Floating vs. Trunnion Mounted: Which Forged Steel Ball Valve Do You Need?

In the world of forged steel floating ball valve sets, you’ve got the floating and the trunnion-mounted valves. Floating valves are charaterized by their free-floating ball that seats support, hence their name, while trunnion-mounted valves make use of a fixed trunnion shaft for its version of the support.

There are various schools of thought when it comes to which of the two is better. Let this guide from professional manufacturer CLDG enlighten you. It will discuss the following:

• The forged steel floating ball valve
• The forged steel trunnion-mounted ball valve
• Key differences between the two

Forged Steel Floating Ball Valves

These valves are primarily used to control the proper flow of liquids or gases across pipelines, working at their peak in demanding and high-pressure applications.

Their distinctive characteristic is the “floating ball” not directly attached to their stem. With this design, it could move, or “float,” within the body of the valve to create a tight seal against the seats.

With this forged steel construction, your industry is guaranteed with durability and reliability, suitable for harsh industrial environments.

CLDG’s forged steel floating ball valves are known for their versatility in system integration. This design ensures fast, quarter-turn operation and majestic capabilities when shut-off is needed, making this company’s valves a reliable solution for the most critical isolation points along the process.

Forged Steel Trunnion-Mounted Ball Valves

On the other hand, a forged steel trunnion-mounted ball valve utilize a design that features a trunnion, wherein the ball is fixed by bearings, paving the way for operational stability under pressure, thus reducing friction.

Due to this design, they are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications, strong and reliable. They are used for critical industries with pipelines, such as the oil and gas industry.

These valves come in various sub-types as well, such as the side-entry forged steel trunnion mounted ball valve, and so much more. Lots of companies around selling cheap 3-pc. forged steel trunnion mounted ball valve sets, so you’ll never run out of choices.

Get to Know Their Key Differences

Design: Floating ball valves feature a ball that slightly moves, pressing against the downstream seat for sealing. Meanwhile, trunnion-mounted ones are anchored at their both ends.

Pressure handling: The former suits medium-pressure, while the latter excels at high-pressure environments.

Torque requirement: Floating valves need more operating torque, while trunnion valves require less because of anchored ball support.

Cost: Floating ball valves are generally more affordbale than trunnion-mounted.

Application: The floating type is used in general pipelines, while trunnion types are preferred for heavier-duty, higher-pressure industries.

Whether it is the floating or the trunnion-mounted type, it will depend on your needs. For instance, in terms of pressure and your budget.

Our company, CLDG, is a trusted manufacturer of industrial valves that ensures everything is at its perfect, from research and development to packaging. Talk to our team today to request a quote.