A ball valve is a type of valve commonly used to control the flow of fluids in various systems and applications. It features a spherical closure (the "ball") with a hole through its center. When the valve is open, the hole aligns with the flow path, allowing fluid to pass through. Conversely, when the valve is closed, the ball is rotated to block the flow. Known for their durability and ease of use, ball valves are widely utilized in industries ranging from plumbing to manufacturing for their efficient fluid flow control capabilities.