Views: 0 Author: J-VALVES Publish Time: 2022-09-26 Origin: Site
In industrial pipeline systems, the selection of valves not only affects the operating efficiency of the system but also directly relates to the overall cost of the project. The full-bore design of TRUNNION BALL VALVES and the reduced-bore structure of GATE VALVES are two common valve design methods, each with its own unique advantages and cost-benefit characteristics. This article will help you make a wiser choice when purchasing valves through detailed comparative analysis.
I. FULL-BORE DESIGN OF TRUNNION BALL VALVES AND REDUCED-BORE STRUCTURE OF GATE VALVES
(1) Full-bore Trunnion Ball Valves
The design of full-bore trunnion ball valves makes the diameter of the valve passage consistent with the inner diameter of the pipeline. There is little resistance when fluid passes through, which is convenient for pipeline cleaning and maintenance. This design is especially suitable for working conditions that require high flow and low resistance, such as oil and natural gas transmission pipelines.
(2) Reduced-bore Gate Valves
The design of reduced-bore gate valves reduces material costs and manufacturing costs by reducing the diameter of the valve passage. Although this design will increase a certain amount of fluid resistance, its cost advantage is still significant in some working conditions where the flow requirement is not high.
II. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COST-BENEFIT
The following is a detailed comparison of the cost-benefit between the full-bore design of trunnion ball valves and the reduced-bore structure of gate valves:
Characteristics | Full-bore Trunnion Ball Valves | Reduced-bore Gate Valves |
Initial Cost | High material cost, complex manufacturing process, and relatively high initial cost. | Low material cost, simple manufacturing process, and relatively low initial cost. |
Operating Cost | Low fluid resistance, low energy consumption during operation, and relatively low long-term operating cost. | Relatively high fluid resistance, high energy consumption during operation, and relatively high long-term operating cost. |
Maintenance Cost | Simple structure, convenient for maintenance, and relatively low maintenance cost. | Complex structure, difficult for maintenance, and relatively high maintenance cost. |
Service Life | Durable materials, long service life, and reduced replacement frequency. | Lighter materials, relatively short service life, and frequent replacement is required. |
Applicable Working Conditions | Working conditions with high flow, high pressure, and low resistance, such as oil and natural gas transmission. | Working conditions with small and medium flow, medium and low pressure, such as water treatment and chemical engineering. |
Installation and Maintenance | Convenient installation, convenient for pipeline cleaning and maintenance. | Complex installation, difficult for maintenance, and requires professional operation. |
III. PROCUREMENT SUGGESTIONS
(1) Selection Based on Working Condition Requirements
• High-flow and low-resistance working conditions: If the system requires high flow and low resistance, it is recommended to choose full-bore trunnion ball valves. Such valves can significantly reduce fluid resistance, lower energy consumption, and have a relatively low long-term operating cost.
• Small and medium-flow and medium and low-pressure working conditions: If the system has a small flow demand, low pressure, and no high requirement for fluid resistance, reduced-bore gate valves are an economical choice. Their initial cost is low, which is suitable for projects with limited budgets.
(2) Consideration of Long-term Cost-benefit
• Life-cycle cost analysis: When purchasing valves, not only the initial cost should be considered, but also the operating cost, maintenance cost, and service life should be comprehensively considered. Although the full-bore trunnion ball valves have a relatively high initial cost, their long-term operating cost is low, and they have a long service life, with higher overall cost-benefit.
• Maintenance and replacement frequency: The full-bore trunnion ball valves have a low maintenance cost and a long service life, reducing the replacement frequency and maintenance workload. In contrast, reduced-bore gate valves may require more frequent maintenance and replacement, increasing the long-term cost.
(3) Attention to System Compatibility
• Pipeline cleaning and maintenance: The passage design of full-bore TRUNNION BALL VALVES is convenient for pipeline cleaning and maintenance, which is suitable for systems that require regular maintenance. Reduced-bore gate valves may increase the difficulty of maintenance due to the narrow passage.
• Sealing performance: The full-bore trunnion ball valves have excellent sealing performance and are suitable for working conditions with high sealing requirements. Although reduced-bore GATE VALVES can also meet the basic sealing requirements, they may perform worse than full-bore trunnion ball valves under high-pressure or high-temperature working conditions.
IV. SUMMARY
When purchasing valves, both full-bore TRUNNION BALL VALVES and reduced-bore GATE VALVES have their own advantages and applicable scenarios. Full-bore trunnion ball valves, with their low fluid resistance, high-flow performance, and long service life, are an ideal choice for working conditions with high flow and high pressure; while reduced-bore gate valves, with their relatively low initial cost and suitability for small and medium-flow working conditions, are more competitive in projects with limited budgets.
