When selecting valves for industrial or commercial fluid handling systems, the choice between a plug valve and a ball valve is a common one. Though both are quarter-turn valves, they differ in design, sealing, application suitability, and maintenance.
As a leading plug and ball valve manufacturer and supplier in Delhi, Udhhyog provides high-performance solutions for a wide variety of industries including oil, gas, water treatment, chemical processing, and HVAC systems.
This article explores the key differences between plug and ball valves, their functions, advantages, applications, and how to select the right valve for your system.
What is a Plug Valve?
A plug valve uses a tapered or cylindrical plug inside the valve body to control flow. The plug has a hole that aligns with the pipe when open and blocks it when rotated 90°.
✅ Key Features:
Compact and simple design
Available in lubricated and non-lubricated forms
Often used for multi-port applications (3-way, 4-way)
Ideal for on/off and limited throttling service
✅ Common Types:
Lubricated Plug Valve
Non-Lubricated Plug Valve
Eccentric Plug Valve
Expanding Plug Valve
Multi-Port Plug Valve
What is a Ball Valve?
A ball valve uses a spherical disc with a central hole to regulate flow. Rotating the ball 90° allows or blocks flow. Ball valves offer tight shutoff with minimal pressure drop.
✅ Key Features:
Fast quarter-turn operation
Excellent for on/off control
Available in full bore and reduced bore types
Common in water, gas, and air applications
✅ Common Types:
Two-Piece Ball Valve
Three-Piece Ball Valve
Floating Ball Valve
Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valve
V-Port Ball Valve (for control applications)
Plug Valve vs Ball Valve – Detailed Comparison
| Feature | Plug Valve | Ball Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Closure Type | Tapered or cylindrical plug | Spherical ball |
| Operation | Quarter-turn | Quarter-turn |
| Sealing | Lubricated or sleeved | Soft seats (PTFE) or metal |
| Flow Control | Good for isolation, limited throttle | Excellent isolation, some throttling |
| Size Range | Compact for small to medium sizes | Available in all sizes |
| Pressure Handling | Excellent in high-pressure systems | Also excellent, especially trunnion-mounted |
| Applications | Oil, gas, chemicals, wastewater | Water, air, HVAC, clean gases |
| Maintenance | Periodic lubrication (if lubricated) | Low-maintenance |
| Cost | Generally lower for basic models | Slightly higher |
✅ Use plug valves in abrasive, slurry, or chemical lines. ✅ Use ball valves in water, gas, and low-viscosity applications.
Applications of Plug Valves
🛢️ Oil and gas transmission
🧪 Chemical and petrochemical plants
🚰 Water treatment and wastewater management
🏭 Refinery and terminal piping
🔁 Flow diversion (multi-port plug valves)
Applications of Ball Valves
💧 Domestic and industrial water lines
🔥 HVAC systems
🌬️ Compressed air systems
🛠️ Machine tool lines and instrument panels
🧼 Food and pharma processing
Symbols – Plug Valve vs Ball Valve
Plug Valve Symbol: Square body with central plug icon; often shown with arrows and circular indicators.
Ball Valve Symbol: Circle with a horizontal line (ball) and an open or closed indication.
Both symbols are used in P&ID drawings to represent their specific function in fluid systems.
Materials Used
At Udhhyog, we manufacture both plug and ball valves using:
Cast Iron (CI)
Ductile Iron (DI)
Carbon Steel (WCB)
Stainless Steel (SS 304/316)
Bronze or Gunmetal
Pricing Overview – Plug & Ball Valves in Delhi
| Valve Type | Size (mm) | Material | Price Range (INR) |
| Lubricated Plug Valve | 25–200 | CI/WCB | ₹1,800 – ₹12,000 |
| Non-Lubricated Plug | 15–100 | CI/SS | ₹1,200 – ₹6,000 |
| Multi-Port Plug Valve | 25–150 | Bronze/SS | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Ball Valve (2-Piece) | 15–150 | CI/SS | ₹900 – ₹5,500 |
| Ball Valve (3-Piece) | 25–150 | SS 304/316 | ₹2,500 – ₹12,000 |
| Trunnion Ball Valve | 50–200 | WCB/SS | ₹8,000 – ₹25,000 |
📌 Prices vary based on pressure rating, end connections, and seat type. Contact Udhhyog for bulk or custom rates.
Why Choose Udhhyog – Delhi’s Best Valve Manufacturer
🏭 Expertise in Both Plug and Ball Valves
Specialized solutions for oil, gas, steam, water, and chemical handling.
🛠️ Tested and Certified Products
Valves undergo pressure, leakage, and seat testing as per IS/API/ISO standards.
🚛 Supply Across North India
We supply to Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, UP, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and J&K.
📞 Dedicated Support Team
Technical assistance for selection, sizing, and installation.
💰 Affordable Pricing & Bulk Availability
Competitive rates with fast turnaround for all orders.
Conclusion
While both plug valves and ball valves serve as efficient shutoff solutions, understanding their construction, strengths, and limitations helps in choosing the right valve for your application.
If you're looking for reliable industrial valves in Delhi, trust Udhhyog – your dedicated manufacturer and supplier of plug and ball valves, offering consistent quality and dependable service.
Contact Udhhyog Today
📞 Call now or Visit Udhhyog Website for detailed catalogs, pricing, and product specifications.
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