BALL VALVES
Figure 2 . Leak-resistant ball valve featuring advanced seals : Equipped with perfluoroelastomer and metal-to-metal seals for enhanced leak prevention under high-pressure conditions .
Figure 3 . Precision-Engineered Ball Valves for High-Performance RMS and MRS Applications . significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety ( Harris & White , 2023 ; Lee & Kim , 2023 ). Smart valves can automatically adjust to changes in flow , pressure , and temperature , reducing the need for manual intervention and minimising the risk of human error . This technological advancement is particularly beneficial in RMS and MRS , where maintaining precise control over gas flow and pressure is critical . Studies have shown that the implementation of smart
valve technology can reduce maintenance costs by up to 15 % and decrease unplanned downtime by 20 % ( Harris & White , 2023 ; Lee & Kim , 2023 ; O ’ Reilly & Morgan , 2022 ). Predictive maintenance , enabled by data from smart valves , allows operators to identify potential issues before they escalate into significant problems . This extends the lifespan of the valves and ensures the continuous and efficient operation of gas distribution systems ( Harris & White , 2023 ).
Cost aspects of advanced ball valves
While advanced ball valves come with a higher initial cost compared to traditional valves , their long-term financial benefits often outweigh the upfront investment . The use of durable materials , improved sealing technologies , and smart automation features significantly reduces maintenance costs , operational downtime and the frequency of valve replacements ( Fernandez & Ruiz , 2022 ; Khan & Ali , 2023 ).
Table 5 : Benefits of smart valve technology Benefit
Description
Real-Time Monitoring Continuous data collection for optimal operation .
Automatic Adjustments Dynamic response to changing conditions , improving system reliability .
Predictive Maintenance Early detection of issues , reducing downtime and repair costs .
Table 6 : Cost comparison between traditional and advanced ball valves |
Cost Aspect |
Traditional Ball Valves |
Advanced Ball Valves |
Initial Purchase Cost |
Lower |
Higher |
Maintenance Frequency |
High |
Low |
Replacement Costs |
Higher |
Lower |
Operational Downtime Costs |
Higher due to frequent issues |
Lower due to predictive maintenance |
Total Lifecycle Cost |
High |
25 % Lower |
30 Valve World February 2025 www . valve-world . net