Floating ball valves and trunnion ball valves are two popular designs used in various industries. Although they share many similarities, there are some key distinctions you should be aware of before making your selection.
Trunnion-mounted ball valves feature a stem on one side and an attached trunnion on the other. This design helps keep the valve securely closed during high pressure or surges of fluid.
Floating ball valves tend to be less expensive than trunnion-mounted ones due to their simpler design and manufacturing process.
They don’t require spring-loaded seats or extra shafts to secure the ball, meaning fewer internal components need cleaning. Plus, these cleaners are easier to keep clean.
A trunnion ball valve features a metal trunnion that holds the ball securely, preventing it from moving too much.
Trunnion-mounted ball valves are efficient at managing any pressure created. Unlike floating ball valves, trunnion-mounted ball valves can handle both low and high-pressure applications with ease.
A ball valve that lasts longer and needs few repairs helps plants save money, prevent downtime, and ensure production stays on schedule. Furthermore, it ensures plant staff can work safely by avoiding injuries caused by equipment malfunction.
Ball valve durability can be compromised due to several factors, including its design, material, and media. For instance, it may need to withstand corrosives, abrasives, and reactive media.
Ball valves require metals that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, providing them with long-lasting resilience against corrosives or aggressive media. Furthermore, these metals help minimize wear and tear from high-pressure applications.
Floating ball valves and trunnion-mounted valves both feature a rotary ball that rotates to stop or start flow. Their operation differs, as do their design criteria based on pressure, class, bore size, and other variables.
Floating ball valves
Trunnion-mounted ball valves
Trunnion ball valves are more common than floating valves and are designed for larger pipeline sizes and higher-pressure conditions (class 600 or above). They feature a two-piece body design with the trunnion on one end, stem at the other, and bearing in between.
The trunnion is designed to securely hold the ball in place and prevent any lateral movement. This ensures proper valve seals on both sides, especially for multiple-port valves and low-pressure applications. Furthermore, its seat is energized by upstream pressure to force the ball into its seat for positive closure.
Floating ball valves are a popular choice in industrial applications, particularly gas and liquid systems. Their dual-directional seals enable pressure and temperature regulation.
They are commonly employed in water systems to maintain high pressure and prevent air pockets from forming. They can be operated manually or with an actuated power source such as pneumatics, hydraulics, or electricity.
Trunnion ball valves lack a support structure, allowing them to float freely within the medium they regulate. This makes them more adaptable and suitable for various applications.
Xintai Valve Company produces a wide range of valves, such as check and swing gate valves. Their products are used in various industries like chemical, petroleum, electrical power, and metallurgy.