What Is a Reduced Bore Ball Valve and Why Is It Widely Used?

A Reduced Bore Ball Valve is one of the most commonly used valve types in modern industrial pipeline systems due to its compact design, cost efficiency, and reliable shut-off performance. Unlike full bore designs, the internal bore diameter of a reduced bore ball valve is smaller than the pipeline diameter, allowing manufacturers and end users to achieve better pressure control and lower material costs without sacrificing sealing reliability.

At Zhejiang Liangyi Valve Co., Ltd., reduced bore ball valves are engineered to meet international standards while offering long service life across oil & gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and HVAC systems.

Article Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of reduced bore ball valves, including their structure, working principle, advantages, limitations, and typical industrial applications. It also compares reduced bore and full bore ball valves, offers selection guidance, and answers frequently asked questions to help engineers and procurement professionals make informed decisions.

Table of Contents

1. What Does Reduced Bore Mean in Ball Valves?
2. How Does a Reduced Bore Ball Valve Work?
3. Why Choose a Reduced Bore Ball Valve Instead of Full Bore?
4. Which Industries Commonly Use Reduced Bore Ball Valves?
5. What Are the Main Components of a Reduced Bore Ball Valve?
6. How to Select the Right Reduced Bore Ball Valve?
7. Reduced Bore vs Full Bore Ball Valve Comparison
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
9. References and Industry Sources

What Does Reduced Bore Mean in Ball Valves?

In valve engineering, “reduced bore” refers to a ball valve design where the internal flow passage is smaller than the nominal pipe size. This design contrasts with a full bore ball valve, which has a bore diameter equal to the pipeline diameter.

Reduced bore ball valves are typically one or two sizes smaller internally, which results in:

• Lower material consumption
• Reduced valve weight
• Lower manufacturing and procurement costs
• More compact installation space

Manufacturers like Zhejiang Liangyi Valve Co., Ltd. optimize reduced bore designs to ensure minimal pressure drop while maintaining excellent sealing performance.

How Does a Reduced Bore Ball Valve Work?

A reduced bore ball valve operates using a spherical ball with a drilled passage that rotates 90 degrees to control flow. When the bore aligns with the pipeline, fluid flows through; when rotated perpendicular, the valve shuts off completely.

Despite its smaller bore, the valve provides tight shut-off due to precision-machined seats and high-quality sealing materials such as PTFE, RPTFE, or metal seats.

The reduced internal diameter slightly increases flow velocity, which can be advantageous in applications where flow regulation and pressure control are more important than unrestricted flow.

Why Choose a Reduced Bore Ball Valve Instead of Full Bore?

Reduced bore ball valves are often preferred when full pipeline flow capacity is not required. Their benefits include:

• Cost efficiency for large-scale projects
• Lower torque requirements for actuation
• Compact and lightweight structure
• Reliable sealing under high pressure

For many industrial systems, the slight pressure drop introduced by a reduced bore design is negligible compared to the savings achieved.

Which Industries Commonly Use Reduced Bore Ball Valves?

Reduced bore ball valves are widely used across multiple industries, including:

• Oil and gas transmission pipelines
• Chemical and petrochemical processing
• Water supply and wastewater treatment
• HVAC and building services
• Power generation facilities

Zhejiang Liangyi Valve Co., Ltd. supplies reduced bore ball valves that comply with API, ISO, and ANSI standards, ensuring compatibility with global industrial systems.

What Are the Main Components of a Reduced Bore Ball Valve?

How to Select the Right Reduced Bore Ball Valve?

When selecting a reduced bore ball valve, consider the following factors:

1. Operating pressure and temperature
2. Media type (liquid, gas, corrosive fluid)
3. Connection type (flanged, threaded, welded)
4. Material requirements (carbon steel, stainless steel)
5. Manual or automated operation

Working with experienced manufacturers like Zhejiang Liangyi Valve Co., Ltd. ensures correct material selection and long-term operational safety.

Reduced Bore vs Full Bore Ball Valve Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions About Reduced Bore Ball Valves

What is a reduced bore ball valve?

A reduced bore ball valve is a ball valve with an internal flow passage smaller than the nominal pipe diameter, designed to reduce cost and weight while maintaining reliable sealing.

Why is a reduced bore ball valve more economical?

It uses less raw material, requires lower machining effort, and reduces actuator torque, making it more cost-effective for many industrial applications.

Which applications are best suited for reduced bore ball valves?

They are ideal for oil & gas, chemical processing, HVAC, and water systems where full flow capacity is not critical.

How much pressure drop does a reduced bore ball valve cause?

The pressure drop is usually minimal and acceptable for most systems, especially when designed according to international standards.

Can reduced bore ball valves be automated?

Yes, reduced bore ball valves are compatible with pneumatic, electric, and hydraulic actuators.

References and Industry Sources

• API 6D Specification for Pipeline Valves
• ISO 17292 Industrial Ball Valve Standard
• Valve Manufacturers Association Technical Guidelines