Oct.23.2025
V-type ball valves and O-type ball valves are both types of ball valves. These two types of ball valves have different structures and characteristics, suitable for different operating conditions. By analyzing the differences and features of the two, one can better understand and use them, providing assistance in product selection.
I. Structure and Characteristics of V-type Ball Valve
The V-type ball valve is an efficient valve with a unique design featuring a semi-spherical valve core with a V-shaped opening on one side. By adjusting the valve core opening, it can effectively change the cross-sectional area of fluid flow, enabling precise flow control. Additionally, it can be used for on-off control to open or close pipelines. This valve has a self-cleaning function, allowing for precise adjustment of small flows within a narrow opening range, with a high adjustable ratio. It is suitable for media containing fibers, fine particles, and slurry. The designation for V-type ball valves is VQ, and its design complies with the JB/T 13517 standard. It possesses high reliability and stability, making it an indispensable component in the field of fluid control.
II. Structure and Characteristics of O-type Ball Valve
The ball core of an O-type ball valve is a solid sphere, and the flow passage opening is circular, hence the name O-type ball valve. The majority of ball valves we use are O-type ball valves. They have low flow resistance, requiring only a 90-degree rotation of the valve core during the switching process, resulting in fast switching. When equipped with an AT cylinder, it can be used as a fast shut-off valve. It has two seat seals at the inlet and outlet, ensuring reliable sealing. O-type ball valves can be used for gases, steam, liquids, and media with a small amount of suspended particles.
III. Differences Between V-type and O-type Ball Valves
1. The core structure differs between the two. The flow passage of an O-type ball valve is a complete circle with double-seat sealing. The V-type ball valve has a 1/4 semi-spherical valve core with a V-shaped opening on one side, using a single-seat seal. There are also designs with a full spherical valve core, with a V-shaped flow passage on one end, in either a single-seat or double-seat sealing form.
2. Different suitability for media. O-type ball valves are mostly used for clean media or media with few suspended particles. When equipped with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) seat seals, they can achieve zero leakage. However, in media with a high impurity content or granular media, the central cavity may become blocked, causing the ball valve to seize and malfunction. V-type ball valves often use metal hard seals and are suitable for media containing fibers, fine particles, and slurry. The V-shaped opening can cut through fiber media, making them widely used in the papermaking industry. Due to the use of a partial spherical valve core and a single-seat seal, it effectively prevents media blockage in the valve.
3. Different suitability for process control requirements. O-type ball valves are mainly used for on-off control, with poor regulating performance. When equipped with an AT pneumatic piston actuator, they can achieve fast shut-off. V-type ball valves have a V-shaped opening, providing good adjustability with a high adjustable ratio, reaching 100:1 or higher. When equipped with pneumatic and electric actuators, they are mainly used for regulating control but can also be used for on-off control.
4. Different flow characteristics. The flow characteristic of O-type ball valves is quick opening, suitable for on-off control. The flow characteristic of V-type ball valves is approximately equal percentage, suitable for regulating control.
5. Different flow passage sizes. O-type ball valves generally have two flow passage sizes: full bore and reduced bore. V-type ball valves have different flow passage sizes based on process and design requirements, usually reduced bore. Different ball cores can be replaced to meet various flow rate requirements.
The above are some differences between O-type and V-type ball valves. Fleyenda Flow can provide standards such as ANSI, JIS, DIN, and GB; feel free to inquire for the latest quotations!
