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 Assembly drawing of 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