Stainless Steel Float Balls, Unsung Heroes in Vital Applications

Stainless steel balls perform myriad functions, most of which are not visible to users, but if they do not function well, then the equipment is most likely to breakdown or cause problems.

Water Removal

One of the most used functions of these products is as stainless steel float balls in sump pumps which are present in most houses which have basements. The pump is installed in the sump which collects excess water from leaks or rainfall and pumps it out safely.

Floatation Balls

The sump pump is activated when rising water lifts hollow stainless steel float balls for which are set to a particular level, which in turn activates a switch starting the sump motor. The stainless steel balls float on the top of the sump water, and have to be in excellent condition if they have to perform their function.

Flag Pole Caps

Another function of hollow stainless steel balls is as decorative flag pole balls which are used to cap a flagpole. Flag poles are exposed to all types of harsh weather and need to be extremely durable, which is  why manufacturers use stainless steel flag pole balls and finials because of their excellent presentation at all times.

Why Stainless steel is the wonder alloy for Industries

Utilizing a wide range of commonly available engineering methods, stainless steel can be modified ,fabricated and best of all stainless steel products are fully recyclable at end of their useful life. Stainless steel is capable of competing with higher cost engineering metals and alloys while providing a large number of desirable characteristics like corrosion resistance, flexibility, self-healing etc. for a wide range of products and applications. Hence it is considered as a wonder alloy for industries.  One of the useful properties of stainless steel is that it can be manufactured to accurate precision and specifications without having any of the desirable qualities diminished.

This quality is made into good use for the manufacture of stainless steel balls where specifications and tolerances are critical for performing the various functionalities in applications such as valves. In fact, stainless steel ball valves are highly recommended for modulating valve situations as they provide optimal performance in rigorous conditions and also are highly resistant to corrosion. Other uses of stainless steel are in production of balls for sump pumps. Float balls made from stainless steel are often recommended for submersible sump pumps as they are more durable even under trying atmospheric conditions and provides good value for money.

What makes alloys attractive for Industrial Applications?

Compared to metals, alloys are stronger, harder, and have high resistance to corrosion. Alloy can improve the different desirable characteristics of metals. Again, they would not easily react to   air or water unlike the constituent metals.  Steel, brass, amalgam, solder, duralumin etc. are examples of alloys. With the desirable characteristics which can be varied for different purposes and purposes, alloys are used in wide range of applications. In most cases, they often replace metal components in products. For example, compared to metal floats like copper floats , stainless steel  floats are  recommended for usage in  extreme conditions such as high pressure, high temperature etc. 

The stainless steel floats are more durable and reliable as well. In fact, many float failures on the float boxes, steam traps and float valves can be eliminated with use of stainless steel.  The rust free property of most alloys especially stainless steel makes it the preferred material of choice for flag pole balls. Alloys are at times economical options as well. For example, metal balls which are rolling, spherical elements used to check in ball valves, bearings and similar mechanical equipment are mostly made of different grades of steel. Pricewise they are far more economical than ceramic balls.

Identifying the Appropriate Float Ball for Your Sump

Float balls that are used for valves have come a long way since their inception. Their versatility has made them extremely popular. Float balls,stainless steel balls that are hollow, are made out of 316SS. These can be nickel plated or hard chrome plated and they are designed to withstand very high temperatures. This makes them the ideal choice for sump valves that are used for industrial purposes.

Never compromise on quality

Quality is one element that you must never compromise on while choosing a stainless steel ball valve for your sump. Valves of a good quality have a hydraulic actuator which makes it possible to withstand the highest amounts of liquid pressure. This is one of the main reasons that a ball valve has become so popular. Choosing a valve that is cheaper may not have the same quality resulting not only in equipment malfunction but also in a possible catastrophe.

Identify the amount of pressure

Before you choose stainless steel balls for sump pump, you need to have a fair idea of the amount of pressure that you will be subjecting the valve to. The pressure determines that kind of valve that you should be considering. Manufactures make steel balls for valve in various sizes that are suited for different purposes. Your usage will determine what kind of ball you buy. Some manufacturers also offer float balls in PVC and ceramic.

Determining the usage

While the amount of pressure that the ball is subjected to is important, the kind of liquid that it is going to be exposed to is equally important. E.g. balls for sump pumps that carry radioactive material and other hazardous waste should be made of a material that is non-reactive and yet extremely efficient. Sumps that carry dangerous material in the form of liquid cannot afford to have a spill.

Five Benefits Of Float Balls Stainless Steel

Ball valves form a part of the flow control and are made of different materials including stainless steel. Float balls made of stainless steel are an excellent option if you are working on gas and water lines. Similarly, they can also be used in industrial applications like petrochemicals, mining and oil sectors. For many, steel is the preferred choice as it offers a host of benefits when compared to other types of ball valves. Let us understand what these benefits are.

Efficient

Float balls stainless steel are comparatively more efficient than other ball valves. Steel ball valves provide a tight secure fit when installed for any application. It cuts down on leakages substantially, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency levels. They allow for greater precision in shutting down the flow of gas and water even when unused for a long time.

Greater Resistance

Float balls made of steel are highly resilient when compared to other materials. This not only enables it to withstand greater pressures but also allows for greater capacity liquid flow without having to worry about any damages.

Resistance to Corrosion

Stainless steel ball valves are corrosion and rust resistant and hence offer a greater advantage when dealing with frequent water or liquid flow. Stainless steel can withstand high levels of wear and tear when compared to other materials. Such valves are an excellent option, particularly for those residing in the coastal areas.

Durable

Steel is a highly durable material when compared to others. This means that float balls made of steel can handle different liquid temperatures effectively. At the same time they can withstand greater pressure levels without any problems.

Low Maintenance

Steel is a highly resilient material and hence requires very little maintenance. If the installation is done properly, float balls stainless valves can keep on performing efficiently for years to come.

Stainless Steel Float Balls, First Choice for Industrial Valves and Sump Pumps

Stainless steel float balls play a very major role in industry and manufacturing because of the myriad uses they have been used in. One of the outstanding properties of stainless steel is its inert and hygienic qualities, which makes it the metal of choice in many industrial applications.

Positive Advantages

One of the main uses of stainless steel float balls is in the manufacture of valves used in many industries. It plays a very vital role in various pumping systems, and is the default metal of choice because of its numerous advantages over other metals. It works as a spherical closure unit which helps in controlling the flow; the sphere has a bore through the center, where the valve is positioned in the same direction as the pipeline.

Tight-Seal Valves

When the valve is in an open position, the stainless steel floatballs

inside the valve allow fluids to flow through it, but if it is turned 90 degrees, it becomes perpendicular to the flow path and the valve is closed which prevents fluid from flowing through. This type of ball float ball valves are used in industry because they are reliable and tight sealing, making it an ideal choice for gas applications where a tight shutoff is vital. Stainless steel is not only used in the float balls and valves, but also in bulk of the piping systems.

Properties

The primary components of stainless steel are iron, carbon and chromium, which give it the high tensile strength as well as its ability to prevent rust, properties which are much needed in commercial and industrial manufacturing applications. In valves, stainless steel balls are made to very accurate specifications and tolerances because of the complexity of functions it performs. Other uses of stainless steel float balls are in sump pump operations.

Applications Of Stainless Steel Floats

The manufacturers of stainless steel metal floats manufacture these stainless steel float balls for various devices and different applications. They follow stringent manufacturing process and employ skilled machinery and labor to make seamless and quality metal balls joined by high-quality welds. The material used is 304 and 316 stainless steel, which ensures durability and reliability. Here is a small description of the various applications of these metal balls-

Vacuum Tanks/ Trucks: These trucks have the storage for slurry, sludge or other kinds of fluid into its tank via a suction line. In these trucks, with tanks having pneumatic loading, the steel balls function as the main shutoff. 

• Flag pole Ball: Another purpose of these metal balls is to end up on the top of a flag pole, primarily for ornate purposes.
• Stainless steel ball valve: The metal balls in this cast valve, having a shut-off feature, perform their usual function of allowing and checking the flow of the liquid.
• Steam Traps: Essential to maintaining the efficiency of a heat distribution system and steel balls are essential to them.
• Sump pump: Metal balls for sump pumps help to maintain the liquid levels inside the pump and tell it when to pump out the liquid. 
• Frac Tanks: A transient water storage facility needs a flow control check, what's better than a float ball of metal.
• Float valves: The most commonly used device in the industries to control the flow of the liquid in use.
• Liquid Level Control: It is a sophisticated liquid level measuring system in a device.