What are the advantages and disadvantages of a trunnion-mounted ball valve
Aug 07, 2025
What are the advantages of a trunnion-mounted ball valve?
- Suitable for high-pressure operating conditions: The ball of a trunnion-mounted ball valve is mounted in the valve body via bearings at both ends, resulting in a stable structure that can withstand high pressures. Even under high-pressure conditions, the seal between the ball and the valve seat remains reliable, preventing problems such as seat deformation caused by excessive pressure.
- Easy and flexible operation: Because the ball is supported by bearings, friction is low, resulting in relatively low operating torque, making opening and closing the valve easier. This reduces actuator requirements and allows the use of smaller actuators, reducing costs.
- Excellent wear resistance: The sealing surfaces between the ball and the valve seat of a trunnion-mounted ball valve are typically made of more wear-resistant materials or undergo special treatment. Furthermore, the ball's motion during opening and closing is relatively stable, making it less susceptible to uneven wear. This results in excellent wear resistance and a long service life.
What are the disadvantages of trunnion-mounted ball valves?
- Complex structure: Compared to floating ball valves, trunnion-mounted ball valves are more complex and have a larger number of components, including the ball, valve seat, bearings, and sleeves. This makes the valve's manufacturing process more demanding, making production more difficult and costly.
- High installation and maintenance requirements: Due to its complex structure, installation requires strict adherence to requirements to ensure concentricity between the ball and valve seat and accurate installation of the bearings. Maintenance is also relatively tedious, requiring specialized technicians and tools.
- High installation space requirements: Trunnion-mounted ball valves are relatively large and heavy, requiring a larger installation space. Installation may also require additional auxiliary equipment and tools, such as cranes, placing high demands on site conditions.
