How Does A Floating Ball Valve Work?

Ball valves are one of the valve types most widely used in different industries and the demand for the ball valve is still growing.

Do you know that ball valves grab the attention and design of a large segment of the oil and gas industry? The industry requires manufacturers and suppliers to create high-performing products that fit many different and specific functions.

Floating Ball Valves from Oliver Twinsafe provide the user with an exceedingly reliable and proven design offering maximum sealing against leaks. Maximum safety and environmental protection are our driving factors in every scenario; we achieve this through the use of corrosion-resistant materials, fire-safe testing, blowout-proof stems, fully traceable materials and high integrity seats and seals.

Floating ball valves

On this type of ball valve, the ball, is suspended in its position between two seats.

The shaft is connected at the top of the ball and allows the switch from an open to a closed position with a quarter-turn movement (90 degrees). When the valve is closed, a force is applied to the ball, which is then pressed against one of the seats, forming a seal. This makes it a lightweight and economic design. Floating valves allow a bi-directional shut-off of the flow, similar to trunnion ball valves.

The floating ball valves body is the main pressure envelope of the valve and incorporates the means of connecting the valves to the pipeline. These are made in a range of carbon steel, stainless steel and other alloy materials to sure the customers’ requirements.

Application

Floating ball valves are used commonly within the industry and their design means the balls are connected only to the stem; this gives floating ball valves their name as this causes the ball to ‘float’ downstream of the flow, creating its seal. Floating ball valves are more suited for smaller size valves (e.g. below 3”). They usually have smaller diameter bore sizes. Floating ball valves are suitable for a wide range of liquids and gasses.

Conclusion

Floating ball valves have many advantages like minimum flow resistance, simple structure, good sealing performance, and cost-effectiveness for specific sizes and pressure. They are used widely in the oil and gas and water industry.

We are specialists when it comes to the design and manufacturing of Floating Ball Valves.

If you would like more information, please contact Oliver Twinsafe today!