Fundamentally, a ball valve controls flow using a perforated, rotating sphere. For industrial applications requiring robust performance, the trunnion mounted ball valve design offers distinct mechanical advantages. This article examines the working mechanism of this specific valve type and considers the role of a specialized trunnion mounted ball valve supplier like Neway Valve in ensuring operational integrity.
The Core Mechanism: Anchored Rotation
The central component is a ball with a bore through its center. Unlike floating ball designs, a trunnion ball valve features a ball that is fixed on its vertical axis by two trunnion stems. These stems act as mechanical anchors, integrating the ball directly into the valve body. This fixed position is critical for managing high-pressure forces, as the ball does not shift under load but rotates in a stable, controlled manner.
Sealing and Pressure Management
In the closed position, the solid side of the ball blocks the flow path. The system pressure itself forces downstream sealing seats against the ball’s surface, creating a tight seal. This self-energizing aspect of the sealing mechanism is a key functional characteristic. For a trunnion ball valve, the anchored design means the seats only need to seal, not support the ball’s movement, which contributes to lower operating torque and reduced seat wear.
Actuation and Flow Restoration
Actuating the valve, typically through a quarter-turn of the handle, rotates the ball 90 degrees. This action aligns the bore with the pipeline, creating an unobstructed, full-port flow path. The minimal resistance in this open state is a significant benefit for many process systems. The reliability of this simple quarter-turn operation is a factor that engineers evaluate when selecting a proven trunnion mounted ball valve supplier.
The trunnion-mounted design provides a reliable method for controlling demanding fluid systems. Its anchored ball and pressure-assisted sealing offer a solution for high-pressure, low-torque applications. Companies like Neway Valve focus on the precision manufacturing of these components, as the exact tolerances of the ball, trunnions, and seats directly dictate the valve’s long-term performance and leak-tight security.
