Ball Valves

These common yet versatile valves are used when an application requires full bore extreme low-pressure drop characteristics or Max Cv for a given line size.

Floating ball valves shall be used for smaller sizes and lower pressures while Trunnion style ball valves can reach 48” size or larger and pressures of thousands of PSIG (pounds per square inch). For open / closed service only never use for throttling or modulation service.

Ball valves can be found in most media and industries, but are the exclusive valves used on Natural Gas transmission lines, compressor stations, underground storage, and distribution applications. 

Floating Ball Valves

Floating Ball valves regardless of being full or regular port require the process pressure to push the ball against the downstream side of the seat for sealing.  Typically, valve sizes 12” and under for ANSI Class 150 and 8” and under for ANSI Class 300 can be floating ball designs.

Trunnion Ball Valves

There are upper and lower trunnions connected to the ball that prevent any physical lateral movement of the ball and seat.

This trunnion design allows seats on both sides of the ball to fully seal pressure and in effect called double block. Bleed is achieved via a vent in the body cavity, thus called double block and bleed.  Trunnions prevent the effect of ball movement from pressure on the area of the closed ball.