Wide-body ball valves and single-piece ball valves are both types of ball valves used for controlling the on/off flow of medium in pipelines.   Both wide-body and single-piece ball valves feature a one-piece (integral) body design, unlike split-body designs. This differs from two-piece and three-piece ball valves, which have segmented valve bodies.   For internally threaded wide-body ball valves, the valve body is made from round or hexagonal stock, using either bar material or forged components. The ball core features a reduced-diameter design and is inserted from one side of the valve body. The stem uses an internal anti-blowout structure. Flat surfaces are machined on both the inlet and outlet sides of the body to facilitate assembly of the ball valve and allow the use of wrenches during pipeline installation.   In wide-body ball valves, the stem stuffing box is relatively shallow, and the internal packing volume is limited, resulting in a moderate sealing performance of the stem. Therefore, these valves are more suitable for low-pressure medium applications. In contrast, two-piece and three-piece ball valves feature stem stuffing box structures that provide reliable sealing for high-pressure medium applications.   The structure of flanged wide-body ball valves is essentially the same as that of internally threaded wide-body ball valves. Typically, the flange is connected to the intermediate valve body via threaded fasteners, although some designs utilize a forged one-piece structure.   Externally threaded wide-body ball valves can use a union-type structure, where the union is directly welded to the pipeline and connects to the external threads on the valve body. This design allows for easy disassembly and reassembly during valve maintenance or replacement without requiring separate unions on the pipeline.   The valve bodies of single-piece internally threaded ball valves and single-piece flanged ball valves are manufactured using casting processes, with the ball core featuring a reduced-diameter design. The stem uses an internal anti-blowout structure. The inlet and outlet ends of single-piece internally threaded ball valves have a hexagonal shape, similar to conventional internally threaded valves, to facilitate wrench operation and secure installation.   In single-piece flanged ball valves, the flange and valve body are cast as a single unit, eliminating the need to machine and assemble the flange separately as in wide-body flanged ball valves. This approach reduces cost and simplifies the manufacturing process.   Single-piece wafer-style ball valves have a shorter valve body length, making them more suitable for pipelines with limited space.   Wide-body and single-piece ball valves both use a reduced-diameter ball design, resulting in higher flow resistance compared with two-piece and three-piece ball valves. The main differences are as follows:   Valve Body Manufacturing Process ● Wide-bo...

In a wedge gate valve, the gate sealing surfaces are wedge-shaped, forming a specific angle relative to the gate centerline. The gate is driven downward by the valve stem to achieve closure. As the stem thrust increases, the normal force acting on the wedge-shaped sealing surfaces also increases, creating a forced sealing effect. This design significantly improves sealing performance under low-pressure conditions.   During opening, the gate sealing surfaces disengage from the seat immediately, which helps reduce wear on the sealing faces and extends the service life of the valve.   Applicable Standards for Wedge Gate Valves   Wedge gate valves are commonly manufactured in accordance with the following standards: ● GB/T 12234-2019 – Steel gate valves with bolted bonnet for petroleum and natural gas industries ● GB/T 12232-2005 – General-purpose flanged cast iron gate valves ● API Standard 600 (2015) – Steel gate valves for petroleum and natural gas industries   Types of Wedge Gate Valve Gates   Wedge gate valves are typically available in three gate configurations:Solid wedge gate, Flexible wedge gate, Double wedge gate.   The flexible wedge gate and double wedge gate rely on controlled deformation of the sealing surfaces to achieve improved contact with the valve seat. This design enhances sealing reliability and effectively prevents gate binding or jamming caused by temperature variations, ensuring smooth operation even under fluctuating thermal conditions.     Parallel Slide Gate Valve Design and Sealing Principle   In a parallel slide gate valve, the sealing surfaces at both the inlet and outlet ends of the gate are parallel to the gate centerline. For single-gate configurations, sealing is primarily achieved by the medium pushing a floating gate or floating seat into position. In double-gate configurations, sealing can be accomplished through springs or an expansion mechanism between the gates. Throughout the opening and closing process, the gate and seat sealing surfaces remain in constant contact, ensuring reliable sealing.   Applicable Standards for Parallel Slide Gate Valves   Common standards for parallel slide gate valves include: ● GB/T 23300-2009 – Parallel slide gate valves ● JB/T 5298-2016 – Steel parallel slide gate valves for pipelines ● API 6D – Pipeline valves for petroleum and natural gas industries   Types and Features of Parallel Slide Gate Valves   Parallel slide gate valves are available in single-gate and double-gate configurations. ● Gates may include flow-through holes or be solid. Gates with flow-through holes match the seat inner diameter, facilitating cleaning and drainage of the pipeline. ● Sealing can be configured at the inlet end, outlet end, or at both ends, depending on application requirements.   This design ensures flexibility in sealing arrangements while maintaining reliable oper...

Damage to valve sealing surfaces is typically the result of multiple contributing factors, including material selection, operating conditions, operating practices, and maintenance. The following is a categorized summary of the most common causes:   1. Mechanical Damage ●  Wear: Solid particles in the medium (such as sand or welding slag) erode the sealing surface, resulting in scratches or grooves. ●  Abrasive scuffing: Frictional wear caused by relative movement of the sealing surfaces during valve opening and closing, particularly in metal-to-metal sealing pairs. ●  Impact damage: Deformation of the sealing surface caused by high-velocity fluid impingement or rapid valve opening and closing, leading to impact loading.   2. Chemical Corrosion ● Media corrosion: Acidic, alkaline, or oxidizing media directly attack the sealing surface material, such as metal corrosion caused by H₂S or chloride ions. ● Electrochemical corrosion: When sealing pairs made of dissimilar metals are exposed to an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion may occur due to electrochemical cell formation. ● Erosion–corrosion: The combined effect of corrosive media and high-velocity flow accelerates material loss on the sealing surface.   3. Thermal Damage ●Thermal fatigue:Frequent temperature fluctuations cause repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the sealing surface, leading to cracking or deformation. ●High-temperature oxidation:At elevated temperatures, the sealing surface may undergo oxidation, hardening, or burn-off, as commonly observed in steam valve applications. ●Thermal shock:Sudden exposure to high- or low-temperature media can cause cracking of the sealing surface, such as during rapid condensation or cold media ingress.   4. Improper Installation and Operation ●Installation misalignment: Incorrect valve installation or excessive piping stress can result in uneven loading on the sealing surfaces. ●Over-tightening: Excessive preload applied to the valve stem or bolting may crush or deform the sealing surface, particularly in soft-seated valves or soft sealing gaskets. ●Rough operation: Rapid opening and closing or excessive operating force can cause impact damage to the sealing surfaces.   5. Material Defects ●Improper material selection: The sealing surface material lacks sufficient resistance to process media, high temperature, or wear, such as the use of carbon steel in acidic service. ●Manufacturing defects: Defects in the hardfacing or overlay layer, including porosity, slag inclusions, or improper heat treatment, reduce wear resistance and overall sealing performance.   6. Abnormal Operating Conditions ●Cavitation / flashing: Pressure fluctuations in the fluid generate vapor bubbles that collapse and impact the sealing surface, a phenomenon commonly observed in valves installed downstream of pumps. ●Scaling / deposition: Impurities in the medium accumulate on the sealing surface, impairing tight shutoff, suc...

These symptoms typically indicate a mismatch in fluid conditions, valve selection, or system configuration. If left unaddressed over prolonged operation, they can accelerate valve wear and pose safety risks.   Based on field experience, this article outlines the common causes of valve vibration and noise and provides practical guidance for troubleshooting.   1. Basic Manifestations of Valve Vibration and Noise   Valve vibration usually appears as noticeable oscillations of the valve body, stem, or connected piping. Noise may present as humming, whistling, or banging sounds.   These phenomena often occur simultaneously and are primarily related to the following factors: ● Abnormal flow velocity or pressure differential ● Unstable internal forces within the valve ● Mismatch between actual operating conditions and valve design   2. Common Causes Analysis   1. Excessive Flow Velocity or Pressure Differential When the fluid passes through the throttling section of a valve at high speed, strong turbulence and pressure fluctuations are likely to occur, causing periodic impact on internal components. This issue is particularly pronounced when using standard globe valves or ball valves under regulating conditions.   Typical manifestations include: ● Noise increases as the valve opening decreases ● Vibration intensifies under high-pressure-drop conditions   2. Improper Valve Selection Incorrect valve selection is a common root cause of vibration, such as: ● Using on/off valves for prolonged throttling ● Oversized valve operating at small openings for extended periods ● Insufficient pressure rating or structural rigidity of the valve These conditions can cause unstable movement of the valve plug or ball, resulting in vibration and noise.   3. Loose or Worn Internal Components After long-term operation, the following issues are commonly observed: ● Wear of valve plugs or discs ● Increased clearance between the stem and guiding parts ● Loosened fasteners   Non-design clearances amplify fluid impact, leading to persistent noise. If vibration is accompanied by metallic knocking sounds, the condition of internal components should be checked as a priority.   4. Cavitation or Flashing In liquid service, cavitation or flashing occurs when local pressure drops below the saturation vapor pressure. Bubble collapse in high-pressure regions impacts internal components, often accompanied by noise and vibration.   Typical signs include: ● Sand- or gravel-like scraping sounds ● Rapid wear of internal components ● Significant pressure fluctuations   5. Insufficient Piping Support or System Resonance Some vibrations are not directly caused by the valve. When upstream or downstream piping lacks adequate support, or when the piping structure resonates near the fluid pulsation frequency, system resonance may occur, amplifying existing vibrations...

In industrial piping systems, safety is always a top priority. A Fire Safe Ball Valve is a specialized type of ball valve designed to maintain sealing and prevent leakage under high temperatures or fire conditions. Although it looks similar to a standard ball valve, its structure and functionality are significantly different. This article provides a detailed analysis of the working principle, applicable scenarios, and selection guidelines for Fire Safe Ball Valves.   1. Introduction to Fire Safe Ball Valves   A Fire Safe Ball Valve is designed for fire or extreme high-temperature conditions. Its core feature is the ability to maintain metal-to-metal sealing contact between the ball and the seat even if the valve seats or sealing elements are damaged by high heat, thereby preventing leakage of the medium.   Features: ● High-Temperature Sealing Protection: Even if soft sealing materials melt or burn, the metal seal continues to function. ● Compliance with International Standards: Common standards include API 607 and ISO 10497. ● High Durability: Suitable for harsh operating conditions and flammable or explosive media.   Working Principle: At normal temperatures, the soft valve seat ensures zero leakage. When the temperature rises to the soft seal failure point, a spring or preloading mechanism pushes the ball against the metal seat, achieving metal-to-metal sealing and preventing medium leakage under high temperatures or fire conditions.   2. Applicable Scenarios for Fire Safe Ball Valves   ● Petrochemical and Natural Gas: In pipelines carrying flammable or explosive media, a Fire Safe Ball Valve can effectively prevent fire from spreading through the valve. ● High-Temperature Process Systems: In steam, hot oil, or high-temperature gas pipelines, even if soft sealing materials fail due to heat, the metal seal ensures system safety. ● High Safety Requirement Applications:   In facilities such as refineries, chemical plants, and offshore platforms where safety standards are strict, using Fire Safe Ball Valves helps reduce the risk of leakage.   3. Differences Between Fire Safe Ball Valves and Standard Ball Valves   ● Sealing Materials: Standard ball valves typically use PTFE or other flexible materials for sealing, which can fail at high temperatures. Fire Safe Ball Valves engage a metal-to-metal seal when the soft seal fails. ● Design Standards: Fire Safe Ball Valves must comply with fire test standards, such as API 607, whereas standard ball valves do not have this requirement. ● Applicable Operating Conditions: Fire Safe Ball Valves are mainly used for high-temperature, high-pressure, or flammable/explosive media. Standard ball valves are suitable for conventional low- to medium-pressure, ambient-temperature media.   4. Selection Recommendations   Based on Medium Characteristics: ● For flammable, explosive, or high-temperature media, Fire Safe ...

In industrial piping systems, globe valves and gate valves are two of the most commonly used shutdown valves. Although both are designed for starting and stopping fluid flow, they differ significantly in structural design, operating principles, application scenarios, and overall performance. Understanding these differences helps engineers make informed selections that ensure system efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.   I. Key Differences in Structure and Operating Principles   1. Different opening and closing mechanisms Globe Valve: The disc moves up and down along a path perpendicular to the flow direction. Shutoff is achieved when the disc and seat sealing surfaces come into full contact. Gate Valve: The gate moves vertically in a manner similar to a “gate” that is either fully open or fully closed, with sealing achieved through surface compression.  This means that globe valves are suitable for precise throttling, while gate valves are mainly used for full open or full shut service.   2. Flow path design differences A globe valve has an S-shaped flow path that forces the medium to change direction, resulting in higher flow resistance. A gate valve features a straight-through flow path with minimal resistance and low pressure drop, making it better suited for long-distance transmission.   II. Differences in Application Scenarios   1. Throttling vs. On/Off Service Globe valves can be used for throttling and flow regulation, making them suitable for applications requiring high sealing performance and precise flow control, such as steam, cooling water, and various process media.   Gate valves are not suitable for throttling, as operating them in a partially open position may cause gate vibration, damage to the sealing surfaces, and fluid-induced impact. Gate valves are ideal for large-diameter pipelines where low flow resistance is required and switching frequency is relatively low, including oil transportation, water supply and drainage, and power plant systems.   2. Size range and installation space Globe valves are generally used in small to medium sizes (more common below DN50). Their body structure is heavier and requires more installation space. Gate valves are suitable for medium to large sizes. Due to their simpler design, they offer a cost advantage in larger dimensions.   III. Sealing Performance and Pressure Ratings   1. Differences in sealing surface design The globe valve features a tapered sealing surface, which achieves tight shutoff through axial compression, making it easier to obtain reliable sealing performance. The gate valve uses either parallel or wedge-type sealing surfaces. Its sealing effectiveness depends largely on the pressure applied by the gate and is more influenced by the system’s medium pressure.   2. Pressure and temperature adaptability Both valve types are suitable for medium- to high-pressure and high-temperature applications....