Trunnion Mounted Top Entry Ball Valve

Trunnion Mounted Top Entry Ball Valve – Detailed Overview

A trunnion mounted top entry ball valve is a high-reliability valve designed for critical applications in oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, and industrial processes. The top entry design allows maintenance and inspection of internal components without removing the valve from the pipeline, minimizing downtime and operational costs.

The trunnion-mounted configuration supports the ball with fixed bearings at the top and bottom, reducing operating torque and enhancing sealing reliability, especially in high-pressure and large-diameter systems.

Typical Applications and Operating Conditions

• Oil & Gas Pipelines and Processing Facilities – For secure isolation and flow control in upstream, midstream, and downstream systems.

• Petrochemical Plants – Handling aggressive chemicals, high temperatures, and pressures.

• Power Plants – Managing steam, feedwater, and cooling circuits with reliable shutoff.

• Refineries – Used in cracking units, catalytic reformers, and fractionation towers.

• Water Treatment and Industrial Processes – For clean water, slurry, and utility services.

Material Selection and Impact on Performance

• Carbon Steel (A105) – Suitable for general-purpose high-pressure applications.

• Stainless Steel (304, 316) – Excellent corrosion resistance for chemical and marine environments.

• Duplex and Super Duplex Stainless Steel – High strength and resistance to stress corrosion cracking, ideal for offshore and subsea use.

• Alloy Steels (Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy) – For sour gas, high temperature, and corrosive media.

Materials are selected to ensure compliance with relevant standards such as API 6D, ASME B16.34, and NACE MR0175.

Key Design Features

• Top Entry Access – Allows inline maintenance without pipeline disassembly, reducing downtime.

• Trunnion Mounted Ball – Provides low operating torque and stable sealing under high differential pressure.

• Fire-Safe and Anti-Static Design – Meets stringent safety standards to prevent fire hazards and static buildup.

• Blowout-Proof Stem – Ensures operational safety under extreme conditions.

• Double Block and Bleed Capability (optional) – Enables safe isolation and pressure venting during maintenance.

Advantages of Trunnion Mounted Top Entry Ball Valve

• Reduced Maintenance Time and Cost – Inline servicing minimizes operational disruption.

• Enhanced Reliability and Safety – Robust construction for harsh environments and critical applications.

• Versatility – Suitable for a wide range of media, temperatures, and pressures.

• Improved Sealing Performance – Trunnion support reduces seat wear and leakage risk.

• Compliance with International Standards – Ensures compatibility and safety across global markets.

A trunnion mounted top entry ball valve is an ideal choice for industries requiring high reliability, ease of maintenance, and strong sealing performance in challenging process conditions. Its design ensures long service life and reduced total cost of ownership, making it a preferred solution for critical pipeline and process applications.