Which type of valve is commonly used for on/off applications?

The ball valve is commonly used for on/off applications due to its design, which allows for quick and reliable operation. It features a spherical disc, or "ball," that rotates within the valve body. When the ball's hole is aligned with the flow, the valve is open, and when it is turned 90 degrees, the flow is completely shut off. This design provides a tight seal, minimizing leaks and ensuring full flow control.

Ball valves are particularly valued in piping systems for their straightforward mechanism and ease of use. They can be operated manually with a lever or automatically with actuators, making them highly versatile for various applications where a definitive open or closed position is essential.

In on/off applications, quick actuation is often crucial for operational efficiency and safety reasons, which is why ball valves are favored. Other types of valves may be better suited for throttling or flow control rather than pure on/off functionality, which distinguishes the ball valve as the preferred choice for such situations.