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FHT Valves - Floating Soft-Seated Ball Valves
Floating soft-seated ball valves are designed for efficient fluid control in various industrial applications. They feature a ball operated by a shaft that rotates 90 degrees to either open or close the flow path. As the ball turns, flowing pressure pushes it against the downstream seat, forming a tight seal. Despite their efficacy in most applications, these valves may not seal as effectively at very low pressures due to potential seat wear, as insufficient pressure might not push the ball firmly against the downstream seat. The soft seats are made from thermoplastic non-metallic materials like PTFE, Nylon, and PEEK, suitable for operating temperatures below 270°C. These seats offer high sealing capabilities but are not ideal for corrosive, dirty, or abrasive media, which could cause seat degradation and leaks. While often less expensive, soft-seated valves are generally not intended for severe service compared to metal-seated valves, which are more robust but costlier.
Floating ball valves are operated by a shaft attached to the top of the ball and rotate it 90 degrees (called a quarter turn). As the ball rotates, the passage is opened or closed, releasing or stopping the flow of fluid. As the ball rotates on its axis, the pressure of the flow pushes the ball against its downstream seat, creating a tight seal. Because of this, floating ball valves may not seal as effectively in very low pressure applications after some seat wear has occurred. This is because there may not be enough pressure to push the ball against the downstream seat to create a tight seal. However, in most applications the downstream pressure is sufficient to maintain a tight seal long after the seats have begun to wear.
SOFT SEAT
Soft seated valves have sealing surfaces made of non-metallic thermoplastic materials such as PTFE, Nylon, PEEK and others… They operate for working temperatures below 270°C (depends on the sealing material). Under the right conditions, soft seated valves can offer a very high level of sealing throughout their service life, usually higher than a conventional metal valve.
However, soft-seated valves are not a good match for corrosive media, dirty or abrasive process fluids. These conditions can cause the soft seat to break down and leak. They cannot withstand the same pressures as metal valves. Although soft-seated valves are often less expensive than metal-seated valves, metal-seated valves are generally more suitable when severe service is required.
Two-piece floating soft seat
112 INTEC
Double packing & double seal
113GL·INTEC
Double packing & double seal, balanced seats
115 ·INTEC
Self-adjusting packing
125 INTEC
Self-adjusting packing, anti-friction shaft
125GL INTEC
Self-adjusting packing, anti-friction shaft, offset seats
Two-piece floating soft seat
130 INTEC
Self-adjusting packing, threaded ends
131 – INTEC
Self-adjusting packing, welding ends