| 摘要 |
The present invention is a ball valve that prevents scale formation on the exterior surface of the ball element, and therefore extends the life and efficiency of the ball valve. The ball valve comprises a ball element, a housing, and a jacket. The ball element has three ports formed therein and is seated within the jacket in the housing. The first and second ports of the ball element form a fluid conduit and the third port intersects the fluid conduit perpendicularly. In the open position, fluid flows through the housing into the first port of the ball element, through the fluid conduit, and out the third port. In the closed position, the fluid flows into the third port and into the fluid conduit but does not continue to flow through the housing. The design of the ball element does allow the exterior surface of the ball element to be exposed to the fluid, and thus prevents scale formation from occurring on this surface. Additionally, the ball may be impregnated with a substance to reduce scale formation and to reduce the amount of friction between the jacket and the exterior of the ball element. The jacket is also constructed from a material that will reduce the amount of friction between the exterior surface of the ball element and the jacket.
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