Habonim Decades of Cryogenic Valve Expertise
For more than three decades, Habonim valves have established a global reputation for performing in cryogenic applications in the most demanding installations. With expertise spanning temperatures as low as -269 °C / -452.2°F and high-pressure environments up to 414 bars / 6,000 psi, our engineering is defined by a legacy of reliability.
Focused on LNG Infrastructure Solutions
Within our established range of high-performance cryogenic solutions, the C52 Top Entry C-Ball Valve is a critical asset for modern Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) infrastructure. With bi-directional flow and a Top-Entry structure, it integrates seamlessly into Habonim’s trunnion-mounted ball valve product line, meeting the operational and safety demands of both marine and onshore LNG applications.
Vessels Deformation Affecting Every Aspect
In the marine industry, LNG-powered vessels and LNG carriers operate under brutal conditions. As a vessel floats, it undergoes constant deformation, bending, and twisting with the ocean waves. Instruments and piping installed on these vessels are also subject to these same deformations, jeopardizing the integrity of any bolt-based connections
Traditional floating ball valves, with 2- or 3-piece construction, are sensitive to these movements, which can cause leaks at up to 4 points, depending on the valve type and its connection to the piping. Weld ends top entry valves utilize a rigid, one-piece body design. By welding the valve directly to the pipeline, we eliminate those potential leakage points. The only remaining potential leakage point is at the top flange closing the valve body, which is parallel to the pipe and the bending force axis, making it far less sensitive to deformation. This design, with the one-piece body welded to the piping, unites the valve with the piping, forming a single continuous system with respect to deformation effects.
The Offset Torque Seated concept: Tight-Off Sealing
In addition to the advantages of top-entry valves in reducing leakage from vessels, LNG infrastructure must be safer and more reliable than other utilities. Exactly where the C-Ball design benefits are highlighted.
Unlike the full-ball trunnion-mount top entry valve design, where pre-loaded seats are pressed on the ball, the C-Ball is designed with a partial sphere, eccentric to the rotation axis and has zero contact with the seat when not in close position.
As the ball turns into a close position, the gap between the ball and the seat shrinks until they make full contact just before closing. The more you rotate the ball into the closed position by applying more torque, the greater the load on the seat, creating a superior mechanical tight-off. This allows operators to improve tightness immediately with minimal additional effort if any leakage is detected.
When it comes to safety, LNG is known to expand 600 times when heated and forms to gas. In order to protect the valve construction from over pressure that can build-up in the close cavity of a closed valve, a full-ball trunnion mounted ball valves require special relief hole in the ball or other pressure relief mechanisms to protect against this potential pressure build up, In a C-ball design, like the Habonim C52 series, there is no close-cavity, as the ball shape is only “half a sphere”, this completely eliminating this risk of cavity over pressure.
Solving the Maintenance Challenge
Traditional top-entry trunnion valves are often difficult to maintain. Because they typically use spring-energized seats, the seats must be spread apart using special and portable hydraulic tools just to insert or remove the ball during service.
The C-Ball design simplifies this process through its unique architecture:
- Friction-Free Movement: Our offset C-ball immediately detaches from the seat upon rotation to the open position and only squeezes into the seat at the end of the closing swinging, eliminating most of the wear to the seat caused by friction, and significantly extends the service life of the valve compared to other ball valves.
- Easy In-Line Service: the single and static seat in the C-Ball design dismisses the need for dynamic sealing components, and preloaded ball-seats configuration. No hydraulic equipment is required for maintenance or service, which simplifies handling and reduces downtime.
- Minimal Components: The design of our C52 Top Entry series features significantly fewer parts, eliminating the need for complex lip seals and springs, and even less.
- Cryogenic Design and Testing: BS 6364, EN 1626, ISO 28921-1, and MSS SP-134 are available.
- Design compliance: B16.34, API 6D, PED
- Safety & Reliability: Fire Safe certified by API 607 and ISO 10497; SIL 2, and ATEX certified.
- Marine Classification: ABS, DNV, LR, and more are available upon request.
Standardized for Global Performance
The C52 Series is a fully compliant solution that meets the most rigorous international standards:
Built for the Demands of Modern LNG
In LNG infrastructure, reliability and safety are mission-critical. Top-entry valve architecture reduces potential leak paths and enables efficient in-line maintenance, while the C-Ball’s offset, cavity-free design delivers torque-assisted tight-off sealing, eliminates the risk of trapped pressure, and minimizes wear. The result is a robust, low-maintenance solution engineered to meet the demanding requirements in cryogenic applications.
Take the next step in cryogenic valve efficiency: To access the full technical catalog, IOM, and industry-specific case studies for LNG and cryogenic applications, visit our Knowledge Center.
This topic is further discussed in the "Habonim Top-Entry C-Ball Valves" webinar, presented by Kfir Ohana.
