Ball valves and plug valves are both quarter-turn rotary valves used for on-off control and isolation in industrial piping systems. Although they share similar operating principles, their internal designs result in different performance characteristics, especially in terms of sealing, pressure capability, operating torque, maintenance requirements, and suitability for different media.   The selection between a ball valve and a plug valve should be based on actual operating conditions rather than valve type preference. If the application requires tight shutoff, frequent operation, and low operating torque, then a ball valve is often preferred. If the system involves dirty media, abrasive particles, or large flow passages, then a plug valve may provide better reliability.   Design Differences and Sealing Performance   A ball valve uses a spherical closure element with a drilled bore. When the valve is open, the bore aligns with the pipeline to provide a nearly unrestricted flow path. When rotated 90 degrees, the solid section of the ball blocks the passage and provides shutoff.     A plug valve uses a cylindrical or conical plug with a flow passage through the center. The plug rotates inside the body to control flow. Depending on the design, plug valves can be lubricated, sleeved, or non-lubricated, with each structure offering different sealing characteristics.   The sealing mechanism is one of the main differences between the two valves. Ball valves generally use soft seats, metal seats, or a combination of both to achieve reliable shutoff. If the system requires bubble-tight isolation, especially in gas service or critical process applications, then a properly selected ball valve can provide excellent sealing performance.   Plug valves rely on the contact between the plug and the valve body or sleeve. Lubricated plug valves use sealant injected between the plug and body to reduce friction and improve sealing. This design can perform well in applications where the media contains contaminants because the sealant helps protect the sealing surfaces.   Application Considerations   Operating conditions determine whether a ball valve or plug valve is more suitable.   Ball valves are widely used in oil and gas, petrochemical, LNG, chemical processing, and power industries where reliable shutoff is required. Floating ball valves are commonly applied in lower pressure systems, while trunnion mounted ball valves are preferred for larger sizes and higher pressure ratings because the trunnion support reduces operating torque.   If the valve will experience frequent cycling, then a ball valve usually provides an advantage due to its low friction operation and quarter-turn actuation. However, careful consideration is required when handling fluids containing solid particles. If abrasive particles become trapped between the ball and seat, then seat damage and leakage may occur.   Plug valves are often s...

In 2026, DERVOS VALVE proudly celebrates its 18th anniversary, marking an important milestone in the company's journey. To commemorate this occasion, DERVOS VALVE organized a three-day anniversary celebration, bringing together all employees to reflect on the company's achievements over the past eighteen years, look ahead to future development, and further strengthen team cohesion through meaningful activities and shared experiences.   Reflecting on 18 Years of Growth   From raw material management and precision machining to assembly and product testing, every stage of production reflects DERVOS VALVE's unwavering commitment to quality.   Over the past eighteen years, DERVOS VALVE has continuously improved its manufacturing system while enhancing product quality and customer service capabilities. Today, our industrial valves are widely used across the oil and gas, chemical, power generation, water treatment, LNG, and other industrial sectors, providing reliable valve solutions to customers worldwide.   Building Consensus for Future Development     During the anniversary celebration, DERVOS VALVE also held its mid-year communication meeting.   The meeting reviewed the company's performance over the first half of the year and outlined key objectives for future development. Representatives from different departments exchanged insights on production management, quality improvement, and cross-functional collaboration, sharing practical experience, reviewing achievements, and discussing future goals together.   The meeting further strengthened communication among departments, reinforced team alignment, and injected new momentum into the company's long-term development.     Embracing Nature Together   In addition to the company's anniversary activities, DERVOS VALVE organized a group excursion to experience the beauty of nature.   Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, employees enjoyed the scenic environment and explored the local culture in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The trip provided an opportunity to unwind while fostering stronger relationships among colleagues.   This memorable experience enriched the anniversary celebration, strengthened team spirit, and inspired everyone with renewed energy for the work ahead.     Eighteen Years of Commitment, Looking Ahead   Eighteen years represent not only growth and achievement, but also the beginning of a new chapter.     Since its establishment, DERVOS VALVE has remained dedicated to the design, manufacturing, and global supply of industrial valves. Through continuous improvements in product development, manufacturing capabilities, and quality management, the company has provided reliable valve products and technical support to customers across a wide range of industries worldwide.   Looking ahead, DERVOS VALVE will continue to focus on product innovation, manufacturing excellence, and long-term...

Refineries operate under some of the most demanding process conditions found in the energy industry. High pressure, elevated temperature, sour media, corrosive fluids, and frequent thermal cycling place strict requirements on valve performance. In these environments, ball valves are widely used because they provide reliable shutoff, low pressure loss, and fast operation. However, selecting the best ball valve for refinery applications depends less on the valve type itself and more on matching the design to the process conditions.   Why Ball Valves Are Common in Refinery Service   Refinery units handle hydrocarbons, hydrogen, steam, sulfur compounds, and various aggressive chemicals. If bubble-tight isolation is required, then trunnion mounted ball valves are generally preferred for larger sizes and higher pressure classes because seat loading remains stable under differential pressure. Floating ball valves are more common in small-bore lines where compact dimensions and simple construction are advantageous.   API 6D and ASME B16.34 designs are frequently specified for refinery piping systems. Fire-safe construction in accordance with API 607 or API 6FA is often mandatory because accidental loss of soft seats must not result in external leakage. If the process medium contains hydrogen sulfide, then materials must comply with NACE MR0175 to reduce the risk of sulfide stress cracking.   Material Selection Depends on Process Media   Material compatibility is one of the primary factors affecting service life. Carbon steel valves are suitable for many hydrocarbon services, while stainless steel provides improved corrosion resistance in wet and chemically aggressive environments. Duplex and super duplex stainless steels are selected when chloride-induced corrosion becomes a concern.   If the process contains sulfur compounds or sour gas, then hardness control and material qualification become critical. In high-temperature applications, thermal expansion must be considered because excessive growth can increase operating torque and accelerate seat wear. If severe erosion is expected, then hard-faced balls and seats with tungsten carbide or chromium carbide coatings can significantly improve durability.   Sealing Performance and Failure Prevention   Soft-seated ball valves provide excellent shutoff performance, but seat materials determine their temperature limits. PTFE and reinforced PTFE are common in moderate-temperature services, while PEEK offers improved mechanical strength and higher temperature capability. If temperatures exceed the limits of polymer seats, then metal-seated ball valves become a more suitable solution.   Most valve failures in refineries are related to seat damage, stem leakage, or corrosion. If particulate contamination is present, then cavity fillers or metal seats may reduce wear. Double block and bleed configurations are often used where positive isolation is required for maintenance...