Design Features of the Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

The Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve is a durable and reliable valve designed for high-pressure and high-flow applications. Unlike conventional floating ball valves, the trunnion-mounted design features a ball that is fixed at two points, allowing it to support larger pipe sizes and handle higher pressures more efficiently. Forged steel construction ensures that these valves can withstand demanding conditions, including temperatures, corrosive fluids, and heavy-duty industrial operations.

The key feature of the trunnion-mounted ball valve is its trunnion design, which involves fixing the ball with a shaft support system, known as the "trunnion," at both the top and bottom of the valve. This allows the ball to remain stationary while the flow of fluid is controlled by the ball’s rotation. When the valve handle or actuator is turned, the ball rotates 90 degrees, either allowing or stopping the flow of fluid.

Forged steel is used for the body and other critical components of the valve. This material is ideal for applications requiring high mechanical strength and resistance to pressure, corrosion, and thermal stress. The trunnion-mounted design provides several advantages, including lower torque requirements, reduced wear on the ball and seats, and better flow control in larger pipes.

When the valve is in the open position, the trunnion ball's bore aligns with the pipeline, allowing fluid to flow freely. When the valve is turned to the closed position, the ball rotates to block the flow, creating a tight seal. Since the ball is supported at both ends by the trunnion, there is less stress on the ball and seals, pilot to a longer service life and more reliable performance, even under high-pressure conditions.

Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves are typically used in high-pressure applications such as oil and gas pipelines, chemical plants, power generation facilities, and water treatment systems. They are ideal for controlling the flow of liquids and gases in pipelines where high pressure, high flow rates, or temperature conditions are present.

These valves are often employed in critical systems that require high reliability, such as emergency shut-off systems, where failure is not an option. The trunnion-mounted ball valve is also used in pipelines that carry hazardous or corrosive materials, as the robust forged steel construction provides good protection against external damage and internal wear.

The Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve offers several distinct benefits:

Higher Pressure Handling: The trunnion design allows for higher pressure ratings compared to floating ball valves.

Reduced Torque Requirements: The fixed ball design reduces the torque required to operate the valve, allowing for easier operation.

Improved Sealing: The design smalls seat wear, providing a more durable seal and extended valve life.

Longer Lifespan: The trunnion-mounted design reduces the impact of high-pressure and high-flow conditions, prolonging the valve's service life.

The installation of a trunnion-mounted ball valve requires proper alignment within the pipeline and accurate sealing of the valve’s body to ensure no leakage. Maintenance is relatively simple, though it is important to periodically check for wear on the seals and seats, especially in systems that operate under high pressures.

The forged steel construction requires small maintenance in terms of corrosion protection, but regular inspections of the valve’s functionality and the actuator (if installed) are recommended to ensure reliable performance.

The Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve is an essential component in high-pressure systems that require a reliable and durable valve for controlling fluid flow. Its trunnion design offers several advantages, including reduced torque, longer lifespan, and the ability to handle high-pressure conditions.