Fully Welded Ball Valve Solutions for Pipeline Systems
Engineered for transmission, distribution, and critical isolation services. This fully welded ball valve is designed with advanced welding techniques for exceptional durability and functionality. The fully welded forged body eliminates external leak paths and enables reliable aboveground and buried installation. Designed to API 6D/ASME B16.34 and tested per API 598, with Fire‑safe options per API 607/6FA and low‑emissions packing per ISO 15848/API 641. Available in full or reduced bore with RF/RTJ/BW ends and soft‑ or metal‑seated configurations, this ball valve reliably meets industry demands.
Key Value Propositions of Fully Welded Ball Valve Solutions
Fully Welded Body Integrity
Forged sections are welded into a single body to remove bolted body joints and minimize external leak paths—ideal for pipeline and underground service. This fully welded ball valve design ensures superior performance compared to traditional assemblies.
Trunnion Mounted, Low Torque
Spring‑energized seats and top/bottom trunnions stabilize sealing across pressure variations, keeping operating torque low, especially at larger sizes and higher classes.
Pipeline‑Ready Performance
100% full bore available for minimal pressure drop and pigging capability; supports DBB (double block and bleed) and DIB (double isolation and bleed) strategies.
Safety and Compliance Built‑In
Fire‑safe to API 607/6FA, anti‑static device, blowout‑proof stem, optional ISO 15848/API 641 low‑emissions packing, and full serial number traceability.
Ready for Challenging Media
Configurable for natural gas, NGL, hydrogen, ammonia, CO2 (CCUS), renewable fuels, dryer services, and more. The enhanced durability and functionality of these valves make them particularly suitable for harsh operating environments.
Enhanced Durability
Advanced welding process enhances overall performance and longevity, ensuring reliable operation under the most demanding conditions.
Where Are Fully Welded Ball Valves Used?
Oil & Gas Midstream and Distribution
- • Transmission pipelines
- • Distribution networks
- • Natural gas storage
- • NGL plants and pipelines
- • Compressor/metering stations
- • City gates, valve stations
Energy and Processing
- • CCUS CO2 transport
- • Hydrogen and ammonia
- • Refining/petrochemical
- • Renewable fuels
Installation Environments
- • Aboveground or buried service
- • Block valve stations
- • Insulated/heat‑traced lines
How Do Fully Welded Ball Valves Work and Why Are They Better?
Trunnion + Spring‑Loaded Seats
The ball is supported on trunnions; seats are spring‑energized. Line pressure is absorbed by the seats (not the ball), stabilizing sealing and torque under varying differential pressures with robust bidirectional isolation.
Seat Designs for Isolation Strategy
Self‑relieving seats or double piston effect (DPE) seats available to implement DBB or DIB per site standards.
Fully Welded, Lighter Envelope
Fewer external body joints and a compact footprint help reduce potential leak paths, simplify insulation, and improve suitability for buried service. This fully welded ball valve ensures that the welding process enhances its overall performance and longevity.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sizes | NPS 2″–48″ (larger sizes on request, project‑specific) |
| Bore Options | Full bore (100% port) or reduced bore |
| Pressure Classes | ASME Class 150 / 300 / 600 / 900 / 1500 / 2500 |
| Temperature Range | –58 to +401°F (–50 to +205°C) depending on materials/seats |
| Low Temperature Options | –46°F/–50°F or below with LTCS and suitable seals |
| End Connections | Butt weld (BW): ASME B16.25 | Flanged RF/RTJ: ASME B16.5/B16.47 |
| Face‑to‑Face | API 6D for pipeline valves |
| Body Design | Fully welded side‑entry forged body (two‑ or three‑piece welded construction) |
| Operation | Manual wrench/gear operator, Electric/pneumatic/hydraulic actuation |
| Design Standards | API 6D, ASME B16.34 |
| Testing Standards | API 598; API 6D pipeline test scope available |
| Fire‑Safe | API 607/6FA (ISO 10497 optional) |
Materials and Sealing Options
Body and Ends
Forged steels including LTCS (A350 LF2/LF6), carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex (F51), and optional CRA overlay on dynamic sealing areas or wetted parts
Ball and Stem
304/316 stainless or project‑specified alloys; electroless nickel plating (typical 3 mil ENP) available on trims for wear/corrosion resistance. The ball valve component is engineered for high durability.
Seats and Inserts
Soft seats: Carbon‑filled PTFE, Devlon, PEEK, and other engineered polymers matched to temperature and media
Metal‑to‑metal: Hardfacing options (e.g., tungsten carbide, chromium carbide, Stellite) for high temperature, abrasive, or high‑cycle service
Seals and Packing
HNBR, FKM (including GLT grades), AFLAS and others per media/temperature. Low‑emissions packing options to ISO 15848/API 641; Live‑loaded/adjustable designs available
Functional and Safety Features
Standards and Certifications
API Standards
API 6D, API 598, API 607/6FA, API 641
ASME Standards
ASME B16.34, B16.10, B16.5/B16.47, B16.25
ISO Standards
ISO 15848, ISO 10497, ISO 15156
Fire-Safe
API 607/6FA; ISO 10497 optional
Low Emissions
ISO 15848; API 641 optional
Safety Standards
SIL per IEC 61508, NACE MR0175
Selection Guidance
Pipeline or Buried Service
Prioritize fully welded bodies with BW or RTJ ends to minimize external leak paths and match pipeline standards (API 6D face‑to‑face). Selecting a fully welded ball valve in these conditions enhances both durability and functionality.
High Class/Large Bore
Use trunnion mounted construction to maintain low torque and stable bidirectional sealing.
Isolation Strategy
Specify DBB or DIB with self‑relieving or double piston seats based on site operating philosophy and regulatory requirements.
Media and Temperature
- Hydrogen/CO2/amine or sour service: Confirm metallurgy, seals, and NACE requirements
- Low temperature: Select LTCS and low‑temperature seal packages
- High temperature/abrasion: Consider metal seats with hardfacing
Automation
Size actuators to torque curves with appropriate safety factors; specify ISO 5211 interface, limit switches/positioners, and visual indicators.
Technical Resources
Technical Brochure
Complete technical specifications and application guidelines
Sample Drawing
Dimensional drawings and installation details
Frequently Asked Questions
Is full bore piggable?
Yes. Full bore designs minimize pressure drop and, within applicable sizes, support pigging and inline inspection tools.
DBB vs DIB?
DBB provides two barriers with the cavity vented/bleeded; DIB uses double‑piston seats to maintain two independent pressure‑retaining seals, enhancing isolation requirements in both directions.
Fire‑safe and low emissions at the same time?
Yes. Specify API 607/6FA Fire‑safe construction plus ISO 15848/API 641 low‑emissions packing with live‑loaded design.
Suitable for hydrogen or CO2 transport?
Yes. Material compatibility, permeation control, and sealing selections are validated against project temperature/pressure limits and applicable standards.
Get Expert Consultation
Share Your Requirements
Share your process conditions and requirements with the YINKE engineering team:
- • Medium, temperature/pressure, size and ASME class (bore type)
- • End connections and face‑to‑face standard
- • Seat type and isolation strategy (DBB/DIB; self‑relieving vs DPE)
- • Fire‑safe/low‑emissions requirements
- • Aboveground/buried installation details and actuation needs
We will respond within 24–48 hours with:
Technical selection and torque curves with ISO 5211 actuator matching
Detailed BOM, lead time, and quotation
Compliance documentation package (API/ASME/ISO tests and MTRs)
Discover the Reliability of Our Fully Welded Ball Valve Solutions
Engineered to deliver unmatched welding performance, functionality, and durability for your most critical applications. Additionally, explore our range of valves designed to meet and exceed your process requirements.