Plug Valve vs Ball Valve: Key Differences & Applications
Compare plug valves and ball valves by closure design, sealing performance, pressure drop, operating torque, maintenance, and media compatibility. Ball valves provide tight shutoff, low flow resistance, and easy automation for water, oil, gas, and high-pressure pipelines, while plug valves are better suited to throttling, slurry, abrasive media, and corrosive heavy-duty services.