Introduction to Plastic Ball Valves
There are various types of plastic
ball valves, which are commonly classified according to their connection forms and valve body materials as follows.
Classified by the connection form
Flange plastic ball valves: it is connected to the pipeline system through flange connection. It has good sealing and stability. It is relatively easy to install and disassemble.
Threaded plastic ball valves: using threaded connection. It is commonly used for smaller diameter pipelines.
Socket plastic ball valves: it is connected through a socket connection.
Double ended plastic ball valves: it is also known as a union double ended
ball valve. It has the characteristics of flexible installation and easy maintenance.
Classified by valve body material
UPVC ball valves: UPVC stands for rigid polyvinyl chloride, which has the advantages of light weight, strong corrosion resistance, and beautiful appearance. It is suitable for pipeline systems with various corrosive media.
PP ball valves: PP is polypropylene, which has certain corrosion resistance and good strength.
PVDF ball valves: PVDF is polyvinylidene fluoride, which has good chemical corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance.
PPH ball valves: PPH is homopolymer polypropylene, with good corrosion resistance and aging resistance.
CPVC ball valves: CPVC is chlorinated polyvinyl chloride, which can maintain good performance at high temperatures. It has good corrosion resistance.
Plastic ball valves have the following advantages.
1. Strong corrosion resistance: it is able to resist the erosion of various chemical substances. It is also suitable for transportation pipelines of various corrosive media.
2. Lightweight: it is easy to install and operate, and it can reduce the transportation and installation costs.
3. Lower cost: compared to metal ball valves, its raw material cost is relatively lower.
4. Good insulation performance: it does not conduct electricity. It has advantages in situations where electrical insulation is required.
5. Smooth inner walls: it has low fluid resistance, which helps improve the efficiency of medium transportation.
However, plastic ball valves also have some drawbacks.
1. Relatively poor strength and high temperature resistance: deformation or damage may occur in high temperature and high pressure environments.
2. Limited mechanical performance: it is not as sturdy and durable as metal ball valves, with weaker ability to withstand external impact.
3. Slightly poor dimensional stability: long-term use may cause dimensional changes, affecting sealing performance.
4. Narrow applicable pressure range: it is generally suitable for medium-pressure and low-pressure pipeline systems.
Different types of plastic ball valves have their own advantages under different working conditions. When selecting, it is necessary to comprehensively consider factors such as medium characteristics, working temperature, pressure, pipeline size, and installation and operation requirements.
The service life of plastic ball valves is affected by various factors, such as usage environment, medium properties, working pressure, temperature, and the quality of the ball valve.
Generally speaking, under normal working conditions (moderate temperature, normal pressure, medium without strong corrosiveness, etc.), high-quality plastic ball valves can have a service life of five to ten years. However, if the working conditions are harsh, such as high temperature, high pressure, strong corrosive media, etc., its service life may be greatly shortened, possibly only one to three years or even shorter.
It should be noted that regular maintenance and upkeep can extend the service life of plastic ball valves to a certain extent.
