Floating Ball Valve

Features and Benefits

Reliable Sealing

The floating design ensures minimal leakage, which is crucial for safety and efficiency.

Durability

Constructed from robust materials like forged steel or stainless steel, these valves withstand harsh environments.

Ease of Operation

Simple quarter-turn operation enables quick opening and closing.

Low Maintenance

Split-body designs, such as the 3 piece floating ball valve, facilitate easy disassembly for cleaning or part replacement.

Valve Entry Types

Floating ball valves are available in different entry designs to suit various installation and maintenance requirements.

Side Entry Floating Ball Valve

Top Entry Floating Ball Valve

Key Applications

Floating ball valves serve a wide range of industries due to their durability and adaptability. Major applications include:

• Oil and Gas Industry: Used in pipelines, refineries, and storage facilities for their high-pressure resistance.

• Chemical Processing: Handles corrosive fluids with valves made from materials like stainless steel.

• Water Treatment: Ensures efficient flow control in municipal and industrial water systems.

• Petrochemical Refining: Supports high-temperature and high-pressure operations.

• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Maintains sterile and contamination-free processes.

The global demand for these valves is driven by replacements and upgrades in existing infrastructure, with regions like North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific being key markets.

Design

In a floating ball valve, the ball is not fixed in place but is held in position by two valve seats. When the valve is closed, the ball floats slightly downstream under fluid pressure, creating a tight seal against the seats. This simple yet effective design ensures excellent shut-off capabilities, making it ideal for applications requiring bubble-tight sealing.

These valves are commonly available in split-body floating ball valve designs, such as:

• Two-piece floating ball valve: Compact and economical, suitable for general purposes.

• Three-piece floating ball valve: Allows for easy maintenance and inspection without removing the valve from the pipeline.

Floating ball valves come in different types to meet specific needs:

• Soft-Seated Floating Ball Valve: Offers excellent sealing for low to medium temperatures.

• Hard-Sealed Floating Ball Valve: Suitable for high-temperature and abrasive applications.

They are also categorized by pressure ratings (e.g., ANSI Class 150 to Class 600) and actuation methods (manual, pneumatic, or electric). Leading manufacturers like Emerson Automation, Flowserve Corporation, and KITZ Corporation provide valves that comply with international standards such as API.

Non-Metal Seated Floating Ball Valve

Metal Seated Floating Ball Valve

Shield^TM Floating ball valves feature a floating ball design for low torque and increased cycle life. As standard, larger sized valves feature trunnion-type ball support. These rugged ball valves are ideal for industrial applications.

Valve Construction & Components

Below is a detailed breakdown of the key components that ensure the reliability and performance of our floating ball valves.

A BODY: Investment cast and solution annealed/normalized for the highest quality and additional strength.

B BALL: Precision machined and mirror finished for bubble-tight shutoff and less operating torque.

C STEM: Internal entry and blowout proof for maximum safety.

D SEAT: Ensures a reliable positive shut-off in either flowing direction, bubble-tight sealing with low operating torque.

E BONNET: Removable bonnet design allows for field replacement of the stem seal without removing the valve from the flow line.

F O-RING: Graphite stem seals have been thoroughly fire tested and ensure positive sealing.

G GLAND: To ensure the seal performance.

H INJECTION FITTING: Used for routine lubrication of the body cavity and injection of emergency sealant. This helps to reduce torque and extend service life.

Technical Drawings & Resources

Download detailed technical drawings, product brochures, and specifications for our valves. These resources provide comprehensive information for engineers, procurement specialists, and maintenance teams.

?Technical Drawings

Complete set of detailed engineering drawings in PDF format for easy integration into your design projects. Includes dimensional drawings, assembly diagrams, and installation guidelines.

Please download the GA drawings of SHIELD Floating Ball Valve on "resources center" page.

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Product Documentation

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Technical Data Sheets

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Installation & Maintenance Manuals

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