A ball valve can be used to regulate or throttle flow.

A ball valve can be used to regulate or throttle flow.

• A. False
• B. Only for high-pressure systems
• C. True
• D. Only for gases

Answer: (C)

Regulating flow by adjusting the valve opening is a common way to throttle a system. A ball valve consists of a spherical ball with a bore that aligns with the pipe when open. By turning the handle to a partial angle, you create a restricted path for the fluid, which reduces the flow rate. This means it can be used for throttling, offering quick shut-off when needed and some range of flow control. It’s worth noting that the flow–position relationship is not perfectly linear, so for very precise throttling it’s not the ideal choice compared with globe valves, but it certainly can regulate flow in many applications. The other statements are not correct because ball valves aren’t limited to high-pressure systems or to gases only, and they’re not restricted to one fluid type.

Regulating flow by adjusting the valve opening is a common way to throttle a system. A ball valve consists of a spherical ball with a bore that aligns with the pipe when open. By turning the handle to a partial angle, you create a restricted path for the fluid, which reduces the flow rate. This means it can be used for throttling, offering quick shut-off when needed and some range of flow control. It’s worth noting that the flow–position relationship is not perfectly linear, so for very precise throttling it’s not the ideal choice compared with globe valves, but it certainly can regulate flow in many applications. The other statements are not correct because ball valves aren’t limited to high-pressure systems or to gases only, and they’re not restricted to one fluid type.