Valves are considered instrumentation and control elements that are normally used to control the flow of a fluid within a system. But.. what are the differences between ball and needle valve?

While there are many different types of valves in the market, it is difficult to argue that ball valves and needle valves are among the most common ones.

When it comes to a ball valve and a needle valve, the main differences are found in the design and the main use they have. To better understand the differences, let’s take a closer look at each one of them.

What is a ball valve?

The main characteristic of a ball valve is that it is designed with a flow control element in the shape of a ball. However, the ball is not completely solid since it features a channel through its center to allow the pass of the fluid when it is open.

To switch a ball valve from open to close and vice versa, only a quarter of a turn (90 degrees) is required. Therefore, it is easy to identify whether the ball valve is open or close by looking at the position of the handle. When the handle is parallel to the pipe, the ball valve is open, and when it is pointing across the pipe or valve body, the ball valve is closed.

Ball valves are usually found as full-bore valves although they can also be acquired with reduced bore upon request.

Other important characteristics of ball valves are:

  • Small number of parts that results in reduced cleaning and maintenance requirements.
  • Full bore design helps prevent pressure drops in high-flow operations.
  • Different materials used for the body and seats for increased pressure ranges and fluid applications. Common seat materials include POM, PEEK, and PTFE.
  • Generally robust for the most demanding applications.

What is a needle valve?

As it happens with the ball valve, the most distinctive feature of a needle valve is the element for flow control. Instead of a ball, a needle valve has a plunger in the shape of a needle, hence the name. To control the position of the needle-shaped plunger, there is a threaded rotating stem mechanism, which makes the control very precise.

While adjusting how open or close a needle valve is can be very accurate, it becomes difficult to quickly switch from fully open to fully closed and vice versa since it usually requires between 5 to 6 full turns to achieve it.

Needle valves can be used in high-pressure applications with some of them being capable of handling up to 1000 psi (700 bar).

Other relevant features of a needle valve include:

  • Highly resistant to very high and cryogenic temperatures according to manufacturing materials.
  • Extended life span and high performance under high pressure and high vibration conditions.
  • Facilitate process measuring and control activities due to high pressure drops when open.
  • Metal-metal shut-off although soft seat can be acquired upon request.
  • Stem with back seating function for easy replacement of the packing while in operation.
  • Rear locking systems that prevent fluid contact with the packing, thus extending the life span of the valve.

Difference between a ball valve and a needle valve

Taking from the descriptions above, the differences can be very obvious. Clearly, the main difference is in the design of the element for flow control. Nevertheless, let’s summarize them as follows:

  • Ball valves are better suited for applications that require quick state changes, meaning changing from open to close or close to open almost immediately. On the other hand, needle valves are a better option when the need for the application is to control the flow with high precision by adjusting the position of the plunger.
  • Ball valves are great for high flow rate applications, but needle valves create problems instead of helping in those conditions because of the pressure drop and restricted flow they create with the fine adjustment.
  • Needle valves are great for valve manifolds in case mixing process lines is required while ball valves should not be used in such cases because extended or permanent throttling can cause failure.
  • It is easy to identify if a ball valve is open or close in a glance whereas a needle valve makes it difficult to tell.

How to select between a ball valve and a needle valve?

At this point, you may already know what is the difference between a ball valve and a needle valve. Using that knowledge and the requirements of the application you have in hand, it should not be very difficult to decide whether a ball valve or a needle valve is the best option for you.

For example, if your intention is controlling when fluid should be moving through a pipeline at high flow rates, then a ball valve would be your go-to alternative. However, if what you need is adjusting the flow rate to a very accurate value, then a needle valve will suit you best.

Also, remember that you need to consider other aspects regarding the requirements of your application, including but not limited to:

  • Pipe sizing.
  • Pressure capability.
  • Operating temperature and other operating conditions.
  • Material compatibility with the process fluid.
  • Connection types for easy installation.
  • Sealing requirements and other special requirements such as locking devices or actuators.

Of course, there may be situations when the best option is difficult to identify. So, whenever in doubt, the recommendation is to contact the experts in the field.

If you are having trouble finding the best valve for your specific application, or you would like more about the different valves we have in stock, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be more than happy to help you.