Ball valves are among the most widely used flow control devices in modern industry, thanks to their reliable sealing and simple operation. However, when engineers and buyers search for ball valve solutions, they often face a common question: Which is better, floating ball valve or trunnion ball valve? Both designs serve similar purposes but differ significantly in construction, performance, and applications. Understanding the floating vs trunnion ball valve difference is crucial for selecting the right solution for your system. In this article, we’ll explore what a floating ball valve is, what a trunnion ball valve is, and the 10 key differences between them. We’ll also highlight how GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball and GOTEB Ball Valve Trunnion Ball provide premium solutions for various industries.
A floating ball valve is designed so that the ball inside is not rigidly fixed but held in position by two elastomeric or metallic seats. Under pressure, the ball moves slightly downstream, pressing against the seat to form a tight seal.
Floating ball valve design: Simple, compact, and cost-effective.
Floating ball valve types: Two-piece, three-piece, flanged, and threaded configurations.
Applications: Water distribution, low-pressure gas lines, and chemical processing.
The GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball is engineered with precision spheres that ensure reliable sealing even under demanding industrial conditions, combining durability and ease of operation.
A trunnion-mounted ball valve differs fundamentally. Here, the ball is anchored by trunnion shafts at the top and bottom, preventing it from floating. Spring-loaded seats move toward the fixed ball to create a seal.
Trunnion ball valve design: More complex but capable of handling high pressures and large diameters.
Applications: Oil & gas transmission, petrochemical plants, and high-pressure pipelines.
Advantages: Reduced operating torque, longer sealing life, and robust performance under high-stress conditions.
The GOTEB Ball Valve Trunnion Ball is built to meet these rigorous demands, offering superior performance and durability across industrial applications.
Understanding these differences helps engineers answer the common question: Which is better, floating ball valve or trunnion ball valve?
Floating: The ball is supported only by the upstream and downstream seats and can move slightly under pressure.
Trunnion: The ball is fixed by top and bottom trunnion shafts, reducing movement and stress on the valve body.
This is the fundamental floating trunnion ball valve difference, influencing torque, durability, and performance.
Floating: Flow pressure pushes the ball against the downstream seat, creating the seal.
Trunnion: Spring-loaded seats move toward the fixed ball, providing balanced and stable sealing regardless of pressure.
Applications: Floating is suitable for low-pressure systems, while trunnion excels in high-pressure pipelines.
Floating: Requires higher torque due to ball movement and friction with seats, especially in larger valves.
Trunnion: Lower torque because the ball remains fixed and the seat moves, making actuation easier.
This factor is crucial when considering automated valves with electric or pneumatic actuators.
Floating: Best for low to medium pressure, typically up to 600LB.
Trunnion: Can handle medium to very high pressures, up to 1500LB or more.
Case Study: Water distribution networks often use floating ball valves, whereas oil pipelines require trunnion ball valves.
Floating: Practical for small to medium valves, generally ≤12 inches.
Trunnion: Ideal for large-diameter valves ≥12 inches due to structural support.
Engineers often filter options by size first when searching trunnion vs floating ball valve.
Floating: High-pressure conditions may wear seats faster, increasing leakage risk over time.
Trunnion: Even under extreme pressures, seat wear is reduced, maintaining long-term leak-tight performance.
This makes trunnion ball valves suitable for critical pipelines and hazardous media.
Floating: Simpler design and fewer components result in lower manufacturing costs.
Trunnion: More components and complex machining make it more expensive, but cost is offset by longer service life.
Budget considerations often determine the choice between floating and trunnion valves.
Floating: Water treatment, low-pressure gas, and light chemical systems.
Trunnion: High-pressure oil & gas pipelines, petrochemical plants, steam lines, and critical industrial processes.
Floating valves are versatile for general applications, while trunnion valves excel in demanding environments.
Floating: Simple design allows easy installation and maintenance.
Trunnion: More complex, but reduced seat wear leads to longer intervals between maintenance.
Operators often choose floating valves for ease of maintenance in low-risk systems and trunnion valves for long-term stability in critical pipelines.
Floating: Usually bi-directional, but sealing efficiency may vary with flow pressure.
Trunnion: Engineered for reliable bi-directional sealing, even at high pressures.
This is a subtle but important difference when designing piping systems for safety and efficiency.
Choosing between floating ball valve vs trunnion ball valve comes down to system requirements:
Floating Ball Valve: Ideal for low-pressure, smaller pipelines, easier maintenance, and lower cost.
Trunnion Ball Valve: Suited for high-pressure, large-diameter pipelines, offering robust sealing and longer service life.
Many industries deploy both types depending on specific sections of the system, making it essential to understand their floating trunnion ball valve difference before procurement.
| Aspect | Floating Ball Valve | Trunnion Ball Valve |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Support | Seats only | Trunnion shafts |
| Sealing Mechanism | Ball pressed against seat | Seat pressed against ball |
| Torque | Higher | Lower |
| Pressure Range | Low–medium | Medium–high |
| Size Range | ≤12 inches | ≥12 inches |
| Leakage Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Applications | Water, chemicals | Oil & gas, petrochemicals |
| Maintenance | Simple | Complex but longer life |
| Flow Direction | Limited bi-direction | Robust bi-direction |
Selecting the right valve depends on pipeline size, system pressure, and budget. Floating valves are simpler and economical, while trunnion valves are robust and engineered for high-performance applications. At GOTEB, we combine precision engineering with world-class materials to produce both GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball and GOTEB Ball Valve Trunnion Ball, delivering unmatched reliability across industrial applications. Whether you need floating ball valve types for general applications or trunnion ball valves for critical pipelines, GOTEB Ball Valve is your trusted partner. Contact us today to learn how GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball and GOTEB Ball Valve Trunnion Ball can enhance your system’s safety, efficiency, and performance.
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