Full Welded Ball Valve Manufacturer - KFTE

How does Full Welded Ball Valve work?

1. Structure and Design

• One-Piece Welded Body: The valve body is constructed from a single piece of metal (e.g., carbon steel, stainless steel) with fully welded seams, eliminating flanges or bolts. This ensures:

• Zero Leakage: No weak points or joints prone to leaks.

• High Strength: Resists extreme pressure, temperature, and mechanical stress.

• Ball Assembly: A spherical ball with a bore (hole) rotates inside the body to control flow.

• Stem: Connected to the ball, the stem transmits torque from the actuator (manual handle, gear, or automated system) to rotate the ball.

2. Operation

• Open Position: The ball is rotated so the bore aligns with the pipeline, allowing full flow. Minimal pressure drop due to full-bore design.

• Closed Position: The ball rotates 90°, positioning the bore perpendicular to the flow path, blocking fluid/gas completely.

• Seats: Spring-loaded or pressure-energized seats (metal or thermoplastic) create a tight seal against the ball.

3. Sealing Mechanism

• Primary Seals: Ball-to-Seat Contact: Seats are pressed against the ball by springs or line pressure, ensuring leak-tight closure.

• Fire-Safe Design: Secondary metal seals (e.g., graphite) activate if primary seals fail during a fire (API 607/6FA compliant).

• Stem Seals: Live-Loaded Packing: Prevents leaks around the stem, even under thermal cycling or vibration.

4. Applications

• Oil & Gas Pipelines: Subsea, transmission lines, and refinery systems.

• Chemical/Petrochemical: Handling corrosive or toxic fluids.

• Power Plants: High-pressure steam and water systems.

• Cryogenic Systems: LNG storage and transport.

• Underground Installations: Buried pipelines due to corrosion resistance and leak-proof design.

Advantages of Full Welded Ball Valve

Full welded ball valves excel in safety, durability, and leak prevention, making them indispensable for high-stakes industrial applications.

1. Leak-Tight Integrity

• No Flanges or Joints: The fully welded, single-piece body eliminates flanges, bolts, or gaskets, removing potential leak paths.

• Zero Fugitive Emissions: Ideal for hazardous or environmentally sensitive fluids (e.g., natural gas, toxic chemicals).

2. Exceptional Durability

• High Structural Strength: Resists extreme pressure (Class 600–2500+) and temperature fluctuations (-196°C to 550°C).

• Corrosion Resistance: Constructed from materials like stainless steel, duplex steel, or Inconel for harsh environments (e.g., offshore, chemical plants).

• Shock Resistance: Withstands pressure surges, vibration, and thermal cycling without cracking.

3. Minimal Maintenance

• Long Service Life: Welded construction prevents wear from disassembly/reassembly.

• Reduced Downtime: No need for frequent inspections or part replacements.

4. Safety and Reliability

• Fire-Safe Design: Secondary metal seals (e.g., graphite) maintain sealing during fires (API 607/6FA compliant).

• Blowout-Proof Stem: Stem is securely anchored to prevent ejection under high pressure.

• Anti-Static Device: Prevents sparks from static buildup in flammable fluid applications.

5. High-Performance Applications

• Bidirectional Sealing: Effective sealing against pressure from both directions.

• Full-Bore Design: Minimal pressure drop, allowing unrestricted flow for pigging or cleaning in pipelines.

• Cryogenic Compatibility: Suitable for LNG, liquid nitrogen, and other ultra-low-temperature fluids.

6. Installation Flexibility

• Buried or Subsea Use: Welded construction resists corrosion and leaks in underground/submarine pipelines.

• Compact Design: Lightweight compared to flanged valves, saving space in confined installations.

7. Key Applications

• Oil & Gas: Transmission pipelines, subsea systems, refineries.

• Power Plants: High-pressure steam and cooling systems.

• Chemical/Petrochemical: Corrosive or toxic fluid handling.

• Cryogenics: LNG storage and transport.