The main differences between union ball valves and standard ball valves lie in their connection methods, maintainability, and application scenarios.
Union ball valves are typically equipped with union connections at one or both ends, which facilitates quicker and more convenient installation and removal. In contrast, standard ball valves offer more diverse connection methods, such as flange connections, threaded connections, or welded connections.
Common materials for union ball valves: Valve bodies and union components can be made of stainless steel (304/316), copper, cast iron, plastic (e.g., PVC, PP), etc., suitable for water, oil, gas, corrosive media, and more. Standard ball valves usually made from brass, stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, PVC, PPR, etc.The stainless steel material provides excellent corrosion resistance, enabling the valve to withstand various chemical substances. This makes it particularly suitable for industries with high corrosion resistance requirements, such as chemical processing, food, and pharmaceuticals. Depending on the material, union ball valves can handle pressures from low to medium-high (e.g., PN16-PN40) and temperatures ranging from -20°C to 200°C+ (metal materials withstand higher temperatures).
Stainless steel union ball valves produced by JOEPAI combine stainless steel material, union connections, and ball valve structure. They are widely used in industrial, civil, and various other sectors, offering numerous excellent properties. Simultaneously, the high strength and toughness of stainless steel ensure stable valve operation under harsh conditions like high pressure and temperature, extending service life.
Thanks to their union design, union ball valves are easier to maintain and replace. When valve replacement is needed, simply disassembling the unions suffices, eliminating complex welding or flange connection procedures and significantly saving installation time and costs. In comparison, maintaining or replacing standard ball valves can be more complicated.
Due to their easy installation and removal, union ball valves are suitable for applications requiring frequent valve changes. Standard ball valves, known for their simple structure and reliable sealing performance, are widely used in industrial piping and equipment for petroleum, natural gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and more.
Selection Recommendations:
Choose a union ball valve when the valve needs frequent removal for maintenance, connects to equipment requiring regular service/replacement (e.g., filter cartridges, heating elements), is located in a potentially hard-to-access position, or serves as an isolation valve upstream of instrumentation.
Choose a standard ball valve when budget is limited, the piping system is new and fixed in position, the valve itself won't need removal later (only on/off operation is required), or for high-demand applications using more permanent connection methods like welding/flanges.
