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A Ball Valve friction question?

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:22 pm
by boyntonstu
A Ball Valve friction question?

AFAIK There are 3 friction surfaces in a ball valve:

1> Ball to ball seal
2> Ball stem rod to handle.
3> Ball handle to valve body.

In order to make a ball valve easier to turn and therefore open faster, the friction must be reduced.

What do you suggest to do it?

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 5:29 pm
by Hotwired
Stick a forking big spring on it :D
































Ahhh, now that I've got that over with.... ^^


Lubricate it obviously.

Also, one random method I heard of was to attach a power drill to the ball itself and spin it up to deliberately cause wear and so reduce friction.

Of course the most apparent problem there is that if you overdo it you get it leaking, a balance needs to be struck.

Posted: Wed Jul 01, 2009 7:32 pm
by dudeman508
Is their a reason you need to use a ball valve?