Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to ball valves and associated methods that include a valve body, a ball disposed inside the valve body, a seat retainer, a seat, a stem and a stem bearing. The exemplary seat retainer includes an outer surface with a first outer diameter, a second outer diameter and a transition region connecting the first outer diameter and the second outer diameter in a ramped manner. The exemplary seat includes an annular groove on a seat face to provide two distinct contact points between the seat and the ball. The exemplary stem passes through a valve body opening and is in mechanical communication with the ball. The exemplary stem bearing includes a bore extending therethrough, a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter and a stem bearing transition region connecting the first inner diameter and the second inner diameter in a tapered manner.

Abstract: A needle valve includes a body, a needle assembly sized to be received in the body, and a handle sized to move the needle assembly relative to the body. A captive screw may be provided and is sized to mount the handle to the needle assembly. Further, a packing gland may be provided and is sized to be received in the body and sized to cover a portion of the needle assembly. An inert material, such as a nylon patch, is applied to a portion of the packing gland to lock the packing gland within the body. The needle valve could include a two piece, non-rotating stem.