Ball valves stand out as one of the most popular valve kinds in industrial piping setups. They offer easy operation, solid sealing ability, and wide use across many tasks. As years passed, ball valves developed different structural types to handle various needs. Knowing these forms and their key traits well helps greatly when choosing and using them right in industrial settings.

Ball Valve Structural Forms Classification Overview

By Ball Support Method

· Floating Ball Valve

· Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve

By Valve Body Structure

· One-Piece Ball Valve

· Two-Piece Ball Valve

· Three-Piece Ball Valve

· Top-Entry Ball Valve

By Bore Type

· Full Bore Ball Valve

· Reduced Bore Ball Valve

· V-Port Ball Valve

· Multi-Port Ball Valve

By Connection Method

· Flanged Ball Valve

· Threaded Ball Valve

· Wafer Ball Valve

· Welded Ball Valve

I. Classification by Ball Support Method

1. Floating Ball Valve – Most Common

In this floating ball setup, the ball has no support underneath. It links only to the stem. So it can move freely inside the valve space.

When medium pressure acts, the ball moves toward the downstream seat. This creates strong contact force and ensures tight shut-off.

2. Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve – Widely Used

This trunnion mounted style holds the ball steady with top and bottom shafts. The ball turns but does not slide along its axis.

Sealing happens as springs preload the seats or medium pressure forces seats against the ball.

II. Classification by Valve Body Structure

1. 1-Piece Ball Valve – Relatively Common

The valve body comes as one solid piece. Workers insert the ball from one side and fix it with a pressed cover.

Advantages: It stays compact. Sealing performs very well. Costs remain low.

Disadvantages: Maintenance proves tough. Online repairs stay impossible.

Applications: Low-pressure jobs use them.

2. Two-Piece Ball Valve – Common

The body splits into two parts joined by bolts. This lets removal of the ball from the center area.

Advantages: Maintenance turns easier.

Disadvantages: It takes up more space than one-piece kinds.

Applications: Medium sizes needing regular upkeep.

3. Three-Piece Ball Valve – Common

The body breaks into three main parts: two end pieces and one middle section.

Advantages: Maintenance becomes very handy without taking the pipe apart.

Disadvantages: The structure grows more complex. Costs rise too.

III. Classification by Bore Type

1. Full Bore Ball Valve – Common

The bore size in the ball matches the pipe's inner diameter. Flow faces almost no resistance.

2. Reduced Bore Ball Valve – Relatively Common

The ball bore comes smaller than the pipe inside. This makes a tighter design.

3. V-Port Ball Valve – Relatively Common

The ball has a V-shaped cut for exact flow adjustment.

4. Multi-Port Ball Valve – Specific Purposes

These include L-port three-way, T-port three-way, and four-way styles.

IV. Classification by Connection Method

1. Flanged Ball Valve – Most Common

Ends carry flanges that bolt to matching pipe flanges.

Applications

Almost every industrial pipe setup uses them. Medium to high pressure and big sizes favor them especially.

2. Threaded Ball Valve – Common

Ends have threads inside or outside for direct pipe joining.

Applications

Small sizes up to DN50 work. Instrumentation air and sample lines pick them.

3. Welded Ball Valve – Relatively Common

Ends get beveled for welding straight to pipe.

Applications

Zero-leakage needs demand them. Dangerous fluids and buried lines use them.

Ball Valve Structural Form Selection Guidelines

Valve structural form selection should consider fluid properties, operating conditions, installation space, safety requirements, and budget.

For everyday use, floating ball valves with one-piece or two-piece builds give cheap and useful results in normal settings.

Flow control jobs gain from V-port ball valves. They show great control traits and cutting power.

FAQ

What is the primary difference between floating and trunnion mounted ball valves?

Floating ball valves use medium pressure to force the ball onto the downstream seat for sealing. Trunnion mounted ones hold the ball with upper and lower shafts. Seats move to seal instead. This cuts torque and fits bigger sizes plus higher pressures.

When should a three-piece ball valve be selected over a two-piece design?

Three-piece ball valves let full take-apart and service without pulling the valve from the pipe. They fit jobs needing regular work, like food, pharmaceutical, or sanitary tasks.

What advantages do full bore ball valves provide compared to reduced bore types?

Full bore styles cut flow resistance and pressure drop a lot. They suit pigging jobs, slurry fluids, or systems where low pressure loss matters most. Reduced bore ones give smaller size and lower cost for clean fluid jobs.

Partner with a Trusted Valve Manufacturer and Supplier

FLUIDO stands as a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality industrial valves, including a comprehensive range of stainless steel ball valves such as one-piece, two-piece, three-piece, threaded, flanged, wafer, floating, and multi-port types.

As a professional valve manufacturer, supplier, and factory, FLUIDO specializes in producing durable stainless steel ball valves and other industrial valve solutions to meet diverse project specifications. Contact FLUIDO today for competitive pricing, technical support, custom manufacturing, or bulk supply inquiries to enhance your piping system reliability and performance. Reach out via email info@fluidovalve.com to discuss requirements with the team.