Trunnion Mounted vs. Floating Ball Valves: Key Differences Explained

Trunnion Mounted vs. Floating Ball Valves: Key Differences Explained

Ball valves are vital components in various piping systems, and two common designs are trunnion mounted and floating ball valves. Understanding their key differences can aid in making the right choice for specific applications. Here are the main distinctions to consider:

1. Design Structure
   • Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: These valves feature a ball that is anchored on top and bottom by trunnions. This design allows for a more rigid assembly, accommodating higher pressures and larger sizes.
   • Floating Ball Valves: In these valves, the ball is held in place by the valve body and "floats" within the seat. The ball seats against the downstream seat when the valve is closed, relying on line pressure to ensure a leak-tight seal.
2. Pressure Handling
   • Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: They can handle higher pressure capabilities, making them suitable for high-pressure systems such as oil and gas applications.
   • Floating Ball Valves: These are generally more suited for lower pressure applications, though they can be designed for higher pressures depending on the specific configuration.
3. Operational Torque
   • Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: The torque required to operate this valve type is typically lower due to the trunnion design, leading to easier actuator use.
   • Floating Ball Valves: They can require more torque especially under higher pressures, which may necessitate larger actuators for operation.
4. Applications
   • Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Ideal for large-scale applications in industries such as oil and gas, water, and chemical processing where high flow rates and high-pressure containment are common.
   • Floating Ball Valves: Common in a variety of applications including water supply, HVAC systems, and other low-pressure tasks where ease of use is paramount.
5. Maintenance and Longevity
   • Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Generally require less maintenance due to their design and durability, making them a long-term solution in high-demand scenarios.
   • Floating Ball Valves: While still reliable, they may need more frequent maintenance as the ball can wear out over time due to repeated friction against the seats.
6. Cost Considerations
   • Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Higher initial costs can be mitigated by their lower maintenance needs and longer lifespan.
   • Floating Ball Valves: Lower upfront costs make them attractive for budget-conscious projects, although maintenance costs may accumulate over time.

In summary, the choice between trunnion mounted and floating ball valves ultimately depends on specific needs and applications. Understanding these key differences helps ensure optimal functioning in any piping system.

For more Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves vs. Floating Ball Valves, DN25 Flange V Port Ball Valve Manufacturer in China, Flanged V-port segment ball valve Manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.