Ball valves are primarily used for what purpose?

Ball valves are primarily designed for on/off control in fluid systems. They feature a spherical disc, or "ball," that allows for quick and efficient isolation of flow when rotated 90 degrees. This design provides minimal resistance to flow when the valve is open, resulting in no significant pressure drop across the valve. This capability makes ball valves especially useful in applications where a fast and reliable shut-off is required, such as in refrigeration systems, where it is crucial to prevent leaks and manage flow effectively.

While ball valves can be used to regulate flow to some extent, their primary function does not involve precise flow regulation like other valve types might, such as globe valves. Additionally, temperature control and pressure management are typically handled by other types of equipment and valves than ball valves, which are not specifically designed to manage those aspects effectively.