The application of floating ball valves in the petrochemical industry

I. Basic Principle and Structure of Floating Ball Valve
The core component of a floating ball valve is a ball with a passage. Under the action of medium pressure, the ball can freely float between the valve seats. When the valve is opened, the passage of the ball aligns with the pipeline, allowing the fluid to pass smoothly. When the valve is closed, the ball is perpendicular to the pipeline, cutting off the fluid flow. This floating design enables the ball to automatically align, thus improving the sealing performance. Floating ball valves typically use polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or metal sealing materials to meet different chemical compatibility and temperature requirements.

(2) Reactor and Storage Tank Control
In chemical reactors and storage tanks, floating ball valves are used to control the inflow and outflow of materials. Their corrosion resistance and high sealing performance can effectively prevent the leakage of reaction materials, ensuring the safety and stability of the production process. For example, when dealing with corrosive media such as strong acids and alkalis, high-performance floating ball valves can resist chemical erosion and extend their service life.
(3) Emergency Shutdown System
The petrochemical industry has a relatively high safety risk, and the emergency shutdown system is an important facility to ensure production safety. Floating ball valves can respond quickly, achieving instant cut-off of fluid flow and preventing the expansion of accidents. For example, when a storage tank leaks or catches fire, the floating ball valve can close quickly to cut off the material supply.
(4) Natural Gas Processing and Liquefaction
In natural gas processing plants, floating ball valves are used to regulate gas flow and remove impurities. Their low-torque operation and high reliability enable them to operate stably under harsh conditions such as high pressure and low temperature. For example, in the production process of liquefied natural gas (LNG), floating ball valves can accurately control the flow rate of liquefied gas to ensure production efficiency.