Valves are essential components in any piping system, ensuring reliable control of liquid and gas flow. Among the most common are the ball valve and the floating ball valve. At first glance, they appear similar, but their design and performance differ in key ways. Many engineers and buyers ask: “What is the difference between a ball valve and a floating ball valve?” In this guide, we’ll explore their structures, functions, and applications, provide a detailed comparison of floating ball valve vs ball valve, and show why choosing GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball components guarantees long-term reliability.
A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve that uses a hollow, perforated ball to regulate flow. Turning the handle 90 degrees either opens the passage fully or shuts it off completely.
Features of Ball Valves:
Simple and robust design.
Fast on/off operation.
Minimal pressure drop in full-bore designs.
Reliable sealing across various industries.
They are widely used in oil and gas, water treatment, power plants, and chemical processing. In plumbing systems, smaller versions are often called ball cock valves, typically used for toilets, sinks, and household water supply.
A floating ball valve is a type of ball valve where the ball is not anchored by trunnions but held in place by two valve seats. Under pressure, the ball moves slightly downstream, pressing tightly against the seat to create a secure seal.
Advantages of Floating Ball Valves:
Excellent sealing at low-to-medium pressures.
Compact and economical.
Easy to manufacture and maintain.
Available in multiple floating ball valve types (full bore, reduced bore, two-piece, and three-piece).
A floating ball valve diagram usually illustrates the ball’s ability to shift under pressure, highlighting how this design achieves self-sealing capability.
Ball Valve (Trunnion Type): The ball is supported by trunnions and the stem, distributing pressure evenly and reducing wear on valve seats.
Floating Ball Valve: The ball is free-floating, supported only by seats and the stem. Fluid pressure forces it against the downstream seat for sealing.
Ball Valves: Suited for heavy-duty, large-diameter, and high-pressure pipelines in oil & gas, power, and petrochemical industries.
Floating Ball Valves: Ideal for smaller pipelines in water treatment, HVAC, low-pressure natural gas, and light chemical applications.
Ball Valves (Trunnion-Mounted): Designed for very high pressures and large-diameter operations.
Floating Ball Valves: Effective in low-to-medium pressure systems (generally up to 300 bar).
Trunnion Ball Valves: Lower operating torque because the trunnions absorb pressure load. Suitable for automation.
Floating Ball Valves: Higher torque required, especially under high differential pressure, which can increase actuator cost.
General Ball Valves: Handle both high and extreme pressures reliably.
Floating Ball Valves: Limited performance at very high pressures due to seat wear and torque demands.
Ball Valves (Trunnion): Manufactured in very large sizes (up to 40” or more).
Floating Ball Valves: Usually limited to small-to-medium diameters (up to 12”), beyond which sealing becomes inefficient.
Ball Valves: More expensive due to complex structure, but offer durability and lower lifecycle costs in demanding industries.
Floating Ball Valves: Cheaper, simpler to maintain, and easier for seat replacement. Best where cost-efficiency is key.
Ball Valves (Trunnion): Many designs allow double block and bleed (DBB) for extra safety.
Floating Ball Valves: Provide reliable tight shut-off but usually do not feature DBB capability.
| Aspect | Floating Ball Valve | Ball Valve (Trunnion Type) |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Design | Ball is free-floating, supported by valve seats and stem; sealing achieved by pressure pushing ball against downstream seat. | The ball is fixed by trunnions and stem, distributing pressure evenly across seats. |
| Application Scope | Best for small-to-medium pipelines, low-to-medium pressure systems (e.g., water treatment, HVAC, light chemicals). | Suited for heavy-duty, large-diameter, high-pressure industries like oil & gas, petrochemical, and power. |
| Pressure Handling | Effective up to ~300 bar; limited at very high pressures. | Handles very high pressures and extreme conditions. |
| Torque Requirement | Higher torque needed under pressure, increasing actuator size/cost. | Lower torque required due to trunnion support; automation-friendly. |
| Size Range | Usually manufactured up to 12” diameters. | Available in very large sizes (up to 40”+). |
| Cost & Maintenance | More economical, simpler structure, easy seat replacement. | Higher cost due to complexity, but durable with lower lifecycle costs in harsh environments. |
| Leakage Performance | Provides reliable tight shut-off, but no double block and bleed (DBB) feature. | Often supports DBB, providing extra safety in critical pipelines. |
| Overall Value | Compact, economical, ideal where cost-efficiency and reliable sealing at moderate pressures are needed. | Strong, durable, scalable solution for demanding, high-pressure, large-diameter operations. |
No matter which design you choose, the ball element itself is central to valve performance. That’s where GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball components make the difference.
Expertise Since 2016: GOTEB has specialized in manufacturing ball valve spheres for nearly a decade.
Global Reach: Trusted by clients in 40+ countries, delivering solutions across industries.
High-Quality Materials: Every component is crafted with precision using premium metals and subjected to rigorous quality checks.
Customer-Centric Approach: GOTEB provides tailored solutions for oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment industries.
Proven Reliability: GOTEB Ball Valve products are recognized for superior sealing, durability, and long service life.
By choosing GOTEB, you ensure valves that meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and performance.
The differences between a ball valve and a floating ball valve can be summarized as follows: floating ball valves are compact, economical, and ideal for low-to-medium pressure pipelines, while trunnion-mounted ball valves are designed for large-scale, high-pressure applications. For businesses that demand world-class reliability, GOTEB Ball Valve Floating Ball components are the trusted choice. Since 2016, GOTEB has been delivering excellence to industries worldwide, combining precision engineering with a customer-first philosophy.
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