Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-09-18 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● What Is a Flanged Ball Valve?
>> Key Features of Flanged Ball Valves
● What Is a Trunnion Ball Valve?
>> Key Features of Trunnion Ball Valves
● Advantages of Flanged Ball Valves
● Advantages of Trunnion Ball Valves
● FAQs
>> 1. What distinguishes flanged ball valves from trunnion ball valves?
>> 2. When is it better to use a flanged ball valve?
>> 3. Can flanged ball valves handle high pressures?
>> 4. Are trunnion ball valves easier to automate?
>> 5. Which industries use trunnion ball valves most?
In high-demand industrial sectors such as oil and gas upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, seawater desalination, and offshore drilling platforms, choosing the right type of ball valve is essential for optimal system performance. Two commonly used ball valve types are flanged ball valves and trunnion ball valves. While both are designed to regulate fluid flow reliably, their structural differences, operational characteristics, and application suitability vary significantly. This article provides a detailed comparison of flanged ball valves and trunnion ball valves, emphasizing their respective advantages and disadvantages to help engineers, OEMs, and suppliers make informed decisions. The keyword "flanged ball valve" is integrated naturally to meet SEO needs for global B2B markets.
A flanged ball valve is characterized by flanged ends that are bolted directly between pipe flanges, creating a strong mechanical and leak-resistant connection. Typically, flanged ball valves use a floating ball design where the ball is free to move slightly against two seats. The fluid pressure helps push the ball against the downstream seat to ensure tight sealing. The flanged connection simplifies installation and maintenance in pipeline systems, especially for sizes generally up to 6 inches. Flanged ball valves are popular in industries where medium to low pressure and moderate temperatures are common.
- Flanged ends for robust flange-to-flange pipeline integration
- Floating ball design that utilizes system pressure for sealing
- Available in sizes ranging from small (1/2 inch) to medium (6 inches) diameters
- Common pressure ratings typically between ANSI Class 150 and 300
- Made from various materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, and alloy steel
- Versatile for water, oil, natural gas, petrochemical, and chemical processing
- Easy to automate with ISO mounting pads for actuators
Technical specifications for a typical flanged ball valve include compliance with API 608, ANSI B16.5 for flange dimensions, and API 6D standards for ball valve design. These valves often feature soft seats made from PTFE or reinforced polymers for leak tightness, as well as metal seats for higher temperature or abrasive media. The design also incorporates blowout-proof stems and anti-static devices to enhance operational safety and reliability.
A trunnion ball valve features a ball that is anchored by a shaft or trunnion at the top and sometimes the bottom, preventing the ball from floating. Instead of the ball moving to seal against the seat, the seats themselves move toward the ball aided by springs, ensuring tight sealing regardless of pipeline pressure. This mechanism significantly reduces the operating torque needed to turn the valve, making it suited for larger sizes (typically above 6 inches) and higher pressure applications (ANSI Class 150 to 2500 and beyond).
- Ball anchored on trunnions for precise, stable alignment
- Spring-loaded seats maintain consistent sealing under pressure
- Lower operating torque reduces actuator energy consumption and wear
- Available with flanged or butt-welded ends depending on pipeline requirements
- Used for large bore pipelines, often 6 inches and above
- Capable of handling high pressure and temperature conditions in severe environments
- Common in oil and gas, petrochemical, power generation, and offshore industries
The trunnion valve's robust design offers superior performance in harsh environments and critical process systems. Its structure withstands pipeline stresses better, avoiding seat damage during pressure surges or thermal expansion. The reduced torque improves valve lifespan and eases integration with pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators for automated operation.
Flanged ball valves provide an economical and reliable solution suitable for a wide range of industrial applications with moderate pressure ratings. Their simpler design translates to lower initial cost and easier maintenance, minimizing downtime. The flanged connection ensures tight sealing and straightforward pipeline integration, which supports convenient installation and replacement in large-scale systems. The valves can be supplied with ISO mounting pads for manual or automated actuation, making them flexible for different operational needs.
Trunnion ball valves excel in large-diameter, high-pressure pipelines where durability and operational efficiency are paramount. The anchored ball design lowers operating torque dramatically, permitting the use of smaller actuators and extending valve service life. Their spring-loaded seat mechanism ensures consistent sealing performance under extreme conditions, reducing leakage risks and improving safety. These valves are constructed to endure heavy mechanical stress and demanding environments such as offshore drilling platforms and upstream oil fields.
Flanged ball valves face limitations in size and pressure ratings. Their floating ball design requires higher operating torque at large sizes, which can complicate automation needs and increase wear. Conversely, trunnion ball valves have higher upfront costs and more complex maintenance requirements due to their intricate construction and components.
Flanged ball valves are preferred in municipal water treatment, medium pressure gas pipelines, and less demanding industrial processes. The valve's ease of installation and maintenance supports applications where cost control and reliability for moderate conditions are critical. In contrast, trunnion ball valves dominate in heavy industries including upstream oil & gas production, large chemical plants, power generation, and marine or offshore applications where large pipeline diameters and high pressures are common. Both valve types often feature flanged end connections to meet pipeline standards and facilitate mechanical joining.
Selecting between flanged ball valves and trunnion ball valves depends fundamentally on pipeline size, pressure rating, and application environment. Flanged ball valves offer an affordable and robust solution for low and medium pressure systems and pipeline diameters up to six inches. For larger pipelines, high pressure, and automation-friendly operation, trunnion ball valves deliver superior performance and reliability despite higher investment costs. As a specialized manufacturer experienced in floating, trunnion, and top-entry ball valves, we provide tailored OEM solutions for demanding sectors including oil & gas, seawater desalination, and offshore platforms. Contact us to discuss your requirements and obtain high-quality flanged ball valves engineered for industrial excellence.
The key difference is ball support; flanged ball valves generally have a floating ball that moves with system pressure, while trunnion ball valves anchor the ball mechanically with seats that move to seal.
Use flanged ball valves for pipeline sizes typically up to 6 inches and pressure classes suitable for low to medium pressures, focusing on cost efficiency and simple maintenance.
They are mainly designed for moderate pressures; for very high pressures or larger diameters, trunnion ball valves are more appropriate.
Yes, their lower operating torque makes them suitable for integration with pneumatic or electric actuators.
Industries like oil & gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and offshore drilling prefer trunnion ball valves for their durability and performance under severe conditions.
