Description

API 6A 10,000 PSI Floating Ball Valve

Technical Data Sheet (Suitable for Grayloc Hubs)

1. Product Overview

This technical data sheet covers the API 6A, 10,000 PSI floating ball valve, designed specifically for integration with Grayloc hubs. The floating ball design relies on the downstream seat to seal as the ball is pushed against it under line pressure. This valve is suitable for moderate-sized, high‑pressure oil & gas applications including wellhead equipment, manifold systems, and process lines, particularly where compact design and bidirectional sealing are required.

2. Valve Scope & Design Range

Parameter	Specification
Product Name	API 6A Floating Ball Valve
Design Standard	API 6A / ISO 10423 (21st Edition)
Size Range	1/2″ to 4″ (larger sizes limited by floating principle)
Pressure Class	2,000 psi to 10,000 psi (data sheet focus: 10,000 psi)
Temperature Class	Class K (-60°C to +82°C) to Class U/V (up to +180°C)
Product Specification Level (PSL)	PSL 1, PSL 2, PSL 3, PSL 3G (typical: PSL 3G)
Performance Requirement (PR)	PR 1 (standard) / PR 2 (high‑cycle)
Material Class	AA, BB, CC, DD, EE, FF, HH (sour service: FF)
Bore Type	Full bore (standard) or reduced bore
Body Construction	2‑piece or 3‑piece bolted / forged steel
Operation	Lever, manual gear, pneumatic, electric, hydraulic

3. Grayloc End Connection Specifications

The valve is supplied with integral hubs suitable for Grayloc clamp‑type connectors.

Parameter	Specification
Connection Type	Grayloc® Clamp Hub Connectors
Design Pressure	Full vacuum up to 60,000 psig (system rated for 10,000 psi)
Design Temperature	-423°F to 1,700°F (-253°C to 927°C)
Sealing Mechanism	Metal‑to‑metal bore seal
Key Advantages	High‑integrity sealing; weight & space savings vs. RTJ flanges (up to 70% less torque)
Applicable Standards	Designed per ASME Section VIII, API 6A; optional ASME certification

Grayloc Hub Interface Note: Hubs are manufactured per Grayloc standards and can be customized for blind, reduced port, or instrument connections. The floating ball valve’s low torque requirement makes it especially compatible with clamp‑type connections.

4. Materials of Construction

All materials comply with NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 for H₂S & CO₂ service.

Component	Standard Material (Sour Service)	Optional Materials
Body / Bonnet	ASTM A694 F60 / F65, AISI 4130	A182 F22 (Cr‑Mo), A182 F316 (SS), Duplex SS, Inconel 625
Ball	17‑4PH SS + coating / hardfacing (e.g., NiCr, CrN)	Inconel 625 + Stellite 6, Tungsten Carbide (HVOF)
Seat	Reinforced PTFE, PEEK, Nylon	Devlon, Metal‑to‑Metal (graphite‑filled)
Stem	17‑4PH SS / AISI 4140	Inconel 625, Monel
Bolting / Fasteners	ASTM A193 B7 / A320 L7 (PTFE coated)	Stainless steel (A193 B8M)

5. Design Features – Floating Ball Concept

Floating Ball Mechanism: The ball is not fixed by trunnions. Under pressure, the ball shifts slightly downstream, compressing the downstream seat and creating a tight seal. The upstream seat is only a nominal fit.
Bidirectional Sealing: The floating design provides sealing against pressure from either direction, with the downstream seat acting as the primary seal.
Low Operating Torque: No trunnion bearings means fewer moving parts; torque is generally lower than trunnion designs at smaller sizes.
Anti‑Blowout Stem: Stem is retained integrally in the bonnet, preventing ejection under high pressure.
Emergency Sealant Injection: Fittings (if specified) allow injection of sealant into seat/stem areas.
Anti‑static Device: Ensures electrical continuity across ball, stem, and body.
Fire Safe Design: Certified to API 6FA / API 607.
Cavity Pressure Relief: For floating ball valves, the cavity is normally self‑relieving through the upstream seat when pressure exceeds seat loading.

Note on 10,000 psi operation: Floating ball valves in API 6A 10K service are typically limited to sizes ≤ 4″ (NPS). For larger bore sizes, a trunnion‑mounted design is recommended.

6. Testing & Inspection

All testing per API 6A requirements.

Test Type	Requirement / Procedure
Body Shell Hydrostatic	1.5 × rated pressure (15,000 psi) – no leakage through pressure boundary
Seat Hydrostatic (High Pressure)	1.1 × rated pressure (11,000 psi) – zero leakage (soft seat)
Seat Gas (Low Pressure)	80 – 160 psi – bubble‑tight for soft‑seated valves
Double Block & Bleed (DBB)	As per API 6A – cavity venting capability verified (optional for floating)
PR2 Performance Validation	High‑cycle / hyperbaric per API 6A Annex F (if required)
NDE	MPI / LPI / RT per PSL
Fire Test	API 6FA / API 607 certification
Inspection Standard	API 598 (Valve Inspection and Test)

7. Service Conditions & Applications

Service Media: Crude oil, natural gas, well fluids, water, glycol, fluids containing H₂S / CO₂ (sour service).
Applications: Wellhead equipment, Christmas trees (non‑choke lines), high‑pressure manifolds, offshore platforms, Grayloc hub‑based piping systems, hydraulic control panels.
Grayloc Integration: The compact design of a floating ball valve matches well with Grayloc hubs on size‑reduced, weight‑sensitive topside applications.

8. Actuation & Accessories

Manual: Lockable lever handle (≤ NPS 2), bevel gear operator (≥ NPS 3).
Automation: Pneumatic (double‑acting / spring‑return), electric (explosion‑proof), hydraulic.
Controls: Limit switch boxes, solenoid valves, positioners (analog / digital), ESD systems.
Redundancy: Hydraulic override available.

9. Documents & Reference Codes

Design Basis: API 6A (21st Edition), ASME B16.34 (pressure‑temperature rating).
End Connections: Grayloc hub dimensions (per Grayloc standard), ASME B16.5 (flanged), ASME B16.25 (buttweld).
Face‑to‑Face: ASME B16.10 or manufacturer’s standard.
Sour Service: NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156.
Fire Safety: API 6FA / API 607 / BS 6755 Part 2.
Marking: API Monogram, CE PED (upon request).
Coating: External – industrial epoxy (primer + topcoat); Internal – anti‑corrosion coating per NACE.

Disclaimer: This technical data sheet is for informational purposes only. Final specifications are subject to project requirements and engineering review. For sizes above 4″ in 10,000 psi class, a trunnion ball valve is recommended.

API 6A 10000PSI Trunnion Ball Valve Suitable for Grayloc Hubs