A standard gas ball valve is one of the most reliable locking mechanisms in comparison with other types of analogs. Such cranes are divided into several varieties and have their own characteristics that must be taken into account during installation and operation.
The device and features of the ball valve for gas
The domestic gas valve can be used for internal systems and for external highways, most often elements with a diameter of 2 to 12 inches are used. Ball mechanisms are necessary to completely shut off or open the gas flow; their main feature is the shut-off design. It has the shape of a ball with a special through hole that matches the diameter of the pipeline. If it is necessary to shut off the fuel supply, the valve is turned 90 degrees so that it is located perpendicular to the pipe.
The part is controlled by a lever supplemented with sealed rings. Ball valves have many advantages, including good tightness and high insulating properties. Modern cranes are lightweight due to the use of special metals and alloys, are distinguished by increased reliability and can be operated for 10 years without any malfunctions.
Types of gas taps
There are various domestic gas ball valves, differing from each other in design and appearance. All products consist of a standard set of parts:
- body part made of steel, brass or nickel;
- a piece for connecting a pipe;
- throat part for the stem;
- a connecting rod providing a connection between the movable mechanism and the handle;
- shut-off ball for shutting off gas.
In addition, the ball is reinforced with a special seat that prevents it from shifting and is held in it by means of a ring. The seal, flange and springs are responsible for the tightness and connection of parts of the entire structure.
The main part of the device is the handle with which the locking mechanism is controlled. It is fixed in one place with a strong nut and is complemented by a stopper that limits its movement.
Ball
Faucets for apartments, houses, offices and businesses can be made of brass or nickel. Elements of the first type are distinguished by good hermetic properties, do not cause difficulties during operation and are suitable for water pipes. Their nickel counterparts can be full bore and reduced, taking into account the throughput. The most common valves are considered with external and internal threads, welded, flanged and threaded types.
Corner
The angle gas valve is equipped with inlet and outlet nozzles located at an angle of 90 degrees towards each other. Such a structure allows the element to be used when assembling nodes in hard-to-reach places, as well as in areas where a bend of the line is required.
Threaded
Threaded or coupling parts are small in diameter, most often they are used for household gas pipelines. They are connected to the pipeline by means of a thread connection, from which they got their name.
Flanged
Flanged valves are designed for external gas pipelines with a large diameter.The connection in them is carried out by the flange method using bolts. Such elements are collapsible, which makes it possible to dismantle them and then reinstall them in other areas.
Welded
Elements with a welded structure are also used for external gas pipelines; the diameter of such taps ranges from 10-70 mm. They are connected to the pipes by welding, therefore, in the future, these installation areas will be non-separable. The list of advantages of the elements includes optimal tightness and a high level of reliability; in addition, welded fittings do not require additional maintenance.
Differences from plumbing fittings
The gas valve differs from the water valve in the appearance of the lever, which is yellow instead of red, as well as in a number of design features:
- long connecting thread;
- more durable body and locking mechanism;
- the ability to withstand high pressure;
- the presence of strong and sealed rings.
Although the standard gas faucet is more expensive, it cannot be replaced with plumbing fittings, since such savings can cause replacement of the main elements of the system as a result of an accident.
Application features
In most cases, ball valves are installed in places where gas equipment is used, for example, in the kitchen, and a separate valve is needed for each source of fuel consumption. Shut-off valves can be used to shut off and control the flow, for example, a three-way valve makes it possible to direct flow from one pipeline to the next.
A faucet for a standard gas pipe in a kitchen must match the characteristics of the system and the type of equipment. Most often, threaded elements are installed in such rooms, which do not cause problems during installation and throughout the entire service life.
Features of replacing the gas valve
Ball valves of any type are not insured against breakdowns, therefore, if a malfunction is detected, the element must be urgently replaced. It is better to entrust this work to the specialists of the gas service. A new valve is purchased based on the diameter of the gas pipeline, which must exactly match it.
Before the expert comes, you need to light the gas on the stove and close the valve, directing the burner and waiting for it to completely die out in order to allow the remaining fuel to exit the gas pipeline. After the completion of the work, the specialist must necessarily test the shut-off valves for leaks and enter information on the replacement of the element in the technical passport.
Operating rules
In order for the domestic gas ball valve to last as long as possible, standard recommendations must be followed during its maintenance. The element is designed to quickly shut off the gas flow inside the pipeline. It can be opened and closed only with the factory handle, for this purpose it is forbidden to use any tools.
The design of the valve itself is not provided for flow regulation, the element has only two operating positions: open and closed. If it is half-open, the fast flow of the pumped fuel can cause deformation of the O-rings, as a result of which the valve will quickly become unusable and will have to be replaced. The element cannot be used in environments with contamination that can lead to mechanical damage to the gaskets. Sometimes the fastening of the rotary knobs is weakened, in such cases it is necessary to tighten the screws that secure them. If there are leaks in the stuffing box seals of the rods, adjust the nuts located under the crane handles.
According to the instructions from the crane manufacturers, any repair work, including the replacement of the device, must not be carried out independently without the necessary skills.
Household gas faucet manufacturers
When choosing valves, you need to pay attention to all the details and purchase only high-quality products from well-known manufacturers. Best of all, the products of the Italian companies FIV, Valtec and Bugatti have proven themselves. The devices of the German brands Dungs and Profactor, the Polish brands Broen Ballomax and Efar, as well as the Russian concern LD are also of good quality.
It is not recommended to save money and give preference to Chinese manufacturers, since such fittings do not meet international standards and requirements.
