Application of ball valves in the natural gas industry

Due to its fast opening and closing, good sealing, and high pressure resistance, ball valves are widely used in the natural gas industry. They are mainly used in pipeline transportation, pressure regulating stations, gas storage facilities, and end users. The following are specific application scenarios and selection points:

1. Main application scenarios in the natural gas industry

(1) Long-distance pipelines (high-pressure trunk lines)

Function: Used for cutting off and segmented control of natural gas trunk lines.

Requirements: High pressure (Class 300~600, PN40~PN100); full-bore design (reduces flow resistance and facilitates the passage of pipe cleaners); metal hard seal (resistant to high pressure and erosion); explosion-proof design (suitable for flammable and explosive environments).

Typical valves: fully welded ball valves (valve body has no risk of external leakage, suitable for buried pipelines); top-mounted ball valves (easy to maintain, suitable for stations).

(2) Urban gas pipeline network (medium and low pressure distribution)

Function: Used for switching control of urban gas distribution systems.

Requirements: medium and low pressure (PN16~PN25); fire safety design (valve seat material can still seal in case of fire); anti-static structure (to avoid sparks causing explosions).

Typical valves: floating ball valve (economical and applicable, small and medium diameter); fixed ball valve (large diameter, high pressure difference).

(3) Pressure regulating station and gate station

Function: used for pressure regulation and flow control.

Requirements: two-way sealing (to prevent reverse leakage); resistance to frequent operation (electric or pneumatic drive).

Typical valves: electric ball valve (linked with SCADA system, remote control); pneumatic emergency shut-off valve (ESD, fast closure in case of accident).

(4) LNG (liquefied natural gas) facilities

Function: used for low-temperature shut-off of LNG storage tanks, loading and unloading arms, and vaporizers.

Requirements: ultra-low temperature materials (toughness at 196℃, such as stainless steel 316L); vacuum jacket design (to prevent external frost).

Typical valves: cryogenic ball valve (long-necked valve cover to prevent cold conduction).

(5) Gas filling station (CNG/LNG filling)

Function: Used for fast opening and closing of gas filling machines.

Requirements: Fast opening and closing (≤1 second, to reduce gas loss); explosion-proof certification (ATEX or IECEx).

Typical valve: High-pressure fast-closing ball valve (Class 600~900).

2. Common problems and maintenance of natural gas ball valves

(1) Common faults

Internal leakage (not tightly closed): valve seat wear, impurities stuck.

External leakage: valve stem seal failure, flange leakage.

Operation jam: insufficient lubrication, low temperature freezing.

(2) Maintenance recommendations

Regular lubrication (valve stem, gearbox).

Check the sealing (pressure test at least once a year).

Pigment operation (to prevent impurities from accumulating and affecting the seal).

Conclusion

In the natural gas industry, ball valves are the preferred valves for high-pressure transmission, fast shut-off, and safe sealing, especially in long-distance pipelines, pressure regulating stations, and LNG facilities. When selecting the model, it is important to consider pressure level, sealing materials, fire and explosion protection requirements, and perform regular maintenance to ensure long-term reliable operation.