{"id":1700,"date":"2023-01-31T02:31:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-31T01:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/as-schneider.blog\/?p=1700"},"modified":"2023-10-12T11:31:07","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T09:31:07","slug":"flow-control-operations-floating-versus-trunnion-mounted-ballvalves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/as-schneider.blog\/2023\/01\/31\/flow-control-operations-floating-versus-trunnion-mounted-ballvalves\/","title":{"rendered":"Flow control operations: Floating vs. trunnion-mounted ball valves"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Every engineer encounters the challenge of having to choose one technology over another. A notable example is specifying the valve solution for a given process line. Sometimes the choice is evident. Other times, it is a tight horse race of options. <\/strong><\/p> In light of that, in this article, I want to focus on a topic I frequently get asked about: the differences between floating and trunnion-mounted ball valves. Selecting the most valve of the two for a specific service could be tricky at times. Thus, knowing what sets them apart helps a long way. Read on to learn about both valve solutions. My goal is to lead you to identify which design is more appropriate.<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Ball valves are reliable and durable flow regulation devices. They work with an on\/off control activated by means of a centered bored (and holed) rotary ball that changes position against applied pressure. The simple yet functional design comprises these main parts:<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t Material-wise, the ball is usually made of steel, while the seats are fabricated from polymers like PTFE or metals.\u00a0<\/p> In spite of some limitations in the throttling capacity, ball valves are well-suited for many industrial-level applications in oil & gas, petrochemical, energy, water, and manufacturing facilities. The compactness of the piece favors fast response times and low maintenance requirements.\u00a0<\/p> When the valve switches to the open position, the ball rotates 90 degrees to align the port with the body. This mechanism lets the medium pass through. In the closed position, the ball must retreat those 90 degrees to seal the medium against its pressure. In a tight shut-off, the sealing elements must be pressed together by preloading the seats. The system\u2019s pressure is also a contributing factor. The higher the pressure, the higher the force needed to push the sealing elements together.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t When a line\u2019s pressure is on the rise, the sealing elements of the ball valve are more tightly pressed together. In parallel, the ball and seat are subject to stronger forces. This scenario would not represent an issue for a device like a check valve. However, in ball valves, it could bring serious trouble. Why? Because they are central process fixtures that must remain operable, even amid a high differential pressure condition.\u00a0<\/p> For valves, a high-pressure setting is synonymous with high operating torque and a larger manual effort. So, when designers work within a high-pressure range, they may end up with calculations for lengthy handles and expensive gear requirements. Appropriately enough, the handle\u2019s design can be bound by standards such as ISO14313 and API 6D. Both provide rules on how to prevent collisions with other piping elements.<\/p> One way to decrease the operating torque is by reducing the friction coefficient of the material pair, i.e., using modified plastics (PTFE-filled PEEK). Though the results are not always as majorly significant as needed.\u00a0<\/p> Another option is to assess other valve components and take action from the findings. As an idea, look at the stem. Big stem diameters increase the size of the valve\u2019s body, raising operating torque (and costs).\u00a0<\/p> The target is to analyze all measures that add protection to the sealing elements. And the effective way to do it is by lowering the operating torque and impact forces. Both are critical to extending the valve\u2019s lifespan, especially in high-pressure conditions.\u00a0<\/p> That\u2019s why knowing the types of ball valves is decisive in getting the design right.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\tBall valves are widely used for a reason. Here\u2019s what makes them stand out<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Ball valves in high-pressure applications <\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
Types of ball valve<\/h2>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t