Rotary valves are flow control mechanisms. They come in different types. Among the more popular is the ball valve. It is available in different materials. While metal remains prevalent, plastic is becoming more common. The plastic ball valve is gaining acceptance since it offers several advantageous over its metal counterpart.
Purpose
A ball valve, no matter what its material, is a standard in all types of industrial, commercial and residential piping systems. It has a simple purpose. This is to control the flow of various liquids and gases. They produce this action easily and efficiently.
Common materials
Plastic valves of all types, including ball valves, come in different plastics. The most common ones are of thermoplastic materials. These include:
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
- Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC)
- Polypropylene (PP)
- Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)
These thermoplastics provide the most common material for types of plastic ball and other valve types.
The Advantages of Plastic Valves
The advantages of plastic valves are extensive. They cover both functional and economic aspects. Industries and other users like them for the following qualities
- Corrosion resistance
- Chemical resistance
- Abrasion resistance
- Smooth inside walls (interior lining)
- Light weight
- Easy to install
- Longevity
- Lower life-cycle cost
In general, plastic ball valves do not corrode, pit or rust. They last longer, resulting in decreased need for replacement. Overall, when compared to their metal counterpart, a plastic ball valve is less expensive.
The Plastic Ball Valve
The advantages offered by using plastic ball valves are leading to increased acceptance of plastic valves over metal ones in many different industries. Commercial usage is also on the increase. As a result, the plastic ball valve, once perceived as a specialty device, is now appearing in applications for power plants as well as:
- Water distribution
- Wastewater treatment
- Metal and chemical processing
- Food and pharmaceuticals
- Oil refineries
This is all thanks to their durability, reliability and, of course, cost-effectiveness.
