The 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve is a type of ball valve that features a two-piece body construction and a trunnion-supported ball. The two-piece design typically includes a main body and a body cover, making it easier to assemble and maintain. The forging process used in its construction enhances the valve's mechanical strength and resistance to stress, which is especially valuable in high-pressure environments.
The trunnion mechanism supports the ball at both ends, reducing the load on valve seats. This design minimizes seat wear and ensures consistent sealing, even at elevated pressure levels. The result is smoother operation, extended service life, and improved safety during flow control operations.
The core function of the 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve is to control the flow of fluids—liquids or gases—through pipelines. The valve operates with a quarter-turn mechanism. When the handle or actuator rotates the ball, the port either aligns with the flow path to allow passage or turns perpendicular to block flow completely.
This type of valve offers full-bore flow, meaning the internal diameter of the ball is nearly equal to the pipe size. This design minimizes pressure drop and allows for efficient, unobstructed flow. In processes where fluid purity, velocity, or volume is a priority, such as in chemical processing or oil transportation, this characteristic proves highly beneficial.
The 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve also supports partial opening, enabling throttling to some extent. However, it is primarily used for shut-off applications due to its sealing performance and quick operation.
Several features contribute to the widespread adoption of the 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve:
Durable Forged Construction: Forged bodies enhance resistance to impact, thermal expansion, and corrosion. This makes the valve suitable for aggressive media and fluctuating conditions.
Trunnion Support: The supported ball reduces torque requirements and seat deformation, which improves the sealing capacity under high-pressure applications.
Leak-Tight Sealing: The design often incorporates spring-loaded seats and elastomeric or metal seals, ensuring tight shut-off and reducing fugitive emissions.
Blowout-Proof Stem: For safety, the stem is designed to prevent detachment from internal pressure, ensuring reliability in hazardous conditions.
Ease of Maintenance: The two-piece design simplifies disassembly, inspection, and replacement, which can lower operational downtime and maintenance costs.
Bidirectional Sealing: The 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve generally provides sealing in both flow directions, offering flexibility in system layout.
Actuation Compatibility: These valves can be easily automated using electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators for remote and precise control.
The 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve is used across a wide range of industries where safe and efficient fluid control is necessary. In oil and gas pipelines, it manages crude oil, natural gas, and refined products. In power plants, it controls high-pressure steam and water. Chemical plants and refineries rely on it for handling corrosive and volatile substances.
Additionally, this valve is frequently found in cryogenic systems, LNG plants, and offshore platforms, thanks to its high-pressure rating and material compatibility.
Maintenance and Operation Considerations
Like any industrial component, the 2 Piece Forged Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve requires routine inspection and maintenance to ensure performance. Regular checks for seat wear, seal integrity, and actuation function help prevent unexpected failures. Lubrication of moving parts, particularly in manual versions, maintains smooth operation.
It is also advisable to match the valve's materials with the media it will handle. For example, stainless steel may be preferred in corrosive environments, while carbon steel is suitable for non-aggressive fluids.