Top Entry Ball Valve vs. Side Entry Ball Valve: Reviewing the Differences

Ball valves, or those that take charge of controlling the flow of fluids with the use of a holed rotating ball via a movement at quarter turns, have provided a significant help for a diverse range of industries, not only in plumbing, but also in the oil and gas, food and beverage industries, and more.

Two of the most widely used types are one whose ball is inserted from the top and the other inserted from the side. The former has a removable top cover to allow access to internal components, while the latter requires complete removal from the pipeline during maintenance. 

Join the Gowin team as they tackle the key differences in this discussion that will cover:

– What are top entry ball valves?

– How about side entry ball valves?

– Key differences between the two

– The Gowin principle

What Are Top Entry Ball Valves?

To elaborate, the principle of the workings of these valves is that the ball component, responsible for controlling the fluid flow, must be inserted into the valve’s body from the top side. This designs allows for a more simplified access to the internal parts, necessary during maintenance. They differ from the rest of the other ball valves that need total disassembly. 

How About Side Entry Ball Valves?

Conversely, the way this type of ball valve works is according to how it is called. The ball is inserted into the valve’s body from the side, instead of from the top. It is this working principle that makes the side entry variant perfect for larger valve sizings and more robust systems with higher flow rates. 

The structure and workings of these valves allow them to be more durable and offer superior sealing under high-pressure conditions and high-temperature scenarios. Since the ball inside these valves rotates for fluid flow control, they can handle more demanding operational environments and are longer-lasting. 

The Side Entry vs. Top Entry Ball Valve: Key Differences

Take a look at the key differences between a side entry ball valve and a top entry ball valve in terms of features, applications, and benefits:

Features

Top Entry Ball Valve Features

• Known for its compact design, top entry ball valves make a better fit for spaces with limited area, but with large valve assemblies.
• Maintenance is super easy since there is no need to remove the entire body from the pipeline.
• Some of them feature a locking mechanism that secures the ball within the body. This way, it stays in place during operations while preventing leaks as well.
• You can rotate the ball inside so it perfectly aligns with the ports, which then enables the liquid flow to either get redirected or shut off. 

Side Entry Ball Valve Features

• Despite the complicated maintenance, they are known for their heavy-duty design that can withstand harsh high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
• A steam rotates the ball inside these valves, which connects to the actuator or manual handle. This system ensures the smoothest and most efficient operations, also offering precision in flow control. 
• The edge of side entry ball valves is also upon its seals and seats, ensuring leak-tight performance even under extreme temperatures and pressures. 
• Because of this complex design, they are ideal for larger pipelines that need stronger support for high flow rates and larger operational demands.

Applications

Top entry ball valves are best used for industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment facilities. Side entry ball valves are also best used in those industries, as well as in power plants. However, for water treatment, for instance, the top entry type is more preferred.

Benefits

Top Entry Ball Valve Advantages

• Easy to maintain: The way top entry ball valves are structured makes it easier to maintain them without disrupting the piping system on a grand scale.
• Compact and space-saving: Their design is very compact, so they can be placed in spaces with limited movement and yet still perform at their peak.
• Reduced downtime: This characteristic makes these valves ideal for continuous operations where efficiency and uptime are paramount.

Side Entry Ball Valve Benefits

• High-pressure and high-temperature management: Due to their materials and structure, these valves are most suited for high-pressure and -temperature conditions, offering stronger sealing and more durable operations in the harshest of environments.
• Best for larger systems: You cannot force side entry ball valves in limited spaces as they are designed for use in more extensive systems, or those areas where high flow rates are needed. 
• Stronger sealing: While more difficult to maintain than their top entry counterpart, their sealing can handle higher stresses and tougher conditions. They’re best for leak prevention.

Which Is the Better Choice?

Both these ball valves can edge one over the other in many ways. However, top entry ball valves are easier to maintain and provide better sealing, ideal for high-pressure environments.

Meanwhile, the other type is known for its versatility and affordability. They’re suited for moderate pressure scenarios. At the end of the day, the choice will depend on the requirements of your industry’s systems.

The Gowin Principle

Are you looking for ball valves that exceed your expectations? Consider getting them from Gowin. Our company manufactures high-quality ball valves for all your needs. Our engineering team always guarantees our products are designed and crafted for the utmost accuracy and safety. Learn more about the outstanding Gowin principle by speaking with our team today.