Ball Valve Types: Floating, Trunnion, and Fully Welded — Complete Guide for Industrial Applications
Quick Answer: Ball valves are quarter-turn valves using a rotating ball with a bore to control flow. Three main types: floating ball valves (low-medium pressure), trunnion-mounted (high pressure, large diameter), and fully welded (buried service, pipeline).
Ball Valve Type Comparison
| Feature | Floating Ball | Trunnion Mounted | Fully Welded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure Range | Class 150-600 | Class 150-2500 | Class 150-1500 |
| Size Range | 1/2″ – 12″ | 2″ – 60″ | 2″ – 56″ |
| Best For | General purpose | High-pressure, large | Pipeline, buried |
Browse ball valve products or see our detailed floating vs trunnion guide.
Floating Ball Valve: Ball floats between seats, line pressure pushes ball against downstream seat. Economical, bi-directional, good for clean fluids.
Trunnion Mounted: Ball supported by bearings at top and bottom. Low operating torque, high pressure, large sizes. Essential for pipelines and wellheads.
Fully Welded: One-piece welded body, zero external leakage. Buried service compatible, maintenance-free. API 6D compliant.
FAQ
Q: What is DBB ball valve?
A: Double Block and Bleed — two seating surfaces with cavity vent. Essential for gas/hydrocarbon safety isolation.
Q: Are ball valves suitable for high temperature?
A: PTFE seats to 230C, metal seats to 540C.
Contact Vornet Valve for ball valve support and pricing.