Table 3 : Space requirements for wafer type monoblock valve vs . ball valve | |||
Valve size ( inches ) |
Wafer type monoblock valve ( cm ) |
Ball valve ( cm ) |
Space savings (%) |
2 |
15 |
22 |
31 % |
4 |
18 |
30 |
40 % |
6 |
22 |
35 |
37 % |
Table 4 : Comparative installation and maintenance costs | |||
Cost category |
Wafer type monoblock valve |
Ball valve |
|
Installation Cost |
$ 200 - $ 400 per valve |
$ 300 - $ 600 per valve |
|
Maintenance Frequency |
1-2 times / year |
2-4 times / year |
|
Maintenance Cost |
$ 100 - $ 200 per service |
$ 150 - $ 300 per service |
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Table 5 : Pressure handling comparison | |||
Application |
Pressure Requirement ( PSI ) |
Wafer Type Monoblock valve |
Ball valve |
Oil & Gas |
2500 |
Suitable |
Not Suitable |
Chemical Processing |
2000 |
Suitable |
Suitable |
Water Treatment |
1000 |
Suitable |
Suitable |
Table 6 : Material and construction comparison ( Same material : Stainless steel 316 ) | ||
Aspect |
Wafer type monoblock valve |
Ball valve |
Body Construction |
Single-piece body , fewer joints |
Multi-piece body , multiple joints |
Potential Leak Points |
Minimal |
Higher ( due to multiple seals and joints ) |
Maintenance Requirements |
Lower ( fewer parts to maintain ) |
Higher ( more seals and moving parts ) |
Structural Integrity |
Higher ( single-piece , robust construction ) |
Moderate ( dependent on assembly quality ) |
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• Performance in high-pressure environments Wafer type monoblock valves are engineered to withstand higher pressures , often up to 3000 PSI , compared to ball valves ’ typical 1500 PSI limit . This makes them more suitable for applications in oil and gas , chemical processing , and other industries with high-pressure conditions .
• Material and construction Material selection and construction quality significantly affect valve durability , corrosion resistance , and overall performance . Wafer type monoblock valves , often constructed from high-grade stainless steel and other alloys , provide superior corrosion resistance and mechanical strength . Their simpler construction with fewer parts reduces the risk of wear and leakage compared to the more complex ball valve design .
• Performance metrics Flow coefficient ( Cv ) and pressure drop are crucial metrics in evaluating valve efficiency .
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Figure 1 . A compact , lightweight wafer monoblock valve designed for tight industrial spaces .
Wafer type monoblock valves generally exhibit higher Cv values and lower pressure drops compared to ball valves , resulting in more precise flow control and improved system efficiency .
• Lifetime and durability The robust , one-piece design of wafer type monoblock valves contributes to a longer operational life by reducing potential failure points . This design advantage often results in less frequent replacement and maintenance compared to ball valves with more moving parts and seals .
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Figure 2 . Wafer monoblock and ball valve design
• Environmental impact Environmental considerations are increasingly important in valve selection . Wafer type monoblock valves , often constructed from recyclable materials , have a lower environmental footprint compared to ball valves . Their simpler construction requires less energy during manufacturing and generates less waste .
• Sustainability Sustainability is a critical factor in modern industrial design . Wafer type monoblock valves offer better sustainability metrics due to their longer lifespan and higher recyclability . This makes them a more
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