It is easy to confuse the many different types of ball valves, and they come in varying shapes and designs, and keeping up with the minute details that set them apart can be hard. This misunderstanding can lead you to buy the wrong valves for your project. Among the many types of ball valves that get confused with each other, full bore and reduced bore ball valves are the most notorious in that regard.

We are going to look at the differences between full bore and reduced bore, their respective functions, how they compare with each other in terms of design and functionality, and the things you have to consider when making a choice between the two. So stick to the end and learn a few helpful tips.

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What is Full Bore Ball Valve?

Full bore valves are simply valves that open completely, creating an unobstructed path for gases or liquid being pumped through a tube or pipe. The valve in question is usually smaller than the internal dimensions of the bore of the end connections.

The width of the flow channel in a full bore ball valve is equal all through from the inlet to the outlet, and that diameter size cannot at any point be smaller than the conventional size specifications. The following are the key points that qualify a valve as full bore.

API 6D and API 608 are some of the full bore sizes that are published by one organization with very slight differences regarding their bore size requirements.

Full bore valves range from pressure classes that are limited between 150 to 600, and this includes valve dimensions like API 608 and API 6D. The biggest ones can reach all the way to 2500.

The minimum bore size for a full bore valve should be API 6D.

However, it is important to note that some valve manufacturers do make slight variations depending on the request of the client, who may want something customized to their needs. For this reason, it is easy to come across some full bore valves that are either bigger or smaller than then given standardized limits.

Based on its design, the full bore ball valve is mainly used to transport viscous mediums that are prone to slagging along the pipelines. This is possible due to the low fluid resistance, and this is what makes the movement of heavy materials much easier.

Considering the design of the reducing ball valve, the best application for this type of valve would be in pipelines that convey lighter mediums like gas or materials that are less viscous like water. It has some level of resistance compared to a full bore valve, but this is what makes it perfect for light-medium, as it reduces the pipeline load significantly.

What is Reduced Bore Ball Valve?

A reduced bore ball valve is a type of ball valve with ball bore diameter less than the pipe diameter. In a reduced bore ball valve, the area of fluid flow is narrower downstream at the outlet. As such, there are frictional losses introduced in the valve resulting in a pressure drop. In reduced bore ball valves, the amount of fluid flow remains constant which makes velocity increase as the flow area decreases. Reduced bore ball valves are commonly used, unlike full bore ball valves. Reduced bore ball valves are used where turbulence and fluid flow rate are not major concerns and where the buildup of particles is not likely to occur. Reduced bore ball valves cost less relative to full bore counterparts. The lower cost of reduced ball valves is because these valves have smaller housing and ball size which affects the final product cost. Reduced bore ball valves occupy a smaller volume which makes them consume small space during installation. Reduced bore ball valves are 30% lighter in weight relative to full bore ball valves. However, reduced bore ball valves are meant for use in fluids that are not very viscous to avoid valve blockage.

What Is The Difference Between Full Bore Ball Valves And Reduced Bore Ball Valves?

Full bore ball valves mean the bore diameter of the ball is the same as the internal diameter of the pipeline, whatever the inlet or outlet.

Reduced bore ball valves mean the bore is smaller than the internal diameter of the pipework.

Reduced bore ball valve has a smaller volume thereby it is easy to install. And it is around 30% lighter than full bore ball valve. What’s more, it has a low cost.

But the full bore ball valve is able to treat highly viscous mediums. However, the reduced bore ball valve is only able to handle some normal mediums like water.

Application Media of Full Bore vs Reduced Bore Ball Valve

• 1). The full bore ball valve is generally used for conveying viscous and slagging-prone medium pipelines. Because of its small fluid resistance, it can be said that there is basically no flow resistance, and it is convenient for the regular paraffin scraper and blower to pass through.
• 2). The reducing ball valve is suitable for conveying gas or medium with physical properties similar to water, because its weight is about 30% lighter than the full diameter ball valve, and its flow resistance is only about 1 / 7 of the same diameter globe valve. It is beneficial to reduce pipeline load and cost.

Applicable Process of Full Bore vs Reduced Ball Valve

• 1). For the pipeline requiring regular pigging, a full bore ball valve must be used no matter what medium is transported. When the medium passes through the full bore ball valve, it will not reduce the flow, and the flow resistance is small, which is an ideal product for pipeline control, especially for the strict working condition. In particular, when the main pipelines in oil and gas pipelines need to be buried underground, full bore welded ball valves must be used.
• 2). The reducing ball valve is suitable for some working conditions with low requirements and small requirements for convection resistance. When the inner diameter of the valve is more than 80% of the inner diameter of the pipe end, there is little effect on the flow capacity of the pipe. Many valves have a reducing diameter, which is generally controlled within 0.8. On the one hand, reducing diameter reduces the flow capacity of the valve, that is, the Kv value of the valve, increases the pressure drop at both ends of the valve, resulting in energy loss. For the pipeline, it has no great impact or increases the flushing of the pipeline.

Comparison of Advantages and Disadvantages

• 1). Installation space: the volume of the reducing ball valve is small, so the requirement of its installation space is smaller. Because its weight is about 30% lighter than the full bore ball valve, it is beneficial to reduce the pipeline load, transportation load, and cost.
• 2). Cost: the price of reducing ball valve is one grade lower than that of the full bore ball valve. Considering the cost performance, it generally defaults internationally, and the same ball diameter valve body is adopted for the adjacent pipe diameter. For example, DN32 and Dn40, DN50 and DN63, dn90 and dn110, dn160 and DN200, and DN250 and DN315 use the same sphere.

How to Choose?

Understanding the situation of your project like the medium type, pressure, and so on.

If pressure is a factor that you are very concerned about, then you need to know that the reduced bore ball valve will cause pressure drops. And the full bore ball valve won’t.

If your pipeline needs to be cleaned regularly, the full bore ball valve will be your best choice.

We welcome any inquiries from contractors, designers, and distributors. We are glad to help you to select the right valve and quote a better price for your reference.