Ball Valve Full Port vs. Reduced Port​: 4 Differences

Full port ball valves are ideal for high-flow industries, while reduced port ball valves are more compact and more affordable. 

The former features a ball with a hole at a size equivalent to your pipe diameter, therefore providing unrestricted flow. Meanwhile, the latter’s smaller ball hole size may restrict proper flow at times. 

Learn more about the differences of these two types of ball valves, covering the following pointers:

– Overview of each ball valve

– Their major differences

– Reduced port ball valve dimensions

– Which valve is right for your application? 

What Is a Full Port Ball Valve?

The greatest distinction of a full port ball valve is that it has the same internal diameter with that of the pipe it is connected to. Most of these valves are also known as two-way, quarter-turn ball valves. 

Remember the following points of difference of full port ball valves over others:

• Features a straight flow path
• Offers minimal to no resistance to flow at all
• Flow path through the valve doesn’t turn narrower on the inside

What Is a Reduced Port Ball Valve?

Meanwhile, reduced port ball valves, otherwise referred to as the standard port ball valve, features a flow path that’s narrow and more restricted than the internal diameter of the pipeline it is used with. 

Compared to full port ball valves, these valves have higher velocity, energy loss, pressure drop, and friction when used. 

Their distinctions are:

• More compact structure
• Having their own strength
• Lower in cost

Full Port vs. Reduced Port Ball Valve: The Differences

Caratteristiche del flusso

The difference in the designs of those two valves is what distinguishes each when it comes to their flow characteristics. For instance, the structure of reduced port ball valves results in some level of flow restriction and pressure drop unlike what happens with a full port ball valve. This makes the reduced port type less efficient in terms of flow capacity as it creates more pressure loss for the system. 

Caduta di pressione

Full port ball valves have a diminished pressure drop than that of reduced port ball valves. This means that with the former’s straight flow path and less resistance to media flow compared to the other, they are for piping systems with stringent working conditions, such as underground pipes.  

On the other hand, with the smaller internal bore of the latter than your pipe’s diameter, higher pressure drop and flow restriction occur, making them compact, economical, and suitable for projects where pressure loss is acceptable.

Size and Weight

In terms of sizing and weight, full port ball valves are larger and heavier than reduced port ball valves. Thus, the latter is easier to install and set up. 

Costo

Reduced port ball valves are way cheaper than full port ball valves. This is because of their more compact size, lighter weight, and less space requirements.

Reduced Port Ball Valve Dimensions

Before you make your purchase, it is vital to know details about the dimensions of your reduced port ball valve to ensure proper installation, efficiency of flow, and compatibility with your piping systems. 

Detailed Sizing

Unlike full port ball valves, which have an internal diameter around the same size as the pipe where it is connected to, reduced port ball valves’ internal diameter in lieu of its pipe is smaller, usually about one pipe size smaller. For context, a standard port ball valve at one inch has a ¾-inch opening. 

Flow Restrictions

The smaller ball opening of a reduced port ball valve compared to its pipe’s diameter is the reason flow is more restricted. However, this design is used in applications where space is limited and by industries that are cutting down on investment costs for operations. Careful consideration of flow restrictions and requirements is crucial to ensure optimal performance.

Pressure Drop Calculations

The pressure drop calculations for reduced port ball valves are illustrated in the image below:

Here, ΔP is the pressure drop, Q is the flow rate, and C_v is the valve flow coefficient. Knowing this calculation is critical to ensure system efficiency and performance.

Which Valve is Right for Your Application?

While a reduced port ball valve excels considering its features, choosing between this and a full port ball valve depends on your needs and industrial application. Because of the minimal resistance and pressure drop of full port ball valves, they are ideal for high flow applications. Meanwhile, because reduced port ball valves are more compact, they are suitable for applications with a lot of thresholds on flow restrictions. 

For cost-efficient reduced port ball valves, check out the collection of ONERO. This company ensures all their ball valves are high-performing from the research phase to the development stage, up to the production that creates the product. They also guarantee sustainability, minimizing environmental impact. For more information, get in touch with their team Oggi. 

Risorse

• What is the difference between full port ball valve and reduced port ball valve? (1)
• Full Port Ball Valves vs Standard Port | ISM (2)
• What is the Difference between Full Port and Reduced Port Ball Valves (3)