A Floating Flanged Ball Valve is a specialized type of valve where the ball is unsupported by an axis, relying solely on two valve seats for support. The valve stem is connected to the ball for movement, allowing the ball to be in a "floating" state. Under the pressure of the medium, the ball can produce some displacement and press tightly against the sealing surface at the outlet end, thereby ensuring the sealing integrity of the outlet.
Operating Principle
The working principle of the floating ball valve is as follows: When the handle (or other actuator) drives the valve stem to rotate, the ball can rotate freely between the two valve seats. When the ball's through hole aligns with the valve body passage hole, the ball valve is in the open position, allowing fluid to flow through; when the ball rotates 90°, the ball's through hole is perpendicular to the valve body passage hole, the ball valve is closed, and the ball is pushed towards the valve outlet seat by the fluid pressure, achieving valve sealing.
Structural Features
The floating type flanged ball valve features the following structural characteristics:
Unique valve seat sealing structure: Utilizes dual-line sealed valve seats for reliable valve sealing.
Professional valve seat machining: Low friction coefficient for valve seats, reducing the torque required for valve operation.
Handle Valve Rod: The rod head features an oblong structure to ensure the handle aligns with the flow opening direction of the sphere.
Locking Device: Prevents accidental operation of valve opening and closing.
Valve Stem Retainer Structure: Prevents the valve stem from flying out under high pressure.
Anti-static Design: Prevents static sparks from causing accidents.
Internal flange design: Leak-proof.
Fire-resistant structure: Protects the valve from damage in case of a fire.
Application Scenarios and Pros and Cons
Floating ball valves are widely used in general working media such as water, solvents, acids, natural gas, and also in harsh conditions with media like oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, methane, and ethylene. They are suitable for industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, natural gas, metallurgy, and for long-distance natural gas pipelines with high sulfur content, heavy impurities, and severe corrosion.
Advantages include:
Simple structure: easy to manufacture and maintain.
Good sealing: Low fluid resistance, quick opening and closing.
Multiple Additional Structures: Including locking devices, anti-static devices, etc., enhancing safety and reliability.
Drawbacks include:
High friction: prone to wear and leakage.
High-Temperature and High-Pressure Environment Restrictions: The sealing surface material limits its use in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
