There are many types of valves used in industries. Some of the most common ones are top entry and side entry ball valves. Both types have certain advantages and disadvantages, but they are both used in a wide variety of applications. 

The side-entry ball valve is ideal for industrial and pipeline applications. Its small size, compact volume, and lightweight design make it an excellent choice. Other advantages include ease of control, low weight, and easy maintenance.

The main difference between top entry and side entry ball valves is their bodies. A side entry ball valve features a bonnet that fits over the ball, while a top-entry model features a bonnet that is attached to the body of the valve. As the name implies, the sides are open, and the top-entry valve is closed. When comparing the two, the former is preferred because of its ease of maintenance.

Both types have advantages and disadvantages, and it is best to choose the one that fits your needs. It is important to understand the differences between the two types so you can choose the right one for your application.

If you want to know more about the side entry ball valve, follow this guide. 

What Is A Side Entry Ball Valve?

A side-entry ball valve is a type of valve that has a stem that connects the ball on the side. Aside from this, the ball is also connected to the stem through a quarter-turn thread. This type of ball valve is cheaper than the top-end valve. Unlike the top entry ball valve, you have to remove the valve from the pipe in order to repair it as the handle is on the side.

A side-entry valve differs from a top-entry valve in a few ways. The top-entry ball valve is a monolithic valve and requires no removal of the pipe to access the ball or valve trim. The sides-entry valve has a separate ball and seat. It 

A side-entry valve allows maintenance personnel access to the valve body. The advantage of a side-entry valve is that it can be used for various purposes. Even though the side-entry ball valve is difficult to maintain, it is affordable and versatile. 

How Does A Side Entry Ball Valve Work?

The design of a ball valve features a ball that is supported in the valve body. The ball is hollow and moves inside the body to adjust and control the flow. A side entry ball valve works just like any other ball valve.

The difference is in the design. In this type of valve, the stem is connected to the ball from the side. The handle is on the side and not on top. When you move the lever or handle quarterly, the stem moves the ball to manage the flow.

The design of a side entry ball valve differs from other types. They are typically made of two or three pieces and are assembled by a bolt/stud. It is available in various sizes. The body of the valve comes in two-piece or three-piece designs.

A side entry ball valve can have a large or small-bore. It is assembled by the ball being placed in the recessed portion of the valve body. The ball is kept in the open position by compression of two elastomeric seats. A side-entry ball valve can be assembled in a matter of minutes. 

When you move the lever on the side, it turns the stem which rotates the ball in the body. The hollow side of the ball allows flow, whereas the dense side stops the flow. You just need to move the side lever or handle to control the flow of the medium in this type of valve. 

Types of Side Entry Ball Valve

There are many different types of side entry ball valves. Here are the two most common types. 

Side Entry Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

A side entry trunnion mounted ball valve is one of the most common types of ball valves. These types feature a fixed vertical axis and a movable ball. A spring energized seat ensures proper sealing. A side entry trunnion mounted ball valve is also known as a split body trunnion valve. Its body has two or three pieces, with one piece always larger than the other two. This large piece houses the ball and stuff around it, while the smaller portion is removed to access the valve. The valve’s bore is the hole in the center of the disk or ball. 

Side Entry Floating Ball Valves

Side entry floating ball valves are manufactured in accordance with standards and are configured with a two-piece split-body forged construction. These valves are suitable for medium to low-pressure working conditions. The free-floating ball is connected to a stem at the side. A quarter-turn movement opens and closes the valve. These valves have several unique features that make them desirable for a range of applications. Side entry floating ball valves are the preferred choice for applications where the ball and shaft cannot be separated by packing. They are designed to prevent static charges from damaging the device and reduce the risk of flammable fluid igniting. 

What Are The Benefits of Side Entry Ball Valve?

The side-entry design of a ball valve makes it versatile and affordable. Their split-body construction allows the use of forged materials and various grades of metal, which can withstand the harshest service conditions. Also, they are available in stock for fast delivery.

A side-entry ball valve is easy to install. These types of valves are compatible with NACE MR0175 standards. The lower operating torque of these valves is a significant cost-saving benefit. They are also a great option for high-pressure applications. For this application, you’ll find that side-entry ball valves are an excellent choice. You’ll find these valves are more reliable and easier to install. They’re easy to align and assemble, and they deliver quickly.

As mentioned above, side-entry ball valves are made to be easier to install than top-entry valves. Their lower operating torque makes them more economical than their side-entry counterparts. If you need a ball valve, a side-entry one is the best option. They provide more control over the flow of fluid and minimize leakage.

Furthermore, the sides-entry ball valve has a shorter operating torque, which makes it more cost-effective. Compared top-entry ball valve, a side-entry ball valve is more versatile and affordable.

In general, side-entry ball valves are less expensive than top-entry ones. However, they require more space to install and maintain than top-entry valves. They can also be re-assembled easily if necessary. 

A split-body type of ball valve is a popular choice for high-pressure applications. These types of valves are made up of two or three pieces, with one piece always larger than the other. This large piece is the valve body and keeps the stuffing around the ball, while the smaller portion allows easy access to the valve itself. 

Side entry ball valves are trunnion-mounted and conform to the API 6D valve standard. They are a good choice for hydrocarbon service, oil refining, and emergency shutdown applications. These valves are typically operated manually with a gearbox or automatically with an actuator. In addition, they are highly durable and long-lasting. These types of valves are perfect for applications that require a tight shutoff mechanism, including high-pressure processes.