in equipment, machinery, and piping systems. However, they have several differences that make them suitable for various applications.
So, what type of valve does your fluid system need?
Ball valves are a great choice for standard industrial applications due to their high durability against temperature fluctuations, high pressures, and velocity. They also require relatively little force during valve actuation compared to other valve types.
These components are not very easy to clean, which makes them ill-suited for industries like food and medicine production, as there is a higher risk of cross-contamination.
Diaphragm valves are best-suited for flow control systems that handle chemicals, corrosive materials, and radioactive fluids. At Hy-Lok, our diaphragm valves are manufactured with 316 stainless steel, which holds up against a wide variety of corrosive materials.
Get Quality Diaphragm Valves, Ball Valves, + More from Hy-Lok Canada
Looking for high-quality, durable valves and fittings? Partner with Hy-Lok Canada for quality flow control parts and components! Explore our online inventory to discover more about our diaphragm valves, ball valves, and other products featured in our catalogue.