DOUBLE OFFSET BALL MEMBER USABLE IN BALL VALVES AND OTHER FLOW CONTROL APPLICATIONS

摘要

Ball valve including a ball member (50) comprising two round segments (51a, 51b) of like shape and size, which are integrally joined and disposed symmetrically to one another relative to the axis of rotation (X) of the ball member. A bore (55) extends through the joined first and the second curved segments, wherein the first end of the bore is located on the first curved segment and the second end of the bore is located on the second curved segment. The area of separation, between the curved segments, defines shoulders(54a, 54b) of like configuration, wherein each shoulder is located symmetrically with respect to the other relative to the axis of rotation of the ball member.