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As fluid control systems evolve to meet the demands of high-pressure, high-temperature, and zero-leakage requirements, SW/BW Floating Ball Valves have become indispensable in critical industrial applications. These welded connection types—Socket Weld (SW) and Butt Weld (BW)—offer superior sealing integrity and long-term durability, especially in industries such as thermal power, oil refining, and natural gas transmission. This article explores the differences between SW and BW connections, their impact on sealing and flow, and the correct welding installation techniques.
For those seeking premium-grade welded floating ball valves, Goole Valve Technology Co., Ltd. provides high-performance solutions engineered for demanding environments.
While both SW and BW Floating Ball Valves offer welded installation, they differ in design, application, and welding methods.
In a Socket Weld connection, the pipe is inserted into a recessed socket on the end of the Floating Ball Valve, and a fillet weld is applied around the outer circumference. This method allows easier alignment and positioning during welding. It is most commonly used for pipe sizes up to 2 inches (DN50), especially in compact or high-pressure systems using SW/BW Floating Ball Valves.
A Butt Weld connection requires the pipe and the valve end to be beveled and joined end-to-end. A full penetration weld is applied, resulting in a strong, continuous joint. This connection type is ideal for all pipe sizes—particularly large-bore pipelines—and provides a smoother internal flow path. Butt Weld designs are widely used in demanding applications involving high temperature and pressure, especially with SW/BW Floating Ball Valves.
Feature | Socket Weld (SW) | Butt Weld (BW) |
Pipe Size | ≤ DN50 | DN15–DN1000+ |
Weld Type | Fillet Weld | Full Penetration Butt Weld |
Flow Characteristics | Slight dead zone | Smooth transition |
Stress Handling | Moderate | Excellent |
Maintenance | Moderate removal complexity | Permanent installation |
Goole Valve Technology Co., Ltd. offers both SW and BW configurations with precision-machined ends, ensuring weld compatibility and dimensional accuracy.
One of the primary reasons for choosing SW/BW Floating Ball Valves is their exceptional sealing performance under harsh conditions. The welded connections eliminate potential leakage paths commonly found in flanged or threaded joints.
SW/BW Floating Ball Valves provide exceptional sealing reliability through welded joints, which eliminate the need for gaskets or threaded seals. This ensures zero external leakage, even under elevated pressure and temperature. Unlike Flanged Floating Ball Valves, there is no risk of bolt loosening due to thermal expansion or cycling. These welded connections are especially critical in hazardous applications—such as systems transporting flammable, toxic, or high-pressure media—where absolute integrity and long-term leak resistance are essential for safety and compliance.
Goole Valve enhances the sealing performance of Floating Ball Valves with advanced material and design options. Soft-seated models using RPTFE, PEEK, or metal seats are engineered for extreme conditions. Features like anti-blowout stems and fire-safe designs meet API 607 and ISO 10497 standards. Extended bonnets are available for cryogenic service or high-temperature applications. Whether used in steam systems, crude oil processing, or superheated gas pipelines, SW/BW Floating Ball Valves from Goole Valve ensure consistent, leak-free operation, even in the most demanding industrial environments.
Flow resistance directly affects system efficiency, pump energy consumption, and pressure loss. Compared to other connection types, welded joints—especially butt welds—offer the smoothest internal profile.
Welded connections on a Floating Ball Valve—especially in SW/BW configurations—offer superior flow efficiency. Unlike flanged joints, they eliminate gasket intrusion and reduce areas of flow turbulence. Butt welds align the pipe and valve bores seamlessly, creating a uniform internal diameter that supports laminar flow. Though socket welds may form a small internal pocket, their effect on turbulence is minimal in small-diameter systems and does not significantly affect flow rates.
In high-efficiency applications like natural gas transmission, using a BW Floating Ball Valve in a 6-inch line helps maintain stable flow and low pressure drop, which directly supports optimal compressor performance. In contrast, a Flanged Floating Ball Valve installed in the same pipeline could introduce slight resistance from gasket compression or flange face misalignment, leading to higher energy consumption over long-term operation.
Goole Valve Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures valves with full-bore or reduced-bore designs based on system needs, ensuring minimal flow disruption.
Due to their strength and sealing reliability, SW/BW Floating Ball Valves are widely used in energy and petrochemical industries.
Used in boiler feedwater lines, steam condensate, and cooling circuits.
High-temperature resistant seats (e.g., metal or PEEK).
Full welding ensures pressure containment under thermal expansion.
Handles high-viscosity hydrocarbons, corrosive chemicals, and process steam.
Avoids flange leakage in explosive environments.
Compatible with fire-safe and anti-static design standards.
Deployed in compression stations, metering stations, and pipeline isolation.
BW valves preferred for large-diameter pipelines to ensure zero fugitive emissions.
High-integrity welds meet pipeline integrity regulations (e.g., ASME B31.8).
Real-world installations of Goole Valve’s BW Floating Ball Valves in 3000 psi gas systems demonstrate their long-term performance and compliance with international standards.
Proper welding of SW/BW valves is essential for pressure integrity, code compliance, and safety.
Pre-Weld Preparation
Before welding a SW/BW Floating Ball Valve, ensure all pipe and valve ends are free of oil, rust, or debris. Proper alignment before tacking prevents stress buildup and ensures a clean, uniform weld joint for long-term sealing.
Welding Standards
All welding for Floating Ball Valves must comply with relevant codes such as ASME B31.3 or API 1104. Only certified welders using approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) should be employed to guarantee safety and code compliance.
Post-Weld Inspection
After welding SW/BW Floating Ball Valves, conduct visual and non-destructive testing like RT or UT on critical joints. Proper inspection ensures complete weld penetration, and confirms there are no cracks, porosity, or other structural flaws.
Post-Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT)
PWHT is essential for thicker carbon steel Floating Ball Valve installations. It relieves residual stress from welding and prevents distortion. This process enhances the dimensional stability and prolongs the valve’s reliable service in high-stress systems.
Hydrostatic Testing
Before commissioning, all Floating Ball Valve assemblies must undergo hydrostatic pressure testing. This test validates the strength of both the valve body and welded joints, ensuring no leakage occurs under rated operating conditions.
Goole Valve Technology Co., Ltd. provides comprehensive installation manuals, welding end prep data, and third-party inspection options for all SW/BW valves.
Goole Valve Technology Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer dedicated to delivering reliable, high-performance SW/BW Floating Ball Valves that meet international standards and demanding customer specifications.
Key Advantages:
✅ Extensive material options
✅ Precision-machined weld ends (socket or beveled)
✅ Application-specific seat customization (RPTFE, PEEK, metal)
✅ ASME, API, ISO certifications
✅ Strong after-sales and technical support
Their valves are trusted globally across industries where welded integrity is non-negotiable.
When you need a floating ball valve that offers the highest level of sealing, strength, and operational efficiency under harsh conditions, choose Goole Valve Technology Co., Ltd.
