Which valve type is characterized by a rotating ball to control flow?

A ball valve is specifically designed with a spherical disc, or ball, that rotates within the valve body to control the flow of fluid. When the valve is open, the hole in the sphere is aligned with the flow, allowing fluids to pass through with minimal resistance. When the valve is closed, the ball rotates to sit transversely against the flow, effectively stopping it.

This design provides a quick and reliable means to shut off or allow fluid passage, making ball valves particularly useful in applications requiring tight sealing and high flow rates. The simplicity of operation, able to open and close with a quarter turn, also contributes to their widespread use in various industrial and plumbing applications.

In contrast, the other types of valves serve different functions; for instance, gate valves are typically used in fully open or fully closed positions, globe valves provide throttling capabilities, and check valves are designed to prevent backflow rather than control fluid motion directly.