Find the right thermoplastic valves to suit the unique needs of your project with a reliable source of PVF products from leading manufacturers.
Lighten the burden of flow control
Metal isn’t the only option for reliable, resilient, and cost-effective ball valves. Some industrial situations call for rugged thermoplastics—highly chemical resistant plastics that make valve bodies not only lightweight and easy to install and maintain, but strong enough to provide efficient flow control solutions even in the face of high temperatures or extremely aggressive chemical fluids.
American Stainless connects you to the best in plastic ball valves from leading manufacturers to take the weight of sourcing mission-critical valves off your shoulders.
What are plastic ball valves?
A plastic ball valve is similar in its design and operation to any other type of metal ball valve. However, the valve body is built from heavy-duty plastic designed to stand up to various residential, commercial, and industrial flow control environments.
Corrosion Resistance
Plastic ball valves are highly resistant to corrosion from chemicals, acidic or alkaline fluids, and saline environments.
Chemical Compatibility
Valves with thermoplastic bodies can handle a wide range of chemicals, including acids, bases, solvents, and other aggressive, without degradation.
Low Maintenance
Compared to metal valves, plastic valves are less prone to accumulation of deposits and require less maintenance.
Easy Installation
Because plastic ball valves are significantly lighter than metal valves, they are easier to handle and install in complex piping systems.
Cost-Effectiveness
Used in the appropriate environment, plastic valves tend to be less expensive than metal valves, with lower operating costs overall.
Wide Temperature/Pressure Range
Modern plastic ball valves are designed to withstand a broad range of temperatures and pressures in both commercial and industrial settings.
Exploring Thermoplastic Valve Materials
There are many different types of thermoplastics, all with their own physical characteristics and use cases. Selecting the right thermoplastic for your operating conditions ensures reliable and long-lasting flow control capabilities. Some of the most common thermoplastics used in plastic ball valves include:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is an affordable material for plastic ball valves provides excellent chemical resistance, though it is limited by its temperature handling capabilities.
Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride (CPVC)
While CPVC is similar to PVC, it enables plastic ball valves to operate reliably and consistency at higher temperature ranges due to the chlorination process it undergoes.
Polypropylene (PP)
Known for its high chemical and temperature resistance, PP is commonly used in the chemical, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and food and beverage industry.
Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)
PVDF is exceptionally highly resistant to harsh and aggressive chemicals compared to other thermoplastic valve materials, boasting excellent strength and thermal stability.
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Best Practices for Thermoplastic Valves
Industrial-grade plastic valves are well known for being lightweight, easy to install and maintain, strong, and cost-effective compared to metal valves. However, getting the most out of your plastic ball valves means following best practices to ensure your valves perform reliably and safely over their service lifetime with minimal operating costs.
Installing Your Plastic Ball Valve
- Check your valve for any damage or defects prior to installation.
- Always adhere to your manufacturer’s guidelines for installation procedures.
- When connecting the valve to your piping system, be careful not to over-tighten. Over-tightening can lead to stress cracks in the plastic.
- Ensure the valve and pipe system are properly supported to avoid putting excess stress on the plastic.
- For environments in which the temperature can fluctuate between extremes, make sure to allow for thermal expansion in the piping system.
Operating Your Plastic Ball Valve
- Never exceed the pressure and temperature limits specified by the manufacturer.
- Open and close the valve gradually to prevent water hammer and minimize wear and tear on your valve components and pipe system.
- Only use your valve with fluids that are compatible with its material, as specified by the manufacturer.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
- Periodically inspect your plastic ball valves for signs of wear, leakage, or damage.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your valves. Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools that could damage the valve body.
- Pay close attention to the conditions of seals and gaskets and replace them if signs of wear or leakage are detected.
- If your plastic ball valves require lubrication, make sure to use lubricants that are compatible with the valve material.
- Avoid making unauthorized modifications to your valves, as doing so can compromise its performance and worker safety.
- Always wear appropriate PPE when working with valves, especially ones that handle hazardous material.
Why Choose American Stainless for Thermoplastic Valves?
American Stainless & Supply partners with leading thermoplastic valve manufacturers to deliver the highest quality industrial plastic ball valves. As a valve supplier, we maintain a vast inventory of diverse valve types, materials, shapes, and sizes and utilize a league-of-its-own quality system to ensure swift customer service, order fulfillment, and delivery.
Get the valves you need on-time and complete your projects ahead of your deadlines and under your budgets. Ready to get started on a quote for the best thermoplastic valves to suit your project?