Full Bore vs Reduced Bore Ball Valves: Everything You Need to Know

Ball valves are some of the most commonly used valves in industrial systems due to their reliability, simplicity, and efficiency in controlling the flow of liquids and gases. However, depending on the design, ball valves can be classified as either Full Bore (Full Flow) or Reduced Bore (Reduced Flow). These designs offer distinct advantages and are chosen based on the specific needs of the system, such as flow rate, pressure, and cost considerations.

In this blog post, we'll break down the differences between Full Bore and Reduced Bore ball valves, and help you understand when and why you should use each type in your pipeline system.

What is a Full Bore Ball Valve?

Definition:
A Full Bore Ball Valve features a ball with a hole (bore) that matches the internal diameter of the pipeline. This means that when the valve is fully open, the fluid flows through the valve with minimal resistance, and the flow rate is essentially the same as it would be if there were no valve in the pipeline.

Key Features:

·         Minimal Pressure Loss: Because the bore size is the same as the pipeline diameter, there is little obstruction to fluid flow, leading to very low pressure loss.

·         Ideal for High Flow Rates: Full bore ball valves are perfect for applications that require large volumes of fluid to pass through the system without disruption.

·         Cleanability: Full bore ball valves are commonly used in applications that involve cleaning or "pigging" the pipeline, where cleaning devices can pass through the valve to remove any blockages or deposits.

Applications of Full Bore Ball Valves:

·         Oil and Gas Pipelines: In systems where a high volume of oil or gas needs to flow smoothly with minimal pressure drop.

·         Water Treatment Plants: These valves allow large volumes of water to flow through treatment systems efficiently, without any significant loss of pressure.

·         Steam Systems: High-pressure steam systems benefit from full bore valves because they minimize pressure loss and help maintain consistent steam flow.

·         Chemical Transport: Used in systems where chemicals are transported at high flow rates, requiring the valve to allow free and unobstructed movement of liquids.

Advantages of Full Bore Ball Valves:

1.    Low Flow Resistance: Since the ball’s bore matches the pipeline diameter, there is minimal flow restriction.

2.    Efficient Flow Control: They allow for very efficient fluid movement, especially in large-scale operations.

3.    Ideal for Cleaning and Inspection: The full bore design enables cleaning tools (like pigs) to move through the pipeline without any interference.

What is a Reduced Bore Ball Valve?

Definition:
A Reduced Bore Ball Valve has a ball with a bore size that is smaller than the internal diameter of the pipeline. When the valve is fully open, the smaller bore constricts the fluid flow, resulting in a slight reduction in flow rate and an increase in pressure loss.

Key Features:

·         Flow Restriction: The smaller bore diameter inherently restricts the flow of fluid, making it ideal for applications where flow needs to be controlled or reduced.

·         Higher Pressure Loss: Since the flow is restricted, the pressure loss through the valve will be higher compared to full bore valves.

·         Lower Cost: The design and materials used for reduced bore valves are generally less expensive, making them a cost-effective choice for certain applications.

Applications of Reduced Bore Ball Valves:

·         Pressure Regulation Systems: In systems where it’s necessary to control or reduce the flow to avoid high-pressure buildup.

·         Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Food Industries: When smaller flow rates or pressure control are essential, such as in mixing or dosing operations.

·         Medium to Low-Pressure Systems: These valves work well in systems where the pressure is moderate or low and where the precise flow rate control is not as critical.

·         Cooling Systems: Reduced bore valves can be used in cooling systems where there is a need to restrict or adjust the flow of coolant.

Advantages of Reduced Bore Ball Valves:

1.    Cost-Effective: They are generally more affordable due to the smaller design and fewer materials required.

2.    Good for Flow Restriction: They are ideal for applications that need some form of flow restriction or pressure regulation.

3.    Simple Design: The reduced bore valve design is simple, and they are easier to manufacture.

Full Bore vs. Reduced Bore Ball Valves: Key Differences

Here’s a detailed comparison between Full Bore and Reduced Bore Ball Valves to help you better understand which one suits your needs:

When to Choose Full Bore or Reduced Bore Ball Valves

·         Full Bore Ball Valves are best suited for high-flow applications where efficiency, minimal pressure loss, and the ability to clean or inspect the pipeline are important. These valves are typically used in oil and gas pipelines, water treatment systems, and high-pressure steam systems.

·         Reduced Bore Ball Valves are ideal for applications where flow needs to be restricted or controlled, such as in medium or low-pressure systems, pressure regulation, or in industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing. They offer a more cost-effective solution for flow control but come with higher pressure losses.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between Full Bore and Reduced Bore Ball Valves is crucial for selecting the right valve for your system. Full Bore valves offer efficiency and low pressure loss, making them suitable for high-flow and high-pressure systems, while Reduced Bore valves provide flow restriction and are better suited for controlled flow environments. Depending on your application, choosing the right valve will optimize performance and prevent unnecessary energy losses in your system.

📩 Find the Right Ball Valve for Your Application

Not sure whether a Full Bore or Reduced Bore valve is right for your system?
Let our engineering team help evaluate your flow rate, pressure drop, and application requirements to recommend the best-fit solution.

👉 Contact us today: sales@ansonflow.com
🌐 Visit our website: www.ansonflowvalve.com