Design Solutions for Large Size Ball Valves

Development of sustainable cities requires safe and efficient pipeline networks for the transportation of fluids. Ball valves are usually used to start/stop the flow of liquids or gases in pipelines, because they generate low hydraulic losses when the valve is in fully open position and no leakage in fully closed position. They are highly recommended, when quick operation is needed in emergency situations. European Union and United States of America have implemented stringent laws to regulate the standards of small and medium size pipeline components. Design parameters may require large size valves that are not in the focus of the present standards and in this case, individual solutions are needed.

In this work, a methodology to design ball valves that are not in the standardized series is step by step presented. The case study of a Trunnion ball valve with a 900 mm bore diameter is discussed. The standard API 6D/ ISO 14313 recommends design methods for valves with face-to-face dimension between flanges for diameters up to DN900, therefore the proposed methodology is original.