High-Pressure Performance: An Improved Guide to Ball Valves

High-pressure valves are essential in fluid systems operating at 3,000psi and higher. They’re commonly used across Canadian industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, aerospace, and energy systems.

Hy-Lok offers two high-pressure ball valve series: the 102 series and the 105 series. This guide will explain the difference between the series and why Hy-Lok’s high-quality, high-pressure ball valves are a trusted choice across Canada.

High-Pressure Ball Valve – Design

Hy-Lok is your go-to choice if you’re looking for durable and versatile fittings. With nearly five decades of experience manufacturing industrial components, we guarantee a product that enhances your equipment’s efficiency while maintaining your worksite’s safety.  Our high-pressure ball valve series is designed to withstand high pressure and temperatures. However, they have different ratings and uses depending on the application. These are the main design differences between the 105 and 102 series:

102 Series 

  • Internally loaded stem with a shoulder to prevent stem blowout.
  • Handle with an arrow to indicate flow direction. Low torque and quick operations
  • Standard PCTFE seats for easier replacement
  • The retainer seal is leak-tight and prevents wear on the seat
  • The forged body is available straight (2-way) and switching (3-way)
  • 1-2 Series High-Pressure Ball Valve Spare Kits

105 Series 

  • The packing bolt and stem packing allow easy adjustments with the valve in line.
  • Handle with a PVC coat for quick operation, low torque, and a ¼ turn to open and close. A pneumatic actuator can operate this.
  • A robust body is available in straight, angled (2-way), bottom and side (3-way)
  • Max orifice minimizes the pressure drop.

High-Pressure Ball Valves – Technical Criteria

102 Series

  • Pressure rating: up to 6000psig at 70°F with PCTFE seats
  • Temperature rating: From -65°F to 350°F
  • Materials: available in 316 stainless steel and brass
  • Quality control: 100% factory tested with nitrogen at 1000psig to a maximum leak rate of 0.1SCCM

105 Series

  • Pressure rating: Up to 10000 psig (690 bar) at 70ºF(21ºC)
  • Temperature rating: From -22ºF to 265ºF(-30ºC to 130ºC) with PVDF seat or from -65ºF to 500ºF (-54ºC to 260ºC) with PEEK seat
  • Materials: Available in 316 stainless steel and alloy 400
  • Quality control: 100% factory tested. Each valve is tested with nitrogen at 1000psig to a max leak rate of 0.1SCCM. The hydrostatic shell is tested at 1.5 times the working pressure.

High-Pressure Ball Valves – Industry Applications

Oil & Gas: Ball valves manage pressure swings and temperature extremes

Industrial Gas and Chemical Processing: Ball valves ensure reliable shut-off with low-torque operation.

Aerospace: Ball valves can be used in hydraulic actuation systems for equipment and testing rigs. They are highly vibration—and pressure-tolerant.

Power Generation: cooling and steam control systems

Selecting the Right Ball Valve for Your Application

Before choosing the right high-pressure ball valve for your equipment, familiarize yourself with your system’s requirements to ensure your selected valve is compatible. Take note of the following details:

  • Your equipment’s minimum and maximum pressure tolerance
  • Operational temperatures
  • Compatibility of the fluid or gas with 316 stainless steel and brass (e.g. is it corrosive)
  • The measurements required for safe and secure application, including tube/pipe size, thread standards (SAE, NPT, BSP, etc), and tolerances

This information can be found in your equipment manual or by contacting the manufacturer. Once you have the correct information, contact us, and we’ll help you select the right high-pressure ball valve.

High Pressure Ball Valves – Quality and Access

High-pressure valves are foundational to safe fluid systems, and engineering teams trust Hy-Lok for quality control and expert support.

If you’re looking for durable and high-quality high-pressure ball valves, look no further. In addition to manufacturing top-of-the-line fittings and valves, Hy-Lok is proud to provide excellent customer service that caters to your needs.

Contact us today to discuss valve sizing and pressure specs or to request samples for your worksite. You can also visit our products page to learn more about high-pressure fittings and other items in our catalogue.