Introduction
In many sectors where dependable flow control is vital, trunnion-mounted ball valves are essential. These valves are ideal for various applications because of their exceptional performance and long-lasting nature. Understanding the many trunnion-mounted ball valve types and their associated uses is essential to choosing the appropriate valve for a given set of operating requirements.
Balls with a fixed shaft (trunnion) that support and position the ball inside the valve body are used in trunnion-mounted ball valves. This design offers stability and guarantees appropriate sealing even at elevated pressures and temperatures. Trunnion-mounted ball valves also provide low torque operation, which lessens the wear on the valve’s components and lengthens their lifespan.
Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves Types
Two-Piece Body Design: These valves consist of two independent sections fastened together. They are easy to maintain and repair and are commonly utilized in low-pressure applications.
Three-Piece Body Design: This design consists of two end caps and a center body portion separated into three distinct components. Maintenance is easy because the three-piece body valve can be dismantled without being removed from the pipeline.
Top Entry Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Ball and seat access for Top Entry Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves is available from the top of the valve body. The valve’s top entry design makes maintenance and repairs simple. It eliminates the need to take it out of the pipeline. They are frequently employed in settings where regular maintenance and inspection are necessary.
Side-Entry Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: In side-entry valves, the valve body’s side provides access to the ball and seats. They are the ideal option in applications where space limits or operational needs demand a side-entry method, even if they could necessitate removing the valve from the pipeline for maintenance.
Fully Welded Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Completely welded valves are constructed entirely of weld, removing any possible leak routes and guaranteeing structural integrity. They can be used in high-temperature, high-pressure applications, such as pipelines transporting crude oil, natural gas, and other potentially dangerous liquids.
Split Body Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: The two- or three-piece body form of split body valves makes installation and maintenance simpler. These flexible valves are used in many industries, such as water treatment, petrochemicals, oil and gas, and power generation.
Cryogenic Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: Particularly made to function in extremely low temperatures, these valves continue to function dependably even in cryogenic settings.
Applications: Ball valves with trunnion-mounted cryogenic trunnions are essential for cryogenic storage, LNG processing, and aerospace applications.
Subsea Trunnion Ball Valves: Made to endure extreme pressure and corrosive seawater conditions, subsea valves are intended for use in offshore drilling and production activities. They have extra sealing systems and protective coatings to guarantee integrity and dependability in submerged installations.
Applications of Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves
Oil and Gas Industry: Trunnion-mounted ball valves are extensively utilized in the oil and gas business’s upstream, midstream, and downstream segments. They are used for flow control, isolation, and emergency shutdown in pipelines, refineries, petrochemical plants, and LNG facilities.
Power Generation: Turbine feedwater systems, steam turbines, and cooling water circuits require trunnion-mounted ball valves to manage the flow of water, steam, and other fluids.
Chemical and Petrochemical Industries: These valves handle volatile chemicals, acids, and corrosive fluids in chemical processing facilities. They are appropriate for demanding applications because of their sturdy design and dependable sealing.
Treatment of Water and Wastewater: Trunnion-mounted ball valves are used in water treatment facilities to control the flow of wastewater, potable water, and different chemicals utilized during treatment procedures.
Mining and Minerals Processing: Trunnion-mounted ball valves are used in slurries, tailings disposal, and mineral processing circuits in mining and mineral processing operations. Their sturdy design withholds the abrasive and erosive media in these applications.
Pharmaceuticals: handling ingredients, batch processing, and management of sterile fluid.
FAQ about Different Types of Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves and Their Applications
Q1. What is a trunnion-mounted ball valve?
The trunnion-mounted ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that employs a pivoting ball to regulate flow. In contrast to floating ball valves, trunnion-mounted valves have permanent shafts at both the top and bottom supporting the ball. This improves valve stability and lowers operating torque, making them appropriate for high-pressure applications.
Q2. What are the advantages of trunnion-mounted ball valves over floating ball valves?
Better Sealing: Because of the trunnions’ support, trunnion-mounted ball valves perform better in sealing, particularly in high-pressure applications.
More excellent Pressure Ratings: Compared to floating ball valves, trunnion-mounted ball valves are made to withstand higher pressures, which qualifies them for demanding industrial applications.
Decreased Operating Torque: By lowering the torque, the trunnion support enables more straightforward operation and a longer service life.
Enhanced Stability: Trunnion-mounted ball valves provide dependable performance in demanding applications by providing increased stability and resistance to pipeline vibrations.
Q3. Where are ball valves placed on trunnions typically used?
Numerous industries use trunnion-mounted ball valves, including the oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, water treatment, and mining sectors.
Pipeline transportation, flow control, shut-off, and isolation in high-pressure systems are examples of specific uses.
Q4. What are the usual materials used to make trunnion-mounted ball valves?
Common materials used to make valve bodies and trim pieces include carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, and duplex stainless steel. Variables like fluid compatibility, temperature, and pressure influence the choice.
Q5. What distinguishes floating ball valves from trunnion-mounted ball valves?
While floating ball valves rely on the fluid’s pressure to form a seal, trunnion-mounted ball valves offer additional mechanical support for the ball from the trunnions. Ball valves with trunnion mounting are often better suited for larger diameters and high-pressure applications.
Q6. What maintenance needs do ball valves placed on trunnions have?
Trunnion bearings should be lubricated and inspected frequently.
Inspecting the seats and seals for wear.
Checking the sealing performance and valve operation regularly.
Observing the maintenance interval and procedure guidelines provided by the manufacturer.
Q7. Can ball valves installed on trunnions be automated?
It is possible to add pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuators to trunnion-mounted ball valves for remote control and automation, which improves process safety and control.
Q8. Are there any restrictions on using ball valves installed on trunnions?
Trunnion-mounted ball valves could be more expensive initially than floating ball valves.
More room is needed for their installation, especially for top-entry valves that provide maintenance access.
Q9. How can I choose the best ball valve mounted on a trunnion for my application?
When choosing a trunnion-mounted ball valve for your application, consider variables like pressure rating, temperature range, fluid type, valve size, end connections, material compatibility, and necessary certifications (such as API and ASME). You can also benefit from speaking with valve makers or industry specialists when making the right choice.
Q10. What are some typical issues with ball valves mounted on trunnions?
Common problems include debris or corrosion buildup causing valve operating difficulties, leaking due to wear on the seat or seal, and damage to the trunnion bearings or seals. Mitigating these issues can be achieved by timely repairs and routine maintenance.
Conclusion
Trunnion-mounted ball valves are essential in businesses where effective and dependable flow control is necessary. Ball valves with trunnion mountings provide exceptional dependability and performance for various industrial uses. These valves meet different operational needs thanks to their several designs, which include two-piece, three-piece, top-entry, side-entry, and fully welded versions. Whether it’s high-pressure environments, extreme temperatures, or critical applications requiring absolute reliability, there’s a type of trunnion-mounted ball valve designed to excel. Understanding the nuances of each type and their respective applications is essential for selecting the most suitable valve for a particular task, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity in fluid control systems. Engineers and operators can choose the best valve for a given set of operating requirements by being aware of the many trunnion-mounted ball valve types and their uses. Trunnion-mounted ball valves are a reliable and adaptable solution for various industries and applications. They can be used to ensure safety in oil and gas facilities, generate power efficiently, or facilitate precise control in chemical processing.
When choosing the correct valve for particular industrial operations, it is crucial to comprehend the many types of trunnion-mounted ball valves and their applications to ensure optimal performance and dependability. As industries continue to evolve, trunnion-mounted ball valves will remain indispensable components that are pivotal in the efficient and reliable operation of critical processes worldwide.
Since its inception in 1982, STEELSTRONG VALVES has grown from modest beginnings to become a well-known manufacturer of valves. STEELSTRONG VALVES, which has two manufacturing facilities in Sanand, Gujarat, and Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, is famous for its extensive selection of valves and strong manufacturing skills.