Not much thought is given to the small things that allow industries to function day in, day out. Essential industries to everyday life, such as oil, gas and water industries. Here we pay tribute to the industrial valves and in particular, those used in the oil and gas sector.
The oil and gas industry are still alive and well; the United States alone in 2017 produced 571 million metric tons of oil and 734.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas. Thus, the growing supply of petrol stations across the country need a reliable way to distribute these materials. Enter the ball valves, this component is essential because of their ability to make a tight lid on both liquid and gas applications. Let’s look at four types of ball valves used by the oil and gas industry.
Trunnion Mounted Ball Valves: this type of ball valve has an additional mechanical anchoring on the top and bottom of the ball, making it a great choice for larger pressure valves. This design also allows for a reduction in torque as the ball valve is supported in two places. Even at full rated working pressure, the operating torque is still low.
Floating Ball Valves: This type of valve doesn’t need to be secured in position by a trunnion; they are simply attached to the stem and this can cause the ball to flow a little further downstream. When this happens, the ball is pressed against the seat, thus creating a positive seal. For all types of Industrial Valves, visit https://www.orseal.com/
Rising Stem Ball Valve: This valve combines the operation of tilt-and-turn, which eliminates seal rub – the main cause of failure in valves. When the valve shuts, the core is wedged between seats, securing a positive cover; when open, the core moves away from the seals and the flow travels evenly around the face of the core. This operating principle allows for rapid, low torque operations and long-term reliable performance.
Full-Port Ball Valve: Also known as a full-bore ball valve, this valve has a bore internal diameter approximately equal to the internal diameter of the pipe. This makes it possible to reduce friction and pressure loss in the valve. The flow of liquid is not limited or impeded, making full-port ball valves an ideal option for processes where pigging may be required.
Ball valves appropriate for your situation depend on your requirements and the amount you have to spend. As full-port valves can be pricier, their flexibility makes them a popular choice in the chemical, petrochemical, and refining industries.