In many types of applications, including in cleanrooms, for chemicals and pharmaceuticals, as well as in any type of production and processes where purity of the flow or the media is important, high purity valves are the best option to consider.
These valves are designated as high purity valves due to the specialized treatment of the valve’s wetted surfaces. In other words, the surfaces of the valve that are exposed to the media are treated with non-reactive, non-corrosive and inert materials such as PTFE.
What is PTFE?
PTFE is the common name for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also known by the brand name of Teflon. Just as in use in any type of application, PTFE provides a non-stick surface that prevents any buildup of organic or inorganic material in the valve. The addition of PTFE is essential in a high purity application as it prevents any type of contamination, chemical change or physical change of the media through the system.
It also provides a frictionless surface, preventing any change in the flow of the media through the valve that is not a direct result of the control required. With the combination of no friction, no reaction, and no corrosion, these valves have a long life cycle and are extremely low maintenance types of valves in any application.
Options to Choose
There are options in high purity valves to provide the on and off function or the control function required for the specific needs of the system. They can be designed for use in systems requiring solenoid valves, manually operated valves or for pneumatic systems.
Ball, stopcock, metering, precision plug as well as check valves are all available with the PTFE wetted surfaces. For some applications, various alternative materials may also be used in the production of the valves including PEEK, PVDF, and polypropylene.
