Floating Ball Valve Structure, Function, and Industrial Applications

1. Floating Ball Valve: Structure, Function, and Industrial Applications A floating ball valve is a commonly used valve in various industries due to its reliable sealing performance and straightforward design. Unlike trunnion-mounted ball valves, which use additional mechanical anchoring, the ball in a floating ball valve is not rigidly held in place. Instead, it is "floating," held between two valve seats and allowed to move slightly under pressure to achieve a tight seal. This feature makes floating ball valves ideal for low- to medium-pressure applications that require dependable shutoff and easy operation. What is a Floating Ball Valve? A floating ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow, perforated, and floating ball to control the flow of fluids. The ball is suspended in the flow path by two elastomeric seats. When the valve handle is turned, the ball rotates to open or close the valve. In the closed position, the ball presses against the downstream seat, creating a tight seal that prevents leakage.

2. This self-sealing design allows the valve to maintain effective shutoff even in systems with fluctuating pressures. Floating ball valves are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, chemical processing, and general pipeline systems. Construction and Design The main components of a floating ball valve include: 1.Body– The outer casing that holds all the components together. It may be a one-piece, two-piece, or three-piece design depending on the application. 2.Ball– A floating, spherical disc with a hole (bore) through the center. When aligned with the pipeline, it allows flow; when rotated 90 degrees, it blocks the flow. 3.Seats– Usually made of soft materials like PTFE (Teflon), these support the ball and provide the sealing surface. 4.Stem– Connected to the ball, the stem is turned via the handle or actuator to rotate the ball. 5.Handle or Actuator– Provides the mechanical force to rotate the ball. Can be manually operated or automated using pneumatic or electric actuators. 6.Seals and Gaskets– Ensure that there is no leakage between the body parts or through the stem. Working Principle The floating ball valve operates on a simple yet effective principle. When the valve is open, the bore of the ball is aligned with the pipeline, allowing the fluid to pass through freely. When the handle is turned 90 degrees, the ball rotates, and the solid side blocks the flow path. Because the ball is not anchored, it "floats" slightly downstream under the pressure of the flowing fluid. This movement forces the ball against the downstream seat, enhancing the sealing capability. This design works particularly well for small- to medium-size valves and for systems with moderate pressure. Key Features and Benefits 1.Simple Construction– With fewer moving parts, floating ball valves are easy to manufacture, maintain, and operate. 2.Reliable Sealing– The pressure-activated floating mechanism ensures a tight seal, reducing the risk of leakage.

3. 3.Compact and Lightweight– Compared to trunnion-mounted valves, floating ball valves are more compact, which makes them ideal for space- constrained installations. 4.Low Torque Operation– They require minimal effort to operate, especially in smaller sizes. 5.Bidirectional Sealing– Many floating ball valves can seal in both flow directions, increasing their versatility. 6.Cost-Effective– They are generally more affordable than more complex valve types. Limitations While floating ball valves offer many advantages, they also have some limitations: Not Suitable for High Pressures– At higher pressures, the ball can exert excessive force on the downstream seat, leading to seat deformation or leakage. Size Limitations– They are typically used for smaller diameter pipelines, usually up to 6 inches. Larger sizes require trunnion-mounted designs. Potential for Seat Damage– In abrasive or high-velocity applications, the soft seats may wear out faster. Materials Used Floating ball valves are available in a variety of materials to suit different applications: Body Materials– Carbon steel, stainless steel, brass, bronze, and PVC. Ball Materials– Stainless steel, chrome-plated brass, or even ceramic- coated metals for high-wear resistance. Seat Materials– PTFE (Teflon), reinforced Teflon (RTFE), metal, or other elastomers. The choice of materials depends on factors such as fluid type, pressure, temperature, and chemical compatibility. Applications of Floating Ball Valves Floating ball valves are used in a wide range of industries due to their sealing capability and simplicity:

4. 1.Oil and Gas– For pipeline shutoff, storage tank isolation, and gas flow control. 2.Chemical and Petrochemical Plants– Suitable for handling aggressive chemicals and corrosive media. 3.Water and Wastewater Treatment– Used in water flow control and effluent management systems. 4.HVAC Systems– For heating, ventilation, and air conditioning flow management. 5.Pharmaceutical and Food Processing– Stainless steel floating valves are used in clean and sanitary environments. 6.Power Generation– Used in auxiliary systems for fuel and cooling water control. Installation and Maintenance Installing a floating ball valve is relatively straightforward. It can be connected to the piping system via flanges, threads, or welding. Maintenance typically involves checking the seats and seals for wear and ensuring that the stem and handle move freely. Periodic lubrication and inspection are recommended for valves in high-cycle or critical applications. In many designs, the valve can be disassembled and serviced without removing it from the pipeline, especially in three-piece models. Comparison with Trunnion Ball Valves The main difference between floating and trunnion ball valves lies in how the ball is supported. In a floating ball valve, the ball is supported only by the valve seats. In contrast, trunnion-mounted valves use additional mechanical supports (trunnions) to hold the ball in place, making them better suited for high-pressure and large-diameter applications. Floating ball valves are generally less expensive, simpler in construction, and easier to operate for small to medium pressures and sizes. Trunnion valves, though costlier, are required where higher pressures or larger pipe diameters are involved. Visit our website https://www.bjmvalves.com/ for details. Conclusion Floating ball valves are an essential component in fluid control systems across a wide array of industries. Their simple design, dependable sealing, and cost-

5. effectiveness make them a go-to solution for low to medium-pressure applications. While they may not be ideal for very high-pressure or large-diameter systems, their performance and ease of use make them one of the most widely used valve types in the world. As technology advances and industries continue to seek efficient, reliable flow control solutions, floating ball valves are likely to remain a staple in the engineering and manufacturing toolbox. Whether in oil pipelines, chemical plants, or municipal water systems, the floating ball valve offers an effective and affordable answer to the challenge of fluid regulation.