Why Soft Seal Ball Valves Need Anti-static Device
If ball valve is soft sealed, static electricity will be generated on ball and seat during opening and closing process, which can easily generate sparks that are likely to cause the medium to burn or explode if the medium is flammable and explosive.
To mitigate these risks, anti-static devices are installed on soft seal ball valves.
The anti-static device consists of a static spring group (springs+steel balls). Ball valves generally consist of two sets of "static spring group". One set is on the contact surface between the stem and the ball, and the other set is on the contact surface between the stem and the body.
Because there is a gap between the stem and the ball, the built-in compression spring in the static spring group can ensure that the stem and the ball are always in contact. Also, there may be a gap between the stem and body due to the influence of sealing components such as packing and o-rings. It can ensure that the stem and body are always in contact.
During the opening and closing process, the static electricity generated by the ball and seat is transmitted to the stem and then to the body through two sets of static spring groups. The valve body is grounded, and the static electricity is finally completely discharged.
These devices provide a path for the static electricity to dissipate safely, preventing the buildup of charge on the valve body. By using anti-static devices, the risk of sparks and ignition is minimized, ensuring a safer working environment. Additionally, the accumulation of dust and particles on the valve surfaces is reduced, improving the overall performance and longevity of the valve.