Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve – Comprehensive Overview

A forged steel trunnion mounted ball valve is a heavy-duty valve designed for reliable shutoff and control in high-pressure, high-temperature, and demanding process conditions. Unlike floating ball designs, the ball in a trunnion-mounted configuration is supported at both the top and bottom, reducing operating torque and minimizing seat wear. The use of forged steel enhances mechanical strength, structural integrity, and resistance to pressure-induced deformation, making these valves ideal for critical applications in the oil & gas, petrochemical, power generation, and industrial sectors.

Typical Operating Conditions

Forged steel trunnion mounted ball valves are commonly used in:

• High-Pressure Pipelines – Transporting crude oil, natural gas, refined products, and chemical fluids.

• Offshore and Subsea Systems – Handling extreme pressure, corrosive seawater exposure, and space-limited environments.

• Refineries and Petrochemical Plants – Isolating and controlling process fluids in hydrocracking, reforming, and catalytic units.

• Power Plants – Managing high-temperature steam and cooling water systems.

• Cryogenic Services – Suitable for LNG and other liquefied gas applications with special low-temperature trims.

Material Selection and Its Impact

Material choice directly affects performance, corrosion resistance, and lifecycle:

• A105 Carbon Steel – Common for general-purpose high-pressure service with non-corrosive media.

• F51/F53 Duplex Stainless Steel – Combines high strength with superior chloride stress corrosion resistance, suitable for marine and offshore use.

• F316/F316L Stainless Steel – Offers excellent corrosion resistance for chemical processing and wet gas service.

• Inconel, Monel, Hastelloy – Designed for aggressive chemicals, sour gas, and high-temperature oxidizing environments.

Forged steel offers a tighter grain structure and higher strength compared to cast steel, resulting in improved resistance to impact, fatigue, and thermal stress.

Types of Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves

• Side Entry – Ball inserted through the body side; easier to maintain in larger sizes.

• Top Entry – Ball and internal components accessed through the top; ideal for inline maintenance without removing the valve from the pipeline.

• Fully Welded Body – Eliminates body flanges, providing superior leak prevention for buried or subsea pipelines.

• Split Body Design – Facilitates easier disassembly and inspection in plant operations.

Advantages of Forged Steel Trunnion Mounted Design

• Lower Operating Torque – Trunnion support minimizes friction and reduces actuator size requirements.

• Extended Service Life – Seats experience less wear, especially in high-pressure service.

• High Safety Integrity – Fire-safe designs, anti-blowout stems, and anti-static devices enhance safety.

• Versatility – Suitable for a wide range of media, from hydrocarbons and steam to aggressive chemicals and cryogenic fluids.

A forged steel trunnion mounted ball valve is a premium choice when long-term reliability, low maintenance, and safety are priorities. By selecting the right material, body design, and sealing configuration, these valves deliver exceptional performance across a broad spectrum of industrial applications.