The material of the valve seat is crucial in determining the valve's durability, dependability, and performance, and the selection process necessitates contacting the valve supplier for a thorough evaluation of the various materials commonly used to make valve seats.
Virgin PTFE
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic fluoropolymer that is renowned for its chemical resistance, minimal friction, and ability to withstand high temperatures (260°C). It is nonreactive, nontoxic, and has a low friction coefficient, making it suitable for applications requiring chemical resistance, low attrition, and low friction.
Valve seats made of virgin PTFE can be used in the chemical processing, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and semiconductor industries, which require high chemical resistance and nonreactivity.
PTFE valve seats with reinforced mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and thermal conductivity can be used in the chemical processing, oil and gas, and power generation industries. The type and quantity of fillers can affect the material's properties, necessitating cautious selection and testing for specific applications.
TFM (tetrafluoroethylene modified with a minor amount of perfluoropropyl vinyl ether) is an improved version of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) with enhanced mechanical properties and thermal stability. The incorporation of perfluoropropyl vinyl ether into the PTFE molecule results in a more amorphous structure, which increases the flexibility of the polymer chains and improves its mechanical properties.
The chemical processing, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries use TFM valve seats due to their superior chemical resistance, high-temperature capability, and low coefficient of friction.
PEEK ( Polyether ether ketone)
Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a thermoplastic polymer with superior mechanical, thermal, and molecular properties. It has a high melting point of approximately 340°C (644°F) and can withstand continuous use at temperatures as high as 250°C (482°F).
Aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas industries use PEEK valve seats due to their superior mechanical properties, high-temperature capability, and chemical resistance. PEEK may necessitate cautious handling and storage to prevent deterioration because of moisture and other environmental factors over time.
DELRIN
DELRIN is a thermoplastic polymer with superior mechanical properties and a low coefficient of friction. It is an acetal variety that is also known as polyoxymethylene (POM). DELRIN has a high melting point of approximately 175°C (347°F) and can withstand continuous use up to 100°C (212°F). DELRIN valve seats are utilised in the automotive, aerospace, and consumer products industries, which require their superior mechanical properties, low friction coefficient, and dimensional stability.
As it can be degraded by strong oxidising agents, DELRIN may not be suitable for applications in which it may come into contact with them.
UHMW PE
Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene is a thermoplastic polymer with superior mechanical and chemical properties. Its high molecular weight contributes to its exceptional strength and tenacity. UHMW PE has a low melting point of approximately 130°C (266°F) and can withstand prolonged exposure at temperatures up to 80°C (176°F). The chemical processing, food processing, and medical industries use UHMW PE valve seats due to their superior mechanical properties, low coefficient of friction, and chemical resistance.
Metal
Due to its excellent mechanical properties, high temperature capability, and strong corrosion resistance, metal is a common material for valve seats. Among the metals typically used for valve seats are stainless steel, bronze, brass, and titanium.
Valve seats made of metal are utilised in the chemical processing, oil and gas, and aerospace industries, which require their superior mechanical properties, high temperature capability, and corrosion resistance.
50-50 Filled Stainless PTFE
50-50 stainless filled PTFE is a composite material composed of PTFE and particulates of stainless steel. Combining the chemical resistance and low friction coefficient of PTFE with the mechanical properties of stainless steel, it is frequently used by professional butterfly valve manufacturers.
The chemical processing, food processing, and pharmaceutical industries use 50-50 stainless filled PTFE valve seats due to their exceptional chemical resistance, low coefficient of friction, and good mechanical properties.
Dental Filler
In high-pressure gas applications, a variety of valve seat material known as cavity filler is utilised. It is composed of a soft, compressible material, typically a fluoropolymer or elastomer, and is intended to occupy the space between the valve seat and the valve's metal sealing surface. This prevents gas leakage when the valve is in the closed position.
In high-pressure gas applications, such as natural gas pipelines and gas storage facilities, where gas discharge can have severe safety and environmental consequences, cavity filler valve seats are utilised.
Viton
Viton is a form of fluoropolymer elastomer that is frequently used in high-temperature and high-pressure applications as a valve seat material. It is a brand name for a group of fluoroelastomers developed by DuPont that is renowned for its superior chemical resistance, high-temperature resistance, and compression set resistance.
In high-temperature and high-pressure applications, such as in the oil and gas, chemical processing, and aerospace industries, Viton valve seats are utilised.