Soft Seated Ball Valves with Customized Seats Offer Reliability for your Applications

Kinvalve Offers Leak Proof and Tight Sealing Soft Seated Ball Valves

When you are task to choose industrial ball valves for your various application needs, there are many things you need to consider.

From materials of the housing and seats to size, design, operation methods, configurations to end connections, you need to choose carefully to accommodate your service conditions.

Kinvalve can supply several housing materials for your soft seat ball valves, including Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, Brass, and other Special Alloys on your request.

It is always best to consult with the best manufacturer and Kinvalve has a good reputation when it comes to designing and fabricating different types of soft seat ball valves.

Kinvalve resilient seated ball valve is the most practical ball valve to use in specific media that operates in lower temperature ranges and suitable for low to medium pressure depending on the materials and design specifics that you will require for your processing industry.

It is much practical in terms of cost than a metal seat ball valve. Suitable to use in pipelines that process air, water, and other non-corrosive media.

These soft seated ball valves are easy to wear and will achieve the highest level of sealing performance to zero leakage.

The structure of Kinvalve soft seated ball valves starts as S-Class or On-Off valve system than with added specific components including special coatings and treatments which then can be applied to your specific industry requirements.

Kinvalve can provide you with a significantly shorter lead time with quicker setup processes and outstanding high quality soft seated ball valves that can provide excellent performance in your most demanding applications.

Kinvalve soft seat ball valve is available in floating ball design and can be installed in various industries or refinery, pipeline, and chemical applications. It is widely used around the world ensuring you of high international quality standards.

Designed in an ISO quality approved manufacturing facility, Kinvalve is keen on producing quality soft seated ball valves that are in accordance with SO 9001 and the ISO14001 as well as having a certificate of OHSAS18001, CE, TS and A1 certification.

Uniquely engineered design features such as Blow-Out Proof Stem is installed at the inner chamber of the valve body that can ensure safety that prevents the stem from flying out during high pressure operations.

This will dramatically reduce risks and accidents at your processing site. Consistent operational torque is achieved with the masterfully designed stem bushing unique to all Kinvalve resilient seated ball valves.

An Anti-Static Device is an important feature in a working condition that easily produces electrostatic sparks. Fire-Safe design and the excellent sealing mechanism ensure safety and zero leakage.

Kinvalve soft seat ball valves are available in the threaded or flanged end and can come in a full range of trim options that are suitable for high cycle, chemical, abrasive media in high-temperature applications.

Fitted with extended bonnet for excellent insulation. Soft seated ball valves have an outstanding shaft sealing system that surpasses all proposed fugitive emission standards.

A mounting pad as an actuator installation with a range of alloy and seat material options is available according to your industry requirements.

Having the engineering expertise and a high standard manufacturing facility, Kinvalve soft seated ball valves have been employed in numerous industries across many nations for various applications.

A trusted name in the industry, Kinvalve offers high quality soft seated ball valves with quick delivery time and excellent customer support service for your company.

Soft Seat Ball Valves: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Before you import soft seat ball valves, read this guide.

It answers all questions you have been asking about soft seat ball valves – from components, working principle, features, maintenance to testing procedures.

So, keep reading to learn more.

What Is A Soft Seat Ball Valve?

A soft seat ball valve is a ball valve made from materials with high thermoplastic compositions made of PTFE or PEEK plastic.

Soft seat ball valves are appropriate for applications that do not require mixing incompatible chemicals and type sealing.

If you use soft seat ball valves in applications involving dirty and abrasive media, they may easily break down.

They are therefore suitable for applications in Low to medium pressure environments.

In addition to being less expensive, soft seat ball valves are more convenient than other types of ball valves.

This is because of their tight ceiling.

Most soft seat ball valves differ from soft seat ball valves in terms of sealing material.

However, some use a metal O-ring (metal seat ring) with soft materials as the seat inserts.

Such seats use metal seat rings but are categorized as soft seat ball valves.

soft ball seat valve

What Is The Purpose Of A Soft Seat?

The sole purpose of the soft seat is to provide your process with a tight sealing.

They are designed for harsh and severe processes for which they have been tested and proven.

What Are The Specific Design Features Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

• The bore size of soft seat ball valves ranges from ¼ “, i.e., 6.35mm to 3/8 inches, i.e., 9.5mm.
• The seat material is Polytetrafluoroethylene or Polyether Ether Ketone.
• You can easily clean soft seat ball valves if your process involves dirty service.

What Is The Difference Between Soft Seat Ball Valves And Metal Seat Ball Valves?

Why should you choose a soft seat ball valve over a metal seat ball valve?

This is entirely dependent upon the intended application or process.

Generally, soft seat ball valves will not deliver peak performance in severe or harsh process applications.

soft seat ball valve

Hence, metal seat ball valves will be the best option.

Metal seat ball valves have a longer lifespan compared to soft seat ball valves.

However, they come at a relatively higher price point.

Soft seat ball valves are, on the other hand, affordable and assure reduced non-productive time during leakages and other problems.

Both metal seat ball valves and soft seat ball valves work similarly.

A seal is created when the ball and the seat components come in full contact.

Metal seat ball valves use materials like nickel alloys, stainless steel, and other metals.

By contrast, soft seat ball valves are made from materials with high thermoplastic compositions.

This includes; PTFE ( Polytetrafluoroethylene) or NBR(Nitrile Butadiene Rubber.)

Generally, soft seat ball valves are classified at a higher leakage class than metal seat ball valves.

They may provide bubble-tight sealing. Metal seat ball valves are classified at ANSI CLASS V or CLASS IV.

Meaning <0.1% of the valve’s capacity when fully open is lost due to leakage during the requisite pressure tests.

metal seat ball valve

When Should You Use Soft Seat Ball Valves Vs Metal Seat Ball Valves?

To choose between soft seat ball valves and metal seat ball valves, you must understand your process.

Have a full understanding of the conditions, e.g., whether the media is corrosive or abrasive, levels of pressure, and temperature.

metal seat ball valve

Select metal seat ball valves if your process is in a heavy-duty industrial environment.

Their robust nature will make them efficient enough to withstand more severe conditions.

If your process requires chemical compatibility, then tight sealing is crucial.

Soft seat ball valves will provide you with just that, i.e., bubble-tight sealing.

You should use them in applications with those requisite conditions.

Soft seat ball valves may break down in conditions that involve control of dirty or abrasive fluids.

Thus, causing problems like leakages and slowing down your process in the long run.

In such instances, you should opt for the metal seat.

Regarding the required torque to operate both, the metal seat ball valve will have higher torque than the soft seat.

This may result in the soft seat ball valve having a smaller actuator than the metal seat ball valve.

Thus it reduces weight and space consumption. This is an advantage that is often overlooked.

The soft seat ball valve will give you a higher value for your money in terms of shut-off capabilities.

They are classified under the highest leakage class, i.e., CLASS VI.

On the other hand, metal seat ball valves can achieve only up to ISO 5208 Rate D or ANSI/FCI CLASS V.

Thus, if you require a bubble-tight shut off, there is no choice except to use a soft seat ball valve.

What Materials Are Soft Seat Ball Valves Made Of?

Materials used to manufacture soft seat ball valves must have the following qualities to provide the best sealing performance:

• A high level of ductility that is required to provide good sealing.
• For reliable performance and sealing, the ball valve has to retain its shape.

Hence, the seal has to be dimensionally stable and not easily deformed.

• Low friction to achieve low stem torque.
• Reduced thermal expansion coefficients to ensure no deformation occurs.
• High resistance to wear to ensure a long lifespan.
• Compatibility with the controlled chemicals, fluids, or media.

The materials with these qualities are the ones we use to manufacture the soft seat ball valves.

They include:-

PTFE: This is often used by most manufacturers.

It is made using Virgin Teflon material. It has chemical compatibility that is suitable for almost all chemicals.

It has a temperature rating of -50°- 400°F.

PTFE: This option is made from 15% glass-reinforced Polytetrafluoroethylene.

It is suitable for processes with temperatures that range from -50°F to 450°F.

Its chemical resistance is similar to that of virgin PTFE with a better wear factor.

25% Carbon Filled PTFE, 75% Carbon Graphite:

This material offers unique advantages, including improved resistance to wear and a wider temperature range.

This material is suitable for -50°F – 180°F.

PEEK; Polyether Ether Ketone: This material is best suited if your process involves high pressure and temperature service.

The temperature range for this material is -70°F to 550°F.

What Are The Applications Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

You can use the soft seat ball valve in the general application of gas and oil.

The soft seat will provide a good and bubble-tight sealing capability with an adequate lifespan.

All while offering a clean service application.

What Is The Leakage Class Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

The ANSI/FCI 70-2 2006 standards offer a guide on leakage classifications.

These standards classify ball valves into six leakage classifications: the most common being Class IV and VI.

Soft seat ball valves are classified under leakage CLASS VI.

Their resilient sealing material, i.e., Polytetrafluoroethylene, is their main characteristic.

• For soft seat ball valves to be classified under this class, they have to:
• Be tested with nitrogen or air as the test fluid.
• Have an operating pressure of below 50 Psi/g.
• Have a leakage limit that is dependent on the size of the ball valve and ranges between 0.15 – 6.75 ml/ minute. Valve sizes range from 1” inch to 8” inch.

Which Types Of Soft Seat Ball Valves Are Available?

Soft seat ball valves are like regular ball valves.

The significant difference arises in the type of material used to manufacture the seat material.

In the case of soft seat ball valve, the material is one with a lot of thermoplastic composition, for example, Polytetrafluoroethylene.

In that regard, the types of soft seat ball valves vary only in terms of the casting body type, i.e.,

• Single body
• Three-piece body
• Two-piece body

two piece body

• Top entry body, etc.

How Do I Maintain Soft Seat Ball Valves?

Soft seat ball valves will be long-lasting and easy to use if you install and maintain them properly.

There are multiple aspects to maintaining soft seat ball valves. They are:-

Storage Conditions:

You should unpack the seals and seats only when they are ready for installation.

Doing this will protect your soft seat ball valve from debris and dust.

Debris and dust may, in the long run, cause valve failure and result in seat leakage.

If you store it for extended periods, you should consider keeping it in a cool and ventilated space.

Also, inspect the valve for any missing parts.

Valve Installation

You can install soft seat ball valves in any orientation.

However, if it is bigger, you may want to reduce the load arising from the actuator pulling away.

In this case, you may install the drive shaft vertically.

Before installing the soft seat ball valve, check the body, seat, and ball material.

Ascertain that no faults have occurred as a result of storage or transit.

Verify the valve’s application prerequisites against its temperature ratings.

The pressure ratings are ANSI certified, meaning the soft seat ball valves aren’t suitable for all applications.

Verify the application prerequisites against the temperature rating of the soft seat ball valve.

Check the valve flange (ANSI 300, ANSI 150, etc.) or valve thread (ANSI socket weld, NPT, BSP.)

This will help you to ensure that it conforms to the application requirements.

Before installing the soft seat ball valve, you should ensure all welding work has been completed and that the flange is at Room Temperature.

Support the soft seat ball valve where necessary to reduce its weight load. This will prevent problems like deformation and leaking.

Field Testing

Soft seat ball valves can only hold their rated pressure. Thus, you should not use pressure above the rated ones.

You can test the pipeline to the valve hydrostatic test pressure with the ball in the open position.

Foreign material between the soft seat and the ball might cause seat leaking.

If this happens, turn the valve about 10° – 15° to provide a higher velocity flush.

If required, close the valve and repeat the procedure as mentioned above.

Operation

Avoid controlling fluids at a higher temperature and pressure than the rated working pressure.

A lot of torque may damage the soft seat.

Hence, you should regulate the amount of torque used to actuate the soft seat ball valve.

Maintenance

You should cycle the soft seat ball valve at least once every month, especially if you do not use it regularly.

Before undertaking any maintenance procedures on the soft seat ball valve, you should relieve the system pressure.

Replace worn-out soft seats as soon as possible.

You should clean the soft seat using soft and clean materials to prevent damages. Damages may result in leakages, which, in the long run, will slow down your process.

Lubricate the soft seats and seals using only approved lubrication.

Afterwards, you should test it and put it back into line in conformance to the already existing sequence.

What Test And Qualification Standards Do Soft Seat ball Valves Conform To?

JB2311-78 and GB12220 are Chinese valve standards for ball valve technology requirements and valve marking, respectively.

The markings indicate useful information like pressure ratings.

ANSI/ASTME PTC25.3 standards for valve characteristic testing solutions.

This means that the valve has been put through tests to determine whether or not it can handle certain working conditions.

ANSI standards FCI 70-2 2006 defines leakage classes for soft seat ball valves.

The valves must undergo specific tests for them to be approved for qualification and certified.

A certified soft seat ball valve must meet the following requirements:

• A maximum Pressure rating of 50Psi/g.

Test procedure: You should adjust the actuator to operating conditions recommended for full normal closing thrust applicable to the soft seat.

Let the leakage flow be stable and use the recommended measuring apparatus.

• Maximum allowable levels of leakage vary according to the port size of the soft seal ball valve.

These tests are conducted using the following media: Nitrogen or Air at 50° to 125° F (10 to 52°C).

It is worth noting the following:

The benchmark pressure is ten cubic centimetres each hour for every inch of the pipe diameter.

The leakage rates defined by these standards apply only when discharging the test media into the air.

1. The applicable closure leakage rate is stated in either a valve’s leakage rate or the product standard established.It can also be in your procurement buy order meaning more stringency.
2. The API 598 leakage rate acceptability values:The leakage values Rate A applied to DN 50, Rate CC for liquids, and gases, Rate AA lack a defined connection.

What Are The Pressure And Temperature Ratings Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

This will vary depending on the material used to manufacture the soft seat ball valve, i.e.:

• For PTFE( 100% Polytetrafluoroethylene):
• Temperature Range: -50°F to 400°F
• Max Pressure at Room Temperature: 1000 psi
• For 50/50( 50% PTFE, 50% SST POWDER):
• Temperature Range: -50°F to 550°F
• Max Pressure at Room Temperature: 2000 psi
• For PEEK ( Polyether Ether Ketone):
• Temperature Range: -50°F to 550°F
• Max Pressure at Room Temperature: 6000 psi
• For Delrin:
• Temperature Range: -40°F to 180°F
• Max Pressure at Room Temperature: 6000 psi

All pressure and temperature ratings are approved and certified.

What Are The Limitations Of Using Soft Seat Ball Valves?

• Soft seat ball valves are not suitable for controlling fluids that are dirty or abrasive. This is because they may break down, resulting in leakages.
• Soft seat ball valves can not withstand conditions that are harsher than their limits. Hence they suffer multiple complications.
• Soft seat ball valves are constructed from soft rubbery materials, elastomers, Teflon, etc.

These materials are a lot softer than the disc itself.

This is good because it allows you to achieve the highest possible levels of sealing.

But unfortunately, it means you cannot use the soft seat ball valve for high-temperature applications.

If you do use the soft seat ball valves for high-temperature applications, a few problems may arise.

Specifically, the seat will be heated and become hard leading to plastic deformation.

This will, in turn, lead to irregular seat shape. If this occurs, there will be leakages.

What Are Some Safety Precautions For Handling Soft Seat Ball Valves?

Don’t use the soft seat ball valve at pressures greater than its rated working pressure.

If the soft seat ball valve is stuck in a closed and open position, you should inspect it for foreign objects.

Check the actuator action if the valve is stuck halfway between closed and open.

If required, remove the actuator and manually operate the valve to locate the problem. If necessary, remove and inspect valves for foreign objects.

The internal parts of the soft seat ball valves may be damaged by excessive actuator torque.

You should therefore actuate with moderation.

What Is The Lifespan Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

The pressure must drop as the media temperature in the valve rises and vice versa.

These elements influence the soft seat ball valve’s longevity.

Also, elements like the frequency with which it is cycled affect its longevity.

Use your soft seat ball valve in applications that conform to the defined temperature and pressure ratings.

This will ensure that they last very long, especially if you don’t cycle them frequently.

If a valve is cycled more frequently, it may have a shorter lifespan or require more maintenance in the same application.

What Is The Price Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

The price of soft seat ball valves ranges from $ 36.22 – $100.

The significant difference in price arises from the overall valve design and the seat material employed.

Our soft seat ball valves offer the best service while coming at a very reasonable price point.

They will last for at least 100,000 cycles.

What Are The End Connection Types Available For Soft Seat Ball Valves?

Soft seat ball valves come in the following varying end connections.

• RJT/ Threaded ends
• ANSI 150 or PN10/16 certified Flanged ends.
• Weld-on ends.
• BSP Threaded ends.
• Triclamp ends with quick-release coupling.

What Is A Valve Seat?

A valve seat is a doughnut-shaped disc that forms a seal between the ball component of the valve and the body.

Its main purpose is to distribute seating stress and seal the media inside evenly.

Elastomers or polymers are used as seats in the case of soft seat ball valves.

valve seats

What Is The Sealing Performance Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

Soft seat ball valves have very good sealing performance since they are classified under leakage CLASS VI.

Can Soft Seat Ball Valves Be Used For Throttling?

Yes, you can use soft seat ball valves for throttling.

However, you should only do so in moderation, as they are exclusively designed to start and stop the flow.

Ensure that you don’t leave it partially open for long periods.

This is because it may become damaged and useless. Thereby slowing down your process.

Can You Modify Soft Seat Ball Valves?

Yes, you can modify soft seat ball valves if they do not meet your process’s requisite conditions.

You may replace parts like the seat to increase the shut-off degree of the soft seat ball valve.

However, modifications conducted on the soft seat ball valve may void your warranty.

In this regard, ensure that a professional does the modification for you in a manner that will not lead to damages.

Can You Use Soft Seat Ball Valves For Isolation?

A fluid handling system that works by stopping process media flow to a separate location is known as an isolation valve.

They can also provide flow logic, i.e., selecting a flow path over the other.

Hence, valves can only be isolation valves depending on the functions you intend for them, not because of their type.

By this virtue, soft seat ball valves can, indeed, be classified as isolation valves.

How Do You Choose A Soft Seat Ball Valve?

To choose a soft seat ball valve, you have to understand your process. Have a full understanding of the conditions, e.g.

Whether the media is corrosive or abrasive, the levels of pressure and media temperature levels.

The soft seated ball valves are suitable for controlling clean media.

We do not recommend soft seat ball valves for controlling a dirty fluid in general application.

Consider the scale of your process. This will enable you to select the appropriate size.

To choose the right seat for your application, you must first understand your process conditions.

If you’re still undecided, consult an engineer for assistance in determining the best option.

Do You Offer A Warranty On Soft Seat Ball Valves?

Yes, we offer a warranty on our soft seat ball valves.

The warranty contains detailed information on said warranty coverage.

Such information includes; fully explained terms and conditions of the warranty.

The information acts as incentive for us as soft seat ball valve manufacturers to perform the warranty obligations if the need arises.

Moreover, they are symbolic of our confidence in the quality of our product and its ability to serve its purpose.

What Sizes Do Soft Seat Ball Valves Come In?

Soft seat ball valves come in similar sizes as metal seat ball valves.

The size of soft seat ball valves ranges from ¼ “, i.e., 6.35mm to 3/8 inches.

This is measured in terms of bore size. The bore refers to the port in the ball component of the soft seat ball valve.

Can You Replace Soft Seat Ball Valve Components?

Yes, you can replace the soft seat ball valve’s parts.

If the other soft seat ball valves appear to be in good working order except for one specific part.

You can order a replacement part.

After replacing the damaged part, ensure that you reinstall the soft seat ball valve correctly.

What Are The Parts Of Soft Seat Ball Valves?

The soft seated valve material comprises three basic parts;

• Inner elastomer or sleeve
• The body or casing
• An end connection.

How Do Soft Seat Ball Valves Work?

The soft seat ball valve gets its name from the type of seat it employs, i.e., Soft materials like PTFE instead of metals.

Besides, the SSBV effectively stops flow when the ball component is turned 90 degrees. It belongs in the 1/4 turn valve family.

The stiff sealing material will allow for the ball component to be pressed in tight against the seat.

For all your soft seat ball valves needs, you can contact Kinvalve right now.