How Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve Work and Their Applications

Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve – Working Principle

Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve is a type of industrial valve designed to deal with high pressure or high flow. In contrast to the floating ball valves, which allow the ball to float and move under pressure, a trunnion-mounted valve keeps the ball firmly on top and bottom. This support reduces movement, keeps the sealing more stable, and allows the Valve to operate smoothly even in challenging conditions.

How It Works

At the core of the valve is a spherical ball with a hole through it. When the hole aligns with the pipeline, fluid flows freely. Rotating the ball 90 degrees blocks the flow completely. In a trunnion mounted design, the ball is fixed by top and bottom supports called trunnions. The seats, which seal the gap between the ball and the body, can move slightly to maintain pressure against the ball. This makes the seal reliable under changing conditions.

Main parts and their functions:

Why Trunnion Design Matters

The main benefit of the trunnion support is how it changes the internal stress of the valve:

• Lower Torque: Because the ball is fixed, turning it takes less effort, which is important in large valves.
• Even Wear: The seats take most of the pressure, so they wear evenly and last longer.
• High Pressure Handling: Large pipelines with high pressure are easier to manage since the ball is stable.
• Stable Sealing: The seal stays consistent even when pressure fluctuates.
• Bidirectional Operation: Many trunnion valves can block flow from either direction, which is useful in systems with changing flow.

Comparison with Floating Ball Valves

Where These Valves Are Used

Trunnion mounted ball valves are common in industries that require reliability and safety:

• Oil and Gas: Main pipelines, emergency shut-offs, and flow control.
• Chemical Plants: Handles aggressive fluids safely under pressure.
• Power Plants: Controls steam, water, or gas in large systems.
• Storage and Transfer: Bulk liquid pipelines that need a stable seal.

Tips for Operation

Even though trunnion valves are robust, correct handling helps them last longer:

• Follow Orientation Guidelines: Pay attention to flow direction and actuator connection.
• Inspect Seats and Ball: Check regularly for wear, deposits, or scratches.
• Keep It Clean: Debris can affect sealing and smooth operation.
• Schedule Maintenance: Even stable designs benefit from routine inspection.

Key Takeaways

• Trunnion mounted ball valves are ideal for large and high-pressure pipelines.
• The ball stays in place while seats handle most pressure, reducing wear.
• Sealing is stable and reliable even under fluctuating flow or pressure.
• Many valves support flow in both directions.
• Proper installation and maintenance extend service life.

Understanding the working principle of a trunnion mounted ball valve is essential for choosing the right valve for industrial pipelines. Its design ensures smooth operation, reduces wear, and provides consistent sealing in high-pressure systems.

Key Features and Practical Benefits of Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

Trunnion mounted ball valves are widely used in pipelines where stable control and durability matter. Their design focuses on keeping the ball stable while allowing the seats to adjust, which makes the valve easier to operate and maintain. Knowing their main features helps you pick the right valve for your system.

Key Features

Ball Held Firmly by Trunnions

• The ball is supported at both ends, so it stays in place under pressure.
• This reduces wear on the internal parts and makes turning the valve smoother.

Adaptive Seats

• Seats can move slightly to respond to changing pressure.
• This ensures a tight seal even when flow or system pressure varies.

Flow in Both Directions

• Many valves can seal fluid from either side.
• This flexibility is useful in systems where flow direction may change.

Easier Operation

• Fixed ball design reduces the effort needed to open or close the valve.
• Makes manual operation and automated control simpler.

Durable Materials

• Components are built to resist wear and chemical exposure.
• This reduces the need for replacements and maintenance.

Automation Ready

• Can be fitted with actuators or gear operators.
• Works well in pipelines that need remote or automatic control.

Practical Benefits

• Consistent Sealing: The seat is kept in contact with the ball to prevent leakage even when the pressure is fluctuating.
• Lower Maintenance Effort: More stable and more balanced seats mean less maintenance.
• Versatile Use: Water, gas, oil and all kinds of chemicals.
• Efficient Operation: Low torque makes it easier to open and close, especially in emergency situations.
• Pressure Safety: The trunnion supports distribute the pressure evenly, reducing the risk of damage in high pressure pipes.

System Applications

Tips for Longer Service Life

• Install the valve according to flow direction and actuator instructions.
• Check the seat and ball regularly for wear and tear.
• Keep the pipes clean so that they don't affect the sealing.
• Follow regular maintenance procedures to ensure that the valve is in good condition.

The Trunnion Ball Valve is a combination of stable design, reliable sealing, and smooth operation. Their adaptive seats and supported ball reduce wear and make maintenance simpler. Because of these characteristics, they can be used in a wide range of industries, from pipelines to chemical plants, to help maintain efficiency and safety.

Common Applications of Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

Trunnions are widely used in many industrial settings because of their ability to handle pressure variations and to maintain reliable operation of pipes. Their design makes them safe, efficient, and maintained.

Petroleum and Gas Pipelines

Such valves are often installed in pipelines to control the flow of oil, gas, or refined products. Typical uses include:

• Transmission pipelines
• Pump stations
• Emergency shut-off points
• Flow control sections

Their performance is excellent in long pipelines with fluctuating pressure and flow, which helps to prevent leakage and maintain smooth operation.

Chemical Plants

Chemical treatment involves fluids that can be harsh or corrosive. Trunnion mounted valves are suitable for:

• High-pressure feed lines
• Chemical transfer systems
• Reactor connections
• Corrosive fluid pipelines

They keep a solid seal and allow for a flexible flow, which is useful in the handling of pressurized chemicals.

Power Plants

In power generation, these valves are used to manage steam, water, and gas. Common installations include:

• Steam distribution pipelines
• Cooling water lines
• Gas feed systems
• Auxiliary piping for various processes

The design allows smooth operation and helps reduce problems caused by pressure or temperature changes.

Storage and Transfer

In storage facilities, trunnion mounted ball valves are ideal for controlling liquids and gases moving in and out of tanks. Applications include:

• Tank filling and discharge
• Transfers between tanks
• Loading and unloading operations
• High-pressure distribution lines

Reliable sealing and easy maintenance make these valves practical in systems that need frequent handling of fluids.

Water and Waste Management

Water treatment and sewage pipes also use trunnion mounted valves. They help to keep the flow steady and prevent leakage. Applications include:

• Water intake and distribution
• Pumping systems
• Filtration lines
• Effluent or recycled water pipelines

The valves are especially useful where pressure changes or flow adjustments are common.

Other Industrial Uses

Beyond these examples, trunnion mounted ball valves are applied in:

• Gas pipelines in factories
• Large HVAC or cooling systems
• High-pressure cleaning lines
• Any pipelines that need reliable shut-off under variable conditions

Choosing the Right Application

In deciding where to use the valves, consider:

• Pressure Conditions: Make sure the valve fits the pipeline's pressure range.
• Fluid Type: Check if the material is compatible with the fluid.
• Pipeline Size: Larger systems benefit from the trunnion support.
• Access for Maintenance: Pick locations that are easy to inspect.
• Automation Needs: Consider actuators if remote operation is required.

Trunnion mounted ball valves are used in a variety of settings where reliable flow control and easy maintenance are needed. From pipelines in oil and gas to chemical plants, power stations, storage systems, and water management, these valves provide practical solutions. They perform well in systems with changing flow or pressure and make pipeline operations safer and more predictable.

Trunnion mounted ball valves are used in many industrial pipelines due to their stable operation and practical design. They are suitable for applications in oil and gas, chemical processing, power systems, storage facilities, and water management.

Understanding the operation, features, and typical applications of these valves can help operators and engineers make informed decisions when selecting valves for pipelines. Proper installation, regular inspection, and appropriate maintenance contribute to consistent operation and support overall system reliability.

These valves are part of a range of options available for pipeline flow control. Considering the specific requirements of the pipeline, such as fluid type, pressure, and accessibility, helps ensure that the selected valve meets the operational needs of the system.