Floating Ball Valve Applications in Oil and Gas Industry

Ball valves are known for their compact, durable design and reliable, fast-acting on/off control. You have two basic types of ball valve designs, floating and trunnion. Floating ball valves are typically the kind of ball valve commonly used in the oil and gas industry. They are designed to allow the flow of fluids through a pipeline, while also providing a tight seal to prevent leaks. The Original Floating Ball Valve Seat relies upon an interference fit to compress a solid plastic seal ring. In this article, we will explore the common applications of floating ball valves in the oil and gas industry.

Quick History of Floating Ball Valves.

The Original Floating Ball Valve Seat relies upon an interference fit to compress a solid plastic seal ring. The elastic properties of the plastic resist the induced compression and provide a seal against upstream pressure. In the late 1960’s the introduction of patented Multi-Seal Technology continued the advancement of seat design introducing auxiliary blunt-edged sealing faces that provided 1 low-pressure and up to 2 high-pressure sealing contacts. Here at EDI, we have introduced Progressive Seal Technology™ which introduces 4 Contoured Front Sealing Faces and 4 Flat Backside Sealing Faces that dramatically improve low and high-pressure bubble-tight sealing in floating ball valve applications.  Many of those applications are in the oil and gas industry.

Floating Ball Valves Applications in the Oil and Gas Industry.

Floating ball valves are used for various purposes throughout the oil and gas industry for both upstream and downstream purposes. Here are some of the common applications of floating ball valves in the oil and gas industry.

Flow control

One of the most common applications of floating ball valves in the oil and gas industry is flow control. These valves are designed to regulate the flow of fluids through a pipeline, allowing operators to adjust the flow rate as needed. This is important in oil and gas production, where it is necessary to control the flow of fluids to optimize production and ensure safety.

Shut-off

Floating ball valves are also commonly used as shut-off valves in the oil and gas industry. These valves are designed to provide a tight seal, which can help prevent leaks and spills. In the event of an emergency, shut-off valves can be used to quickly stop the flow of fluids through a pipeline, helping to prevent damage to equipment and protect the environment.

Pressure regulation

Another important application of floating ball valves in the oil and gas industry is pressure regulation. These valves are designed to maintain a consistent pressure within a pipeline, which is important for ensuring the safe and efficient transport of fluids. Pressure regulation is particularly important in offshore oil and gas production, where pipelines may be subject to high pressures and harsh environmental conditions.

Corrosive environments

Floating ball valves are also commonly used in corrosive environments in the oil and gas industry. These valves are designed to withstand exposure to harsh chemicals and corrosive fluids, making them ideal for use in offshore oil and gas production and other applications where corrosion is a concern. In addition, many floating ball valves are designed to be easy to maintain, which is important for reducing downtime and minimizing costs.

High-temperature applications

Finally, floating ball valves are often used in high-temperature applications in the oil and gas industry. These valves are designed to withstand high temperatures and maintain their performance even in extreme conditions. High-temperature applications are common in oil and gas production, where fluids may need to be transported at high temperatures to maintain their properties.

Conclusion

Floating ball valves are an important component of the oil and gas industry. They are designed to provide a tight seal and regulate the flow of fluids through pipelines, helping to ensure the safe and efficient transport of oil and gas. These valves are commonly used for flow control, shut-off, pressure regulation, corrosive environments, and high-temperature applications. With their ability to withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable performance, floating ball valves are an essential component of the oil and gas industry. EDi’s Progressive Seal Technology™* offers an evolution in sealing performance that is at the very heart of floating ball valve design. Delivering advanced sealing performance, lower torques, and enhanced operational characteristics, EDi products are at the forefront of valve innovation.