Features
- Construction – Floating/Trunnion Mounted Ball
- Body Material – Forged Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel
- Seat – Soft or Metal to Metal
- Size Range – DN15-DN600
- End Connection – Flange, SW, BW, Threads
- Pressure Rating – Class 150-2500, PN16-420 or Equal
- Standard – Design to ASME B16.34, DIN3202, API 6D, Flange Dimension to ASME B16.5, EN 1092-1, Socket Welding to ASME B16.11, Butt Welding to ASME B16.9, Face-to-face meets ASME B16.10, EN558, Inspection and testing according to API598, EN 12266-1, API 6D
- Temperature Range – -20°F – 302°F (PTFE) and -50°F to +500°F(Metal seats)
Forged Steel Ball Valve Manufacturer
At Kinvalve, customers often ask us whether to choose forged ball valves or cast ball valves. Actually, there is no definitive answer to this debate.
Kinvalve forged steel ball valve is produced through the forging process. This method applies intense heating pressure to the steel until the material is formed to desired shape.
As a result, ball valves have a more refined grain structure. It can perform well up to 1500°F (816°C) intermittent temperatures and 1650°F (899°C) industry exposures. They also resist wear and tear, chloride stress corrosion cracking, and many more.
Using the forging process, we can save materials and lower the cost of production. That’s why you can receive exceptional products but never compromise the quality here.
At Kinvalve, we manufacture different forged steel ball valves for your applications including three-way forged ball valves, side entry forged ball valves, single-body forged ball valves, top entry forged ball valves, two-piece body forged ball valves, and more.
We can also customize this valve based on your specific pressure range, sizes, thickness, shape, finishes, and other specifications.
We manufacture all forged ball valve sizes from NPS ½” to NPS 24” or DN 15mm to 600mm dimensions. You can choose the pressure rating based on your applications, it can be up to PN420.
While the common forged carbon steel finish is black oxide, we also offer forged ball valves in chrome-VI-free, varnished forged ball valves, electro-polished forged ball valves, polishing finish, and ultra-clean valves. Our team has the expertise to provide what is best for your business.
Before leaving our facility, Kinvalve forged steel ball valves undergo various testing standards such as BS EN ISO 12266, API607, NACE MR0175, and API 598. 100% testing guarantees okay performance for a long-term lifespan.
For your needs, message us today!
Various Forged Steel Ball Valves
Kinvalve can provide a variety of forged steel ball valves. Forged steel ball valves are tailored in different constructions, sealing methods and ball configurations.
Overall, there are floating ball and trunnion mounted forged steel ball valves in our product line. In the floating forged ball valve series, you can choose between threaded connection and flange connection.
For the trunnion mounted ball valve line, there are 2pc and 3pc bodies struction for your options. And you can easily request the metal seats for these flanged forged ball valves for both floating and trunnion ball valves.
Forged Steel Ball Valve, Threaded EndsKinvalve threaded forged steel ball valves are designed with 2pc or 3pc bodies, made of stainless steel or carbon steel. These ball valves tend to be soft seated ball valves and floating ball design. You can select the butt welding or socket welding connections.
Forged Steel Ball Valve, Flange ConnectionsKinvalve flanged forged ball valves are made of split bodies, floating balls. These ball valves have a size range from DN15 to DN250, with pressure rating from Class 150 to 600. Metal to matal sealing selectable for your high temperature and abrasive applications.
Forged Trunnion Ball ValveKinvalve forged trunnion mounted ball valves are designed for the most demanding specifications especially the metal seated type. Trunnion ball valves have many standard features for these severest services including Fire-safe design, Anti-static devices, Emergency seals etc.
Advantages
- Tight sealing mechanism
- Compact and versatile
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Simple operation
- Low operation torque
- Long term lifespan
- Suitable for high temperature and pressure rating.
- High resistance to Corrosion and Erosion
- Full-customize for application-specific solution
Applications
Forged steel ball valves are widely used in various industries such as power plants, irrigation systems, desalination and water treatment plants, the food and beverages industry, pharmaceutical, and chemical manufacturing plants. This valve is also popular in the oil and gas, shipbuilding industry, paper industry, and more. Forged steel ball valves are not applicable for throttling applications.
From their production process, you can know that the durability and strength of forged ball valves are excellent, which is very suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure applications. Compared with cast steel ball valves, they can adapt to harsher service conditions.
If you have any questions about the selection of forged steel ball valves, please contact our Kinvalve experts.
Main Components
Hand lever – used to operate the ball valve. It can be turned to open or close for fluid flow.
Stem – a long slender rod that connects the hand level to the ball.
Ball – sphere-shaped part seated within the valve body. It is rotated by the stem to control the flow of fluid. V-notch ball as requested.
Seat – ring-shaped part provides a tight seal that prevents fluid from leaking through the valve. Depending on your applications, it can be made from metallic, rubber, or plastic.
Valve body – Main housing for the valve components. Covers all the parts and it has an inlet and outlet for fluid to flow through. It blocks the contaminants from entering the pump.
Bonnet – An extension part of the valve body, holding and protecting the stem and its packing, is threaded or bolted to the body.
Packing – A string sealant is used to create a seal around the valve stem. It prevents fluid from leaking out and also prevents outside dirt from entering inside.
Related Products
Forged Steel Ball Valve
Let’s put this into perspective:
First, ball valves refer to a special type of pipe fitting that controls flow using a ball structure with a hollow ball, perforated ball, or pivoted ball. Second, these valves are made by forging steel material.
It is actually for these reasons that we refer to these pipe fittings as forged steel ball valves.
Mode of Operating the Valve
Mode of operation refers to how you regulate the flow. Here, there are two main options;
- Manual actuation – you will allow flow by turning the lever or knob. It offers cheaper and less complex mechanisms.
- Automatic actuation – there is either pneumatic actuation or electrical actuation depending on the design. Such valves can operate remotely and are easy to integrate with an automated control system.
Ideally, it should offer an easy operation and if possible the valves should not require any lubrication.
Nature of Construction
It refers to the overall structure of a forged steel ball valve. Depending on where you plan to use the valves, they should have a rugged construction that is strong and durable.
Moreover, the design features a blow-out-proof design. It gives the forged valve the ability to handle high pressure within the safe pressure and temperature ratings.
Types of Forged Steel Ball Valves
There are many types of forged ball valves depending on the design and configurations. However, at times, you may also classify these valves depending on the standard.
According to Design
Forged steel ball valve manufacturers design these pipe fittings according to specific application requirements. This may include specified fluid flow requirements, flow characteristics, or safety requirements.
Some common valve types include:
- Forged steel trunnion-mounted ball valve
- Three-piece forged steel ball valve
- Forged steel floating ball valve
- Side entry forged steel ball valve
Of course, if you are looking for customized forged steel valves, the manufacturers will forge the valve fitting according to your unique specifications.
According to Quality Specifications/Standards
When it comes to hydraulic or pneumatic systems, quality specification or standardization is quite critical. These standards will vary depending on where you intend to use the valve or specific design configurations for the valve.
Among the common standards are:
- ASME
- ASTM
- API
At the same time, ensure the valves are tested according to internationally acceptable safety standards.
Classification by Material Grade
There are many steel grades available for the ball valve fabrication process. Choosing a specific steel grade will depend on the application requirements.
In this case, the type of fluid plays an integral role. Furthermore, the environment where you intend to deploy the valve is a critical factor.
Common steel grades for steel valves include:
Forged Carbon Steel Ball Valves
Carbon steel ball valves are known for high thermal conductivity, durability, and sustainability. However, they have poor resistance to wear.
Moreover, forged carbon steel ball valves are affordable and easy to machine.
Forged Stainless Steel Ball Valve
Forged stainless steel ball valves come in many grades such as 304, 304L, and 316L, among others. The grades offer different performance characteristics depending on the chemical composition.
For example, forged steel valves made from 316L offer superior corrosion resistance in salty water environments due to molybdenum content.
Again, you should remember that certain grades such as forged 304L steel ball valves offer superior corrosion resistance. Due to the low carbon content in the 304L, there are virtually no instances of intergranular corrosion.
Forged stainless steel ball valves offer high corrosion resistance and hygiene. Although their thermal conductivity is low, they have superior wear resistance.
In short, these are some material options you can choose from. By working closely with a trusted forged steel ball valve manufacturer in China, they will help you choose the perfect steel grade.
How to Forge Steel Ball Valves
Forging is a popular manufacturing technique you can use to make many steel ball valves. Through this technique, you can shape steel when in a solid state.
The process uses compressive force with the help of sizing tools and dies to shape or cut material to a suitable steel ball valve design.
Ideally, forging steel ball valves involves:
- Design the steel ball valve where you must indicate all forged steel ball valve sizes, dimensions, and other custom features
- Choose steel grade for the ball valve
- Heat the steel material for a forging temperature
- Using a forming machine and dies, apply enough force to shape and bend the steel ball valve to the desired design
- When making very big valves, welding different parts may be an option
After forging steel ball valve parts, assemble then conduct a quality inspection. The inspection involves checking different valve components including:
- Lever or hand wheel
- Stem
- Seat
- Valve body
- Ball
- Bonnet
This ensures the valve performs to the intended specification requirements.
Troubleshooting Steel Forged Ball Valves
Although these ball valves are designed to offer sustainable application, at times, you may experience certain problems that may require fixing such as:
| Problem with Steel Forged Ball Valve | Possible Cause | How to Solve the Problem |
| Fluid not flowing through the valve | · Clogged valve due to foreign material · Valve closed or blockage in the pipe | · Ensure the pipe system does not have any foreign material · Keep the valve open · Use the forged steel ball valve manufacturer manual to disassemble the valve and clean it to remove foreign particles |
| Leakages from the forged ball valve seat | · Seat could be damaged · Clogged seat · Operating valve at a higher pressure than rated requirements | · Do not exceed the rated temperature and pressure ratings · For a damaged seat, consider a replacement · Clean the valve to remove any possible foreign material |
| Valve leaking through the body gasket | · Loose connections · Operating valve at a higher pressure than rated · Damaged body gasket | · Consider replacing the body gasket · Operate the forged steel valve within the recommended pressure and temperature rating · Tighten loose bolts and nuts |
| Forged ball valve becoming difficult to operate | · Seat could be defective · The valve could be clogged | · Consider replacing the ball valve seat · Unclog the valve |
Conclusion
Kinvalve has been in the steel ball valve forging industry for years. From standard to custom forged steel ball valves, our engineers will help you get a perfect valve fitting for your application needs.
