Fixed Ball Valve: Design, Functionality, and Applications A fixed ball valve is a type of quarter-turn valve widely used in industrial and commercial fluid control systems. It is designed for reliable shut-off, durability, and high-pressure performance. Unlike floating ball valves, where the ball moves slightly under pressure, the ball in a fixed ball valve is held in place by trunnions or bearings, ensuring stability and reducing wear. Design and Construction The fixed ball valve consists of several key components: 1. Ball: The spherical disc (ball) has a bore through its center, which aligns with the pipeline to allow flow or rotates 90 degrees to block it. The ball is fixed in place by upper and lower trunnions, preventing displacement under pressure. 2. Seats: The valve features two sealing seats, typically made of PTFE, reinforced thermoplastics, or metal, ensuring tight shut-off. 3. Stem: The stem connects the actuator (handle, gear, or motor) to the ball, transmitting rotational force to open or close the valve. 4. Body: The valve body is usually made of carbon steel, stainless steel, or other alloys, providing strength and corrosion resistance. Functionality and Advantages - Bidirectional Sealing: Fixed ball valves provide tight sealing in both flow directions, making them ideal for high-pressure applications. - Low Torque Operation: The trunnion-mounted design reduces friction, allowing smoother operation even at high pressures. - Durability: The fixed ball minimizes seat wear, extending service life in demanding conditions. - Versatility: Suitable for liquids, gases, and slurries, with options for fire-safe, cryogenic, or high-temperature designs. Applications Fixed ball valves are commonly used in: - Oil and gas pipelines - Petrochemical processing - Water treatment plants - Power generation - HVAC systems Conclusion The fixed ball valve is a robust, high-performance solution for critical flow control applications. Its trunnion-supported design ensures reliability, longevity, and efficient operation in harsh environments, making it a preferred choice across multiple industries.