BALL VALVE

TRUNNION

TECHNICAL MANUAL
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE INSTALLATION,
COMMISSIONING AND MAINTENANCE

MT 027/E
Edition 05/05/08 Rev.01
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
1.2 VALVE CONTROL
1.3 WARNING CONCERNING THE USE
2.0 INSTALLATION
2.1 GENERAL WARNINGS
2.2 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
2.3 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
2.4 CONDITIONS OF USE
3.0 COMMISSIONING
3.1 PRESSURIZATION
3.2 INSPECTION OF THE EXTERNAL TIGHTNESS
3.3 INSPECTION OF THE INTERNAL TIGHTNESS
4.0 MAINTENANCE
4.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
4.2 REPLACMENT OF THE PACKING (45),OF THE FIRE SAFE RING (58) OR O-RING
(56)
4.3 REPLACEMENT OF THE SEATS
4.4 REPLACEMENT OF THE O-RING (21) ON THE STEM, OF THE THRUST PLATES (9)
AND (31) AND OF THE BEARINGS (22)-(23)
5.0 LUBRICATION
6.0 EMERGENCY SEAL
7.0 STORAGE
8.0 SUGGESTED SPARE PARTS
2

1.0 INTRODUZIONE
This manual aims to provide essential information for the installation, commissioning and
maintenance of the Trunnion ball valves.
Moreover, we consider it necessary to herewith provide a brief illustration of the valves
main specifications.
1.1 MAIN SPECIFICATIONS
The Trunnion ball valves are cut-off devices fit for the use both on gaseous fluids and
liquids for a wide range of pressures.
The main specifications of these valves are:

steel body with tail pieces fit for the flanged coupling and with machining for butt
welding;

parts in direct contact with the fluid treated with a nickel (or chromium)-based
coating;

soft insert on the seat for a better tightness also for uses on gaseous fluids

double block and bleed type seal seats.

1.2 VALVE CONTROL

The valve opening and closing operations are performed with the lever control or with
different types of controls; please kindly refer to the specific use and maintenance
instructions for these last ones.

1.3 WARNINGS AS REGARDS THEIR USE

The Trunnion ball valves are fit to be used completely opened or completely closed:
therefore they shall not be used for lamination.
The position of the valve may be determined when the valve is assembled as follows:
valve with lever control: the lever is in the direction of flow with open valve or
perpendicular to the flow with closed valve
valve with handwheel control or different control: the open and close position is
specified by indicators placed on the control itself (see figure 1).

Figure 1

2.0 INSTALLATION
2.1 GENERAL WARNINGS
Before the installation, commissioning, or maintenance, the operators shall:
o examine the safety devices applicable to the installation where they have to work
o obtain the necessary authorizations to work, when required
o equip oneself with the necessary individual protections (helmet, goggles, etc..)
o make sure that the area where they have to work is equipped with the required
collective protections and with the necessary safety signs.
The handling of the equipment and of its components shall be carried out after evaluating
that the lifting devices are fit for the loads to be lifted ( lifting capacity and functionality ).
The handling of the equipment shall be carried out by using the lifting eyes arranged on the
equipment itself.
The use of motorized means is reserved to the personnel in charge of this.
In case the installation of the system and of its accessories requires the application of
compression fittings, these shall be installed by following the instructions of the
manufacturer of the compression fittings. The choice of the compression fittings shall be
compatible with the use specified for the equipment and with the plant specifications, where
required.
The commissioning shall be carried out by properly trained personnel.
During the commissioning, not strictly necessary personnel shall be moved away and the
prohibition area shall be properly signaled (signs, barriers, etc).

2.2 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

The valve installation shall be carried out in compliance with the prescriptions (laws or
regulations) in force in the place of installation.
In particular the specifications of natural gas plants shall be in compliance with the law
provisions or regulations in force in the place of installation, or at least in compliance with
the EN 12186 or EN12279 regulations (we remind that the installation in compliance with
such laws minimizes the risk of fire hazard).
The valve is delivered without external pressure limiting devices; therefore it shall be
installed by making sure that the operating pressure of the unit where it is installed never
exceeds the value of the permissible maximum pressure (MOP). Only for limited periods of
time peaks with value equal to 1.1 x MPO are permitted.
The user, in case he considers it necessary, shall install suitable pressure limiting devices;
he shall moreover arrange suitable venting or draining system to discharge the
pressure and fluid inside the plant before carrying out any inspection or maintenance
operation.
We wish to remind, however, that the special design of the seal seats allows discharging to
the line any overpressure that may be generated in the body cavity among the seal seats
(see figure 2).

Figure 2

2.3 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS

Before installing the valve it is necessary to be sure that:

the valve may be inserted in the arranged space and it is sufficiently accessible for
the following maintenance operations; dimensions and weights are reported in table
1

the upstream and downstream pipelines are at the same level as the inlet and outlet
connections and they can support the weight of the valve

the pipeline inlet/outlet flanges are parallel to the valve seal surfaces

the inside of the valve is clean and the valve itself was not damaged during the
transport

the upstream pipeline was cleaned in order to expel residual impurities such welding
slag, sand, varnish waste, water, etc.

The valve does not have a preferential flow direction, therefore it may be installed in any
position (vertical or horizontal flow)
Starting from DN 150, the valve is equipped with its own supports; the user shall
manufacture the plant so that is may support the valve itself and not overload with further
stresses the connections to the pipelines.
The connections to the inlet and outlet pipelines are carried out:
by means of standardized flanges the sizes and types of which are showed on the
data plate (see chapter 2.4); the choice of the connecting screws and of the seal
gaskets shall be made by the installer who shall consider such information and the
conditions of use in the place of installation.
by means of a butt welding; in this case the installer shall take the necessary
precautions in order to avoid thermally

stressing the valve during the welding

operations.
During the welding operations the valve temperature shall not exceed the 130 value.
We recommend, during the installation phase, to keep the ball in a fully open position, in
order to prevent the seal seats and the ball surface from being damaged by foreign bodies
or impurities.

After the installation, open and close the valve in order to check its correct operation.
Table 1

10

11

2.4 CONDITIONS OF USE

We recommend checking, before commissioning, that the conditions of use are in
compliance with the equipment specifications.
Such specifications are reported on the identification plates of each valve (figure 3).
Figure 3

In particular we would like you to draw your attention to the following specifications:
MOP max. permissible pressure at max. temperature
MOP min. permissible pressure at min. temperature
Tmin.

E Tmax. design temperature (the minimum and maximum values are

shown)
the inlet and outlet connections class.
Moreover, the user shall check that the used materials and the applied surface treatments,
if any, are compatible with the expected use.
Considering the valve geometric specifications, during the design phase no stresses due to
traffic, wind, or seismic events were taken into consideration; therefore, the user shall take
proper precautions in order to limit the effects of such events on the assembly, when these
are expected.

12

3.0 COMMISSIONING
3.1 PRESSURIZATION
After the installation, check that the connections to the line are correctly executed and that
the vents and drainages on the plant, if any, are closed.
Slowly pressurize the plant ( or the plant section) by means of the upstream process valve
or of other systems arranged for this.
3.2 CONTROL OF THE EXTERNAL TIGHTNESS
The tightness test of the valve connections to the plant shall be carried out according to the
provisions in force in the place of installation.
The external tightness is ensured when coating the element under pressure with a foaming
agent, no bubbles appear
In case of liquids, the tightness is ensured where there are no visible leaks from the
connections.
3.3 CONTROL OF THE INTERNAL TIGHTNESS
Thanks to the double block and bleed type of the seats, it is possible to check the internal
tightness without disassembling the valve from the plant and without depressurizing the line
where the valve is installed (see fig. 4).
After placing the valve in a fully open or closed position, keep the pressure in the line, open
the drainage (pos.13 of fig. 4) and check that there is no constant fluid leak from it.
Figure 4

13

4.0 MAINTENANCE
4.1 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
The inspection and maintenance interventions are strictly linked to the quality of
transported fluid. It is therefore advisable to perform a preventive maintenance, of which
periodicity, if not established by the regulations, is relevant to:
the quality of the transported fluid
the cleanness and preservation state of the pipelines in the plant; in general, after
the first start of the plants, more frequent maintenance services are required
because of the poor cleanness inside the pipelines.
The periodical maintenance concerns also the state of the external surfaces of the valve. In
particular the surface protections shall be restored (usually the varnishing) in case they are
worn.
Before performing any intervention, make sure that the plant section where you operate
has been upstream and downstream cut-off and that the pressure in the concerned pipeline
section has been discharged. Besides, we recommend discharging the pressure from the
valve body through the drain valve placed on the body of the valve itself (see pos.13 fig.4).
Moreover, make sure to have a series of recommended spare parts. The spare parts shall
be Pietro Fiorentini Spa genuine spare parts.
NOTE. The use of non genuine spare parts relieves the manufacturer from any liability.

14

4.2 REPLACEMENT OF THE PACKING (45), OF THE FIRE SAFE RING (58) OR THE ORING (56).
The below mentioned operations may be carried out without removing the valve from the
line.
Check that the valve is completely closed (or open). Discharge the pressure from
valve body by leaving the drain valve open (13).
4 2.1 REPLACEMENT OF THE PACKING (45) OR OF THE FIRE SAFE RING (58) for DN
2"- 4" CLASS 150-300 and DN 2"- 3" CLASS 600 WITH LEVER (figure 5).
4.2.1.1 Unscrew the nut (52), remove the washer (75), the lever hub (74), the nut (48),
remove the

Belleville washer (49), the stem clamp (66), the second Belleville

washer (49), the gland (50) and the packing (45).

4.2.1.2 Clean and lubricate the packing seat and assemble the new packing (45) and the
gland (50).
4.2.1.3 Assemble the Belleville washer (49), the stem clamp (66), the second Belleville
washer (49), tighten the nut (48), the lever hub (74), the washer (75) and the nut
(50).

Figure 5

15

4 2.2 REPLACEMENT OF THE PACKING (45) OR OF THE FIRE SAFE RING (58) for DN
6" CLASS 150-300 WITH LEVER (figure 6).
4.2.2.1 Remove the snap pin (19) and the lever hub (74), unscrew the nut (48), remove the
Belleville washer (49), the stem clamp (66) and the second Belleville washer (49).
4.2.2.2 Remove the gland (50) and the packing (45) (or the fire safe ring (58).
4.2.2.3 Clean and lubricate the packing seat, assemble the new packing (45) or the fire
safe ring (58)) the gland (50), the Belleville washer (49), the stem clamp (66), the
second Belleville washer (49), the nut (48), the lever hub (74) and the elastic pin
(19).

Figure 6

16

4.2.3 REPLACEMENT OF THE PACKING (45) OR OF THE FIRE SAFE RING (58) for DN
2" 6" CLASS 150-300 and DN 2"- 3" CLASS 600 WITH CONTROL ( figure 7 )
4.2.3.1 Unloose the screws (10) and remove the control.
4.2.3.2 Unloose the screws (15) remove the flange (34), the gland (50) and the packing
(45) (or the fire safe ring (58).
4.2.3.3 Clean and lubricate the packing seat. Replace the packing (45) or the fire safe ring
(58), assemble the gland (50) the flange (34) and tighten the screws (15).
4.2.3.4 Reposition the control and tighten the screws (10).
In order to assemble the control, make reference to the relevant documentation.

Figure 7

17

4.2.4 REPLACEMENT OF THE O-RING (56) OR OF THE FIRE SAFE RING (58) for DN
8" - 14" CLASS 150-300 e 4" - 12" CLASS 600 WITH CONTROL (figure 8 and 8/1).
4.2.4.1 Unloose the screws (35) and remove the control with the flange (34).
4.2.4.2 Remove the stem key (11), the gland (50) and the O-ring (56) (or the fire safe ring
(58).
4.2.4.3 Clean and lubricate the O-ring (56) seat. Replace the O-ring (56) or the fire safe
ring (58), and assemble the gland (50).
4.2.3.4 Position the flange (34) with the control and tighten the screws (35).
In order to assemble the control, make reference to the relevant documentation
Figure 8

18

Figure 8/1

19

4.3 REPLACEMENT OF THE SEATS (see figure 8 and 8/1).

4.3.1 Bring the valve to the closing position and discharge the pressure from the pipeline
both upstream and downstream.
4.3.2 Discharge the pressure from the body leaving the drain valve open (13).
4.3.3 Remove the valve from the pipeline and place it on the workbench with the tail piece
(26) upwards.
4.3.4 Remove the nuts (8).
4.3.5 Remove the tail piece (26); now it is possible to remove the seat (2) with the springs
(20) and the O-ring (6); clean and lubricate the O-ring seat. Assemble the new Oring (6).
4.3.6 In order to facilitate the assemble of the new seat (2) with the O-Rings (17) and (63)
do as follows:

assemble the springs (20) with some grease in the relevant seats

position the seat (2) on the ball

insert the tail piece (26) on the stud bolts (7) so that the tail piece itself is inserted on
the body (1) and that the seat (2) is inserted on the tail piece.

4.3.7 Gradually and evenly tighten the nuts (8).

In order to replace the second seat, overturn the valve and carry out the above operations.

20

4 4 REPLACEMENT OF THE O-RING (21) ON THE STEM, OF THE THRUST PLATES

(9) and (31) AND OF THE BEARINGS (22) (23) (see figure 8 and 8/1).
4.4.1 Perform the operations mentioned at paragraphs 4.2 1and 4.4.2; at paragraphs
4.2.1.1 or 4.2.2.1, 4.2.2.2 or 4.2.3.14.2.3.2 or 4.2.4.14.2.4.2 according to the types
of valves to be inspected.
4.4.2 Remove the screws (18) and remove the cover (5).
4.4.3 Remove the stem (4) from the inside of the top cover.
4.4.4 Remove the O-rings (21) (38), clean and lubricate the seat and assemble the new Orings (21) (38).
4.4.5 Replace the thrust plates (9) (31) and the upper bearing (22).
4.4.6 Assemble the upper bearing (22) on the cover (5), the thrust plate (31) on the stem
(4), and the thrust plate (9) on the hub ball.
4.4.7 After lubricating with a slight grease layer, insert the stem (4) from the inside of the
cover.
4.4.8 Position the stem (4) with the parallel faces coupled with the bushes (32) of the ball.
4.4.9 Assemble the upper cover (5) on the body and tighten the screws (18).
4.4.10 Unloose the screws (28), remove the bottom cover (12), the O-ring (24), the lower
bearing (23) and the thrust plate (9).
4.4.11 Clean and lubricate the O-ring seat, assemble the new O-ring, the lower bearing
(23), the thrust plate (9) and lubricate with grease.
4.4.12 Assemble the bottom cover (12) on the body and tighten the screws (28).
4.4.13 Perform the operations mentioned at paragraphs 4.2.1.2 o 4.2.2.3 o 4.2.3.3 or
4.2.4.3.
4.4.14 Check the seats seal and operate the actuator to check the correct functioning.
5.0 LUBRICATION
The valves are already lubricated during the assembly phase (with the most suitable
product for the operation if it is specified in the order) for the following reasons:
1) ease the components assembly
2) improve maneuverability
3) ease the preservation in case of warehouse storage.
21

As regards the choice of lubricants, it is necessary to pay attention to the type of fluid to be
cut-off, we suggest using the following listed lubricants in the below mentioned cases:
a) oxygen: Molycote, Z powder, Fonblin oil, Safety Oxy Lube 200 EP (Tecnolube Seal),
other lubricants or greases may generate explosive mixtures.
b) Food products: Vaseline or similar non toxic materials.
In all other cases, use products compatible with the expected conditions of use
(temperatures) following the manufacturers suggestions and paying attention not to use
corrosive products damaging the rubber parts.
For all applications on gas (oxygen excluded) , we suggest to use POLYMER 1000
grease (marketed by Tecnolube seal) o similar products.
For special applications we suggest to require information specifying in detail the type of
fluid to be cut-off and the operating conditions
6.0 EMERGENCY SEAL
For the emergency seal of the seats and of the stem (when required) we suggest to use
VALVE PEANUT LUBE grease (trade mark TECNOLUBE SEAL),
or similar lubricants.
To inject the grease into the emergency lubricator (62) you must unloose the plug (1) of fig.
9 with a 360 rotation; inject the grease with a special injection pump.
In order to inject the grease, it is necessary to use a pump with a max. operating pressure
higher than 20 bar of the valve max. operating pressure at the moment of lubrication.
Figure 9

22

7.0 STORAGE
The Trunnion ball valves do not require specific precautions in case of storage for long
periods; anyway it is recommended to pay attention to:
o The condensation must be avoided through suitable warming and ventilation system
o The store must be dry and undusty, the ambient temperature shall avoid freezing
events and the temperature greater value shouldnt be more 30C
o The stored materials consumption shall be managed in order to avoid a long store
time
o keep the valves in the original packing
o keep the protections applied in the factory on the flanged connections
o keep the valve in the closed position to safeguard the state of the tightness and
valve seats
o store the rubber parts away from direct sun light, in order to avoid a fast aging; the
guideline (DIN 7716) must be followed
o protect the tightness seat from dust or other material. In case this happens, before
installing it, carefully clean the tightness and ball seats.
8.0 SUGGESTED SPARE PARTS
For the Trunnion ball valves, the suggested spare parts are usually:

the gaskets of the various joints (usually O ring)

the fire safe rings when the valve type requires it.

When ordering the spare parts, list:

Type of valve
Serial no.
Year of manufacture
Type of fluid used
Part no. (position)
Quantity

23

24

25

26

27