The floating ball valve is a type of ball valve that is designed and manufactured according to API standards (most commonly API 6D for pipeline valves or API 608 for industrial ball valves).and API 607. A wide range of body and trim material is available to service working temperature from -196 to 200℃(-320 to 392 。F) Valve Size 1/2 ” to 12" Pressure Rating ASME Class 150 - 2500 NACE lv1R0175 is also available upon request for sour service.
1. Floating ball valve Structure
Floating ball: The ball inside the valve is not fixed; it is held in place by two elastomeric or metal seats.When pressure is applied, the ball is pushed slightly downstream to press tightly against the seat, creating a tight shutoff.
Generally available in 2-piece, 3-piece, or top-entry designs.
2. Floating ball valve Key Features
Design Standard: Follows API 6D or API 608, ensuring compliance with international safety, performance, and testing requirements.Tight Sealing: Achieves bubble-tight shutoff due to the self-sealing action of the floating ball against the seat.
Size Range: Commonly up to 6 inches (DN150). For larger sizes, trunnion-mounted ball valves are typically used instead.
Pressure Class: Usually up to Class 600; higher pressures generally require trunnion design.
Operation: Simple quarter-turn (90°) operation via lever, gear, or actuator.
Fire-Safe & Anti-Static Design: When required, built to API 607 / API 6FA fire-safe standards.
Blow-out Proof Stem: Stem is designed to prevent blow-out under pressure.
3. Applications of API Floating ball valve
Pipeline isolation in oil, gas, petrochemical, and chemical industries.
Refineries and process plants for on-off service.
Water and steam service (with appropriate seat/ball materials).
Best suited for low to medium pressure and small to medium diameter pipelines.
4. Assembly Drawing of Split Body Floating Ball Valve 
Bill of API Floating Ball Valve Materials
No | Name of Part | Stainless Steel | Carbon Steel | Low Temperature Steel |
1 | Body | ASTM A351-CF8M | ASTM A216-WCB | ASTM A352-LCB |
2 | Nut | AISI/ASME 304/GR.8 | Carbon Steel/GR.2HM | AISI/ASME 304/GR.8 |
3 | Body Joint Bolt | AISI/ASME 304/GR.B8 | Carbon Steel/GR.B7M | AISI/ASME 304/GR.B8 |
4 | Body Gasket | PTFE | PTFE | PTFE |
5 | Ball | ASTM A351-F316 | ASTM A105+ENP | ASTM A351-F316 |
6 | Seat | RPTFE | RPTFE | RPTFE |
7 | Body | ASTM A351-CF8M | ASTM A216-WCB | ASTM A352-LCB |
8 | Stem | ASTM A276-F316 | ASTM A182-F6a | ASTM A276-F316 |
9 | Stem Thrustwasher | PTFE | PTFE | PTFE |
10 | Stem Packing | Gasket | Gasket | Gasket |
11 | Gland Flange | ASTM A351-CF8M | ASTM A216-WCB | ASTM A352-LCB |
12 | Handle Stop | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 |
13 | Snap Ring | AISI/ASME 420 | AISI/ASME 420 | AISI/ASME 420 |
14 | Handle | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel | Carbon Steel |
15 | Gland Bolt | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 |
16 | Washer | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 |
17 | Cap Screw | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 | AISI/ASME 304 |
18 | Anti-static Device | 316SS | 316SS | 316SS |