Hollow Ball Turbulence in Floating Ball Valve 1

[DavidLX]

We have a new inquiry for 4" floating ball valve. Our design for the ball is to make it hollow at the bottom in order to save material and weight. However, someone thinks the hollow could make turbulence when valve opening. We do know the hollow will bring some turbulence in, but we think this design is normal for large ball valve and the turbulence affect very little to flow and sealing. The media will be Oxygen gas. Anyone has the experience on it? Any comment is appreciated.

David

 

[JimCasey]

If the port is straight-through and the hollow is in the cavity, I can't see where there would be any additional turbulence induced. there is little to no flow in the cavity except possibly at positions between open and closed. Ball valves <usually> are used for isolation.

If the ball has a continuous port from the bottom into the flow-path, then there WILL be additional turbulence. Not as much as a gate valve, which has a pocket encircling the seats, but the flow will be disturbed nevertheless.