There are a lot of choices when it comes to styles of valves as well as specific materials for valves. When it comes to sanitary and high purity types of applications, one of the most versatile options in material is polypropylene. This is a synthetic resin that is widely used in all types of industrial and commercial systems and applications.
The polypropylene valve has been available for decades, and it offers the strength and durability of a metal valve, but also the corrosion resistance of plastic. This combination creates a good match for many different industries and applications, and combined with the relatively low cost of production; it is a cost-effective option as well.
Specifics to Consider
A polypropylene valve is made from a thermoplastic material, which means it can be customized to meet any specific size requirements for the valve. It has a relatively high tensile strength combined with the ability to withstand high temperatures both as ambient temperatures as well as the temperature of the media in the system. This includes both liquids and gases, so it can be used in a wide range of industries and applications.
With the lightweight nature of the polypropylene valve, it is an ideal match on plastic pipes, eliminating heavy valves that limit installation in long runs of pipe or tubing. Additionally, as a semi-rigid material, it can stand up to vacuum applications or to high-pressure applications, which are found in many types of processing applications.
In addition, these valves can be coated with PTFE or polytetrafluoroethylene for a completely non-wetting surface that eliminates any accumulation of media in the value. This coating, best known as Teflon, is also resistant to high temperatures, non-reactive and idea for use in high purity as well as sanitary processing types of applications.