What type of valve requires only a quarter turn to open or close?

A ball valve is designed for rapid open and close operation with just a quarter turn of the valve handle. This design features a spherical disc, or ball, with a hole through the middle, which aligns with the pipe when fully open, allowing fluid to flow freely. When the handle is turned a quarter turn, the ball rotates to block the flow completely. This quick operation makes ball valves highly efficient for applications where swift control of fluid flow is necessary.

In contrast, gate valves require multiple turns to open or close, making them less effective for quick operation. Globe valves, on the other hand, have a more complex flow path that necessitates more rotational movement to adjust the flow rate. Check valves work automatically to prevent backflow and do not have a manual opening/closing mechanism like a ball valve. Therefore, the quick operation of a ball valve is its defining characteristic, distinguishing it from other types of valves in this context.