What are the differences between a floating ball valve and a trunnion ball valve?

2024-09-19

Ball Valve is a type of valve that uses a ball-shaped disc to control the flow of fluid or gas inside a pipeline. It consists of a valve body with a borehole where the ball sits. The ball has a hole in the center that aligns with the borehole when the valve is in the open position, allowing the fluid to flow. When the valve is closed, the ball rotates to block the flow. Ball valves are widely used in various industries because of their high reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Ball Valve


What are floating ball valves?

Floating ball valves are ball valves where the ball is free-floating. In other words, it is not anchored in place by a trunnion. The ball is held in place by two valve seats located on both ends of the valve body. The upstream seat presses the ball towards the downstream seat, creating a seal. Floating ball valves are usually cheaper, lighter, and have a lower torque requirement than trunnion ball valves.

What are trunnion ball valves?

Trunnion ball valves are ball valves where the ball is connected to the stem via a trunnion. The trunnion is a fixed shaft that supports and positions the ball in the valve body. Trunnion ball valves are commonly used in high-pressure applications or pipelines with large bore sizes. They have a higher torque requirement than floating ball valves and are usually more expensive.

What are the differences between floating ball valves and trunnion ball valves?

The main differences between floating ball valves and trunnion ball valves are their construction and cost. Floating ball valves are simpler in construction and thus cheaper to manufacture. They are also lighter and require less torque to operate. However, they have a lower maximum operating pressure and are not suitable for large bore sizes. Trunnion ball valves are more complex in construction and thus expensive to manufacture. They are also heavier and require more torque to operate. However, they can withstand higher operating pressures and are suitable for larger bore sizes.

Which type of ball valve is suitable for my application?

The choice between a floating ball valve and a trunnion ball valve depends on several factors, such as the maximum operating pressure, the bore size, the fluid type, and the required flow rate. It is recommended to consult with a valve expert to determine the most suitable type of ball valve for your application.

In conclusion, ball valves are an essential component in various industries due to their reliability, durability, and ease of maintenance. The choice between a floating ball valve and a trunnion ball valve depends on several factors, such as the application requirements and budget. It is essential to consult with a valve expert to ensure the right valve selection for your application.

Tianjin Milestone Valve Company is a leading manufacturer of high-quality industrial valves, including ball valves, gate valves, globe valves, check valves, and butterfly valves. With over ten years of experience in the valve industry, we provide customized valve solutions to meet the diverse needs of our clients. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.milestonevalves.com or contact us at delia@milestonevalve.com.


Scientific Papers

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Yousef, H. and Ahmed, S. (2016). The impact of ball valve coatings on corrosion resistance. Journal of Materials Science, 51(15).

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Li, Y. and Zhang, X. (2021). Numerical simulation of a three-way ball valve for water treatment applications. Journal of Environmental Management, 286.

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Gao, D. and Wu, Y. (2018). A reliability analysis of ball valves used in nuclear power plants. Nuclear Engineering and Design, 329.

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