There Are Two Types Of Ball Valves. What Are They?

According to its structure and function, the ball valve can be divided into two main types: floating ball valves and trunnion-mounted ball valves. Here are the details:
I. Floating Ball Valves
Structural Characteristics:
The ball can float along the valve shaft under the influence of fluid pressure.
The sealing between the sphere and the valve seat is mainly achieved by pressing the sphere into the valve seat of the medium pressure.
It has a simple structure and good sealing performance, but all the load on the ball is transferred to the exitside seat, suitable for low and medium-and low-pressure applications.
Principles of work:
When the ball valve is closed, the ball is pressed against the seat on the exit side, forming a seal under medium pressure.
When the ball valve opens, the ball rotates with the stem and detaches from valve seat, allowing media to pass through.
Application Scenarios:
Widely used in water treatment, chemicals, petroleum and gas industries.
Especially suitable for frequent opening and closing under low pressure.
Strengths and limitations:
Strengths: Simple structure, low manufacturing and maintenance costs, good sealing performance, suitable for all media.
Limit: All the load on the ball is transferred to the exit seat, which may cause seal failure under high pressure.
ii. Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valves
Structural Characteristics:
The sphere is fixed to the body by upper and lower stem and cannot move along the shaft.
Seats are designed to float or flex to accommodate minor deformations of the sphere and ensure sealing performance.
It is complex structure, but can withstand high pressure and high temperature, suitable for high pressure applications.
Principles of work:
When the ball valve closes, the valve seat compacts the ball under moderate pressure or spring force, forming a seal.
When the ball valve opens, the ball rotates with the stem and detaches from valve seat, allowing media to pass through.
Application Scenarios:
Widely used in high pressure, large caliber pipeline system, such as petroleum and gas pipeline, chemical plant, etc.
Especially suitable for high pressure and temperature resistance.
Strengths and limitations:
Advantages: can withstand high pressure and high temperature, stable sealing performance, fixed sphere, small operating torque, quick opening and closing.
Limitations: Complex structure, high manufacturing and maintenance costs; high material requirements for valve seat and spheres.
Comparison of two Ball Valves
Floating Ball ValvesTrunnion-Mounted Ball ValvesStructural Characteristics
Ball can float and the structure is simple.
The sphere is fixed and the structure is complex.
Stress at work
Suitable for low medium-and low-pressure applications
Suitable for high voltage applications.
Sealing Performance
Good sealing performance, but may fail under high pressure
The sealing performance is stable and can withstand large pressure.
Operating Torque
Relatively large
Small and quick to open and close
Cost of manufacturing
Low.
Tall?
Application Scenarios
Application of low and mediumpressure in water treatment, chemical industry, petroleum and gas.
Application of high pressure in petroleum and gas pipeline, chemical plant, etc..