Not all plastic valve plastic resins are the same. They are available in various grades and are more or less suitable for different applications. However, for most people, plastic valves and fragile ball valves may come to mind. For example, you will find that these control the flow of water to a swimming pool or irrigation system. They are usually made of PVC polyvinyl chloride, which is the most common plastic valve material used today.
The best PVC valves are usually rated up to 150 psi at 75°F. Their maximum safe operating temperature is 140°F, but as the heat increases, the rated pressure will drop significantly. Chlorinated chlorine, a derivative of this material, can withstand temperatures up to 180°F. Alternatives to PVC developed to meet higher temperature and pressure levels include PVDF polyvinylidene fluoride, PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene and PEEK polyether ether ketone. The PVDF valve can be designed to reach a rated pressure of up to 230 psi. PTFE can safely control temperatures up to 300°F. PEEK is the winner here, with a rated temperature of up to 500°F.
For all these materials, as the temperature and pressure ratings increase, so does the price. Therefore, although PEEK is a high-performance polymer, it is also costly in many applications. On the other hand, metal valves can reach or exceed PEEK at a lower cost. For almost every application, plastic valves perform very well, and valves with metal counterparts perform better. Metal valves have withstood the test of time a long time.
Just as certain plastic materials have been developed to serve different applications, so too are metals. CPV manufactures high-quality valves. These valves are made of bronze although the lead content is not high, some presumably contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire), brass, stainless steel and Monel (a highly corrosion-resistant nickel alloy. All products have undergone extensive processing to ensure perfect fit and function as well as long-lasting durability. In fact, as long as there are plastic valves, some valves made by CPV can continue to be used. It's incredible.
