Detailed Explanation of the Differences Between Round and Oval Cleaning Balls

Cleaning balls (also known as cleaning balls or spray cleaning balls) are core components in sanitary fluid equipment used for cleaning the inner walls of containers and pipes. They are widely used in industries with high cleanliness requirements, such as food, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and chemicals. The core difference between round and oval cleaning balls lies in their shape and structure, which affects key performance aspects such as cleaning range, pressure adaptability, and installation scenarios. Specific differences are as follows:

I. Differences in core structure and appearance

Round cleaning balls: These have a standard spherical structure with several spray holes symmetrically distributed across the body (hole diameter and position designed according to cleaning requirements). The balls have a uniform diameter and no obvious distinction between major and minor axes. They feature a simple structure, are mostly integrally molded (primarily made of 304/316L stainless steel), are lightweight, and distribute stress evenly.

Elliptical cleaning balls: These are ellipsoidal in shape, with a major axis and a minor axis (the ratio of which is typically 1.2:1 to 2:1). The spray holes are mostly densely distributed along the major axis, while there are fewer holes or smaller holes along the minor axis. The structure is relatively complex, and some parts need to be processed separately before assembly. They are slightly heavier than round cleaning balls of the same specifications.

II. Key Performance Differences

1. Cleaning Range and Coverage Uniformity

Circular cleaning balls: Utilizing a symmetrical structure, the sprayed water diffuses in a 360° all-around manner, evenly covering every corner of the container's inner wall (top, bottom, and side walls), with no obvious cleaning blind spots. Suitable for regular circular and cylindrical containers. The water flow diffusion angle is fixed, and the cleaning range can be precisely controlled through orifice diameter and water supply pressure; uniformity is its core advantage.

Oval cleaning balls: Due to their long axis design, the water flow is mainly sprayed along the long axis, covering a wide area, while the spray range along the short axis is narrower. They are more suitable for irregular containers such as rectangles, squares, and ovals, and can specifically cover the inner walls of the long sides. However, there are more cleaning blind spots along the short axis, and the uniformity is weaker than that of round cleaning balls, so it is necessary to adjust the installation position to compensate for this.

2. Pressure adaptation and water flow intensity

Circular cleaning balls: The symmetrical structure ensures uniform water flow resistance and allows for a wide range of suitable water supply pressures (stable operation from 0.2 to 1.0 MPa). Under the same pressure, the water flow is evenly distributed, and the impact force per unit area is moderate, making it suitable for containers sensitive to inner wall abrasion (such as sterile tanks in the pharmaceutical industry).

Elliptical cleaning balls: With densely packed holes along their long axis, the water flow is concentrated, resulting in a stronger water flow impact over the area covered by the long axis under the same pressure. This makes them suitable for removing stubborn stains adhering to the inner walls of containers (such as syrup residue in the food industry and viscous materials in the chemical industry). However, they require slightly higher water supply pressure; at low pressure, the water flow at the end of the long axis may be weak.

3. Installation compatibility

Round cleaning balls: They are of regular size and the installation interfaces are mostly standard threads (such as G1/2, G3/4) or quick-connect interfaces, which can be used for the top and bottom mounting positions of most containers. After installation, they occupy little space, are not likely to interfere with other parts inside the container, and are extremely versatile.

Oval cleaning balls: Due to their long axis, the internal space of the container must be considered during installation to avoid collisions between the long axis and the container sidewalls, agitator, or other components. They are more suitable for large-volume, irregularly shaped containers. Some oval cleaning balls have adjustable installation angles to optimize the spray direction of the long axis.

III. Differences in Applicable Scenarios

Round cleaning balls: Primarily used for regular containers (round tanks, cylindrical pipes) and scenarios requiring high cleaning uniformity, 

such as:

- All-around cleaning of aseptic tanks and ingredient tanks in the pharmaceutical industry;

- Daily rinsing of water storage tanks and juice tanks in the beverage industry;

- Circulating cleaning of small containers and closed pipes (no blind spots required).

Oval cleaning balls: Primarily used for irregular containers and cleaning scenarios with stubborn stains, such as:

- Rectangular mixing tanks and oval fermentation tanks in the food industry;

- Storage tanks for viscous materials and containers with stubborn deposits on their inner walls in the chemical industry;

- Targeted intensive cleaning of large-capacity containers (requires use in combination with multiple oval balls).

IV. Other auxiliary differences

1. Maintenance cost: Round cleaning balls have a simple structure, are not easily clogged, are easy to disassemble and clean, and have low maintenance costs; elliptical cleaning balls have dense holes along their long axis, which easily leave dirt residue and require regular cleaning of the holes, making maintenance slightly more difficult.

2. Cost: Under the same material and specifications, oval cleaning balls are 10%-30% more expensive than round cleaning balls due to their more complex processing technology.

3. Service life: Round cleaning balls are subjected to uniform force and are not easily deformed due to pressure fluctuations, resulting in a longer service life; elliptical cleaning balls are subjected to uneven force on their major and minor axes, making them prone to localized wear under high-pressure conditions, resulting in a relatively shorter service life.

Summarize

Round cleaning balls offer the core advantages of "uniform coverage, universal adaptability, and easy maintenance," making them suitable for general scenarios. Oval cleaning balls, on the other hand, feature "directional reinforcement and adaptability to irregular containers," making them suitable for special working conditions. When selecting a cleaning ball, it is necessary to consider the container shape, stain type, cleaning pressure, and uniformity requirements, prioritizing the core needs of the scenario.