Valves play an essential role in the function of gas or liquid in piping systems. They control the flow rate and move the flow on and off. They also stop backflow and regulate the exact liquid or gas pressure. The two most common valves are PVC ball valves and stainless steel ball valves.
In a plumbing system, these valves play an essential role in controlling the flow of liquid or gas. In this article, you will know about PVC ball valves vs stainless steel ball valves. You will learn the working, advantages, applications, material, and maintenance requirement differences between PVC and stainless steel ball valves.
What is a PVC Ball Valve?
The most common type of quarter-turn valve is the PVC ball valve. These valves are used in hollow, punctured, and turning ball valves. They control the flow rate of liquid, gas, and other fluids that pass through the pipes. The valve handle can move 90 degrees to turn on and off quickly.
The valve is on when the handle supports the pipe, allowing the fluids to flow. On the other hand, when the valve handle revolves around 90 degrees erect to the pipe, the valve is off and controls the flow. Different types of PVC ball valves are available on the market today.
These valves are mainly used in plumbing systems. PVC ball valves are primarily used in industrial applications and chemical and automotive processing. This type of valve is the best choice for high-pressure applications. PVC ball valves are famous due to their reliability and durability.
Types of PVC Ball Valves
Compact PVC Ball Valves
Solid and rigid valves are ideal in various water supply applications. This ball valve is a perfect decision when searching for an affordable valve. These are smaller than a standard PVC ball valve. The size range is between 0.2 inches to 2 inches. Slip links appropriate for Schedule 80 and 40 pipes. These are an excellent way to add off/on operations in a tight space. The minor lever permit is fixing these areas where other valves will not work. It has durable PVC that applies to the PVC system.
The Essence of Compact Design
People know compact PVC ball valves for their space-efficient design. They are ideal for tight spaces where traditional valves might not fit. This 1 PVC ball valve is a punch for performance and reliability.
Advantages of Compact PVC Ball Valves
- Space Efficiency: Their small size allows for setup in tight areas. This optimizes the use of the available space.
- Durability is key. Rigid PVC makes the valves. They resist corrosion and chemical wear. This ensures a long service life.
- Cost-Effectiveness: They are affordable. They are tough. But they need repairs sometimes. They are a low-cost solution over time.
Union PVC Ball Valves
The union design features one of the two linkages. It permits inline valve maintenance without separating it from the line—no unique devices for support needs. Yet, the handle has two square hauls that help us as a spanner wrench. When approval for the valve is needed, the strung retainer ring is adjusted. Sometimes, it operates the handle to change the seal or substitute the O-rings.
PVC Ball Valve: Normal Size
| Size | Big Size |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 2 1/2 inch |
| 3/8 inch | 3 inch |
| 1/2 inch | 4 inch |
| 3/4 inch | |
| 1 inch | |
| 1 1/2 inch | |
| 2 inch |
Construction and Design
3 Way
This PVC ball valve is the most usually utilized multiport valve. This valve has three ports and has two design types: T-port and L-port. It indicates the boring design of the ball, which is the way of the media stream. The L-port and T-port permit the 3-way ball valve to blend and redirect the media stream.
This way, comprehending your bore design condition is essential to ensure your ideal media stream. It is potential as the ports can be in various positions. These 3-way manual valves handle work. Rotating the handle a quarter turn will alter the stream’s path depending on the valve bore design.
2-way
A 2-way PVC ball valve is a linear ball valve with two ports, inlets, and an outlet. It is considered in line with the leftovers of the assemblage. These valves can be either open or shut. The valve’s quarter-turn makes it simple, supposing it is open or closed.
If the valves handle the line or hose, the valve is available, and the media will move from the bay. It could happen through the ball bore and out of the power source. If the handle is perpendicular to the line or hose, the valve shuts, and the media stream stops.
What is a Stainless Steel Ball Valve?
The stainless steel ball valve can close to revolve 90 degrees and slightly rotate firmly. The internal side of this type of valve can provide a straight flow of fluids for the medium. The main thing about stainless steel ball valves is their structure, which makes them easy to use and maintain. The stainless steel ball valve mainly controls liquid or gas pressure.
This valve also controls air, steam, mud, various corrosive media, liquid metal, and radioactive media. The body of the stainless steel ball valve is connected or combined. A stainless steel ball valve must installed at the level of the pipeline. Two of the most common ball valves on the market are 304 and 316 stainless steel.
Stainless Steel Ball Valve: Normal Size
| Size | Big Size |
|---|---|
| 1/4 inch | 2 1/2 inch |
| 3/8 inch | 3 inch |
| 1/2 inch | 4 inch |
| 3/4 inch | 6″ |
| 1 inch | 8″ |
| 1 1/2 inch | |
| 2 inch |
Types of Stainless Steel Ball Valves
1 Piece Ball Valves
The 1-piece ball valve is the most straightforward design out there. The body is made from a single piece of stainless steel, which means fewer joints and less chance of leakage.
- Advantages
Affordable price: The single-body construction makes manufacturing cheaper
Low Maintenance: Since it’s a single piece, Don’t worry about too many parts wearing down.
2-Piece Ball Valve
It is called a 2-piece ball valve due to its components—two pieces. The ball is in one part, and the inlet/outlet is housed in the second piece. Here the advantage is that both of these pieces can be unscrewed, hence maintenance and repairs are very easy.
- Advantages
Simple Cleaning: If you work with fluids that may have debris or sediment in them and need regular cleaning maintenance for the valve, separating them can be done by hand. Improved Flow Control: The two-piece design frequently permits a full bore (where the ball hole has an identical size to that of pipe), which improves smoother fluid flow.
The 2-piece ball valve is a cheaper chromoly option that is well-suited for medium-sized projects or applications where maintenance will be performed, and the budget breakup must also be an optical one. Whether you do commercial plumbing or need valves for light industrial settings, it is the catch-all middle-of-the-road option.
3-Piece Ball Valve?
Finally, as the name suggests, you have a 3 piece ball valve that comes in three. These are the two end caps and a middle unit where the ball seats. This contributes significantly to the ease of regular maintenance: even if a part fails, you can quickly replace that standalone section without bringing down your whole rig.
- Advantages
Overall Maintenance: The valve can be completely dismantled without being removed from the pipeline. In industries where downtime equals lost money, such an advantage is huge. Built to Last the Long-Haul: These valves can withstand high-stress levels under industrial conditions. Both 3-piece valves are subject to greater pressures and temperatures than their 1- and 2-piece cousins. Maximum Customization: Require a hard-to-find setup. No problem. With the 3-piece design, this product can be customized to fit almost any industrial need.
How Does the PVC Ball Valve Work?
The PVC ball valve is made from durable polyvinyl chloride and corrosion-resistant plastic. It helps stop the flow of liquid or gas by using a spherical ball with docks or holes in the center. The PVC ball valve can revolve by lever or handle and allows controlling the flow of fluids. When a ball valve is connected to the valve body, fluids can easily pass through the pipes.
On the other hand, when the ball revolves in an erect position, it stops the flow of fluids. This situation also causes the valve to close. Stainless steel ball valves can used for both residential co, commercial, and industrial applications. This type of valve is easy to use and install due to its durability and reliability.
· Advantages of PVC Ball Valve
- Due to their incredible versatility, PVC ball valves can used in various agricultural and industrial applications.
- PVC ball valves are solid and durable, so they are built to last and can withstand even the most challenging conditions.
- PVC ball valves can be installed quickly and easily without any special tools or training.
- Due to their cost, PVC ball valves are the better option for commercial and residential applications.
- PVC ball valves require little to no maintenance. Due to the low maintenance, they are a hassle-free option for busy property owners and businesses.
Stainless steel ball valves work like ball valves. They are similar to quarter-turn valves with spherical ball valves, allowing fluid pressure to pass through the pipes easily. Stainless steel ball valves have holes or discs that help the valve open and close.
· Advantages of Stainless Steel Ball Valve
- Stainless steel ball valves have corrosion resistance, which makes them the best option for some applications.
- Stainless steel ball valves have increased capabilities in providing tight sealing and leakage control, thus offering ample flow control. Such tight sealing is reasonably necessary in applications where even minor leakage may create considerable problems.
- Stainless steel ball valves are suitable for industrial applications due to their durability. This valve ensures reliable performance over an extended period.
- Stainless steel ball valves are an excellent choice for water treatment, food and beverage, HVAC systems, and chemical processing due to their versatility.
- Stainless steel ball valves promise ease of installation and low maintenance. Hence, they are capable of working efficiently without frequent servicing.
PVC Ball Valve Vs Stainless Steel Ball Valve
· Material and Characteristics Differences:
Stainless steel and PVC valves are used in industrial, commercial, and residential applications. However, they have different properties and characteristics, which make them suitable for other uses.
· Corrosion Resistance:
Stainless steel valves are highly resistant to corrosion; this valve can be employed in sunshine or outdoor applications. The PVC valves become weak and break when visible to extended sunlight or high temperature. This feature makes them unsuitable for outdoor use.
· Heat Resistance:
The stainless steel valve can withstand high temperatures, but a PVC valve cannot. The PVC valves melt or change in case of high temperatures; hence, they cannot be considered for high-temperature applications.
· Chemical Resistance:
The PVC valves are highly resistant to chemical corrosion, while the stainless steel valves are destroyed when exposed to specific chemicals. The PVC is excellent for corrosive material control, while stainless steel is for non-corrosive fluid management.
· cost:
Most valves made of PVC happen to be cheaper compared to valves made of stainless steel. Generally speaking, since PVC is a lower material than stainless steel, its valves are more affordable.
· Application Differences:
Because of its flexibility and performance characteristics, PVC ball valves serve industrial and commercial applications. The most frequent landscaping applications use them where the flow fluids need to be on/off by turning.
The application, which involves the control of fluids where chemical corrosion is an unease, uses PVC valves mainly; examples include water treatment plants, irrigation systems, etc.
The operating temperature and pressure of the stainless steel valves can go to higher values and are suitable for more severe applications in chemical plants, refineries, and marine applications. Applications for petroleum refining, seawater environment, brewing systems, etc., use a stainless steel ball valve mainly for water-pressure regulation.
· Strength:
Stainless steel valves are much stronger than PVC valves. Stainless steel is a strong material that can survive high pressures and temperatures, making it ideal for challenging applications. PVC is a less intense material and is not suitable for high-pressure applications.
· Maintenance Requirements:
The PVC ball valves require less maintenance. They are open without specifying any peculiar tools. They can work efficiently without excluding them from the pipeline. Seats and seals are available for alteration to fit specific applications.
The maintenance of stainless steel ball valves is reduced throughout their life. Because they are durable, they reduce the frequency of replacement and repairs. For long-duration fluid control, stainless steel is an effective cost solution.
PVC Ball Valve vs. Stainless Steel Ball Valve: How to Select it and Suppliers
Before choosing the valve suitable for your applications, you must consider some essential factors. Here are eight factors that help to decide between stainless steel ball valves and PVC ball valves –
Material:
PVC valves are usually made of a thermoplastic, rigid, durable, and chemical-resistant material. On the other hand, the stainless steel ball valve is also made of durable material, but it is suitable for outdoor or sunshine applications.
Fluid Handling:
Stainless steel ball valves handle fluid better than PVC ball valves because they have no plasticizer leakage as PVC ball valve ones do over time. Plasticizer leakage in PVC piping systems causes harsh corrosion and decay, decreasing durability. In comparison, stainless steel ball valves cannot destroy as quickly as PVC when water or other fluids are open.
Temperature Range:
PVC and stainless steel ball valves have a functioning temperature range of up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Before choosing the correct valve between the PVC ball valve and the stainless steel ball valve, you must consider the best temperature range.
Heat Exchanger Design:
Some heat exchangers use valves with threaded connections, which makes them better suited with threaded docks. Others require repair fittings, which means they are similar to welding joints. This factor might fix which type of ball valve is best for welded joints.
Water Quality:
Before choosing the correct stainless steel ball valve or PVC ball valve, you should consider the water quality. A stainless steel ball valve has excellent resistance against chlorides and other harsh compounds found in water. Meanwhile, PVC ball valve materials corrode more swiftly when exposed to chemicals or salts.
Clogging:
PVC ball valves have low density; therefore, they usually clog up faster than stainless steel ball valves. Thus, a stainless steel ball valve is the best application choice. More read our blog on the Top 7 Stainless Steel Ball Valve Manufacturers
Conclusion
Plastic can overtake metal when contrasting the PVC and stainless steel ball valves. PVC ball valves can be the best choice for everyday uses. Stainless steel ball valves are more reliable than others, and stainless steel costs more than PVC plastic. Stainless steel ball valves can work in high-temperature applications.
Meanwhile, PVC ball valves differ entirely from stainless steel and cannot work in sunshine or outdoor applications. Understanding this article allows you to select the correct valve type that fits your needs. You can ensure the valve’s performance and ability are accurate to your plumbing system.
FAQs
How do you choose a PVC ball valve manufacturer?
1. Quality of Materials
Original PVC raw materials or recycled PVC materials.
2. Standard PVC ball valves or True union ball valves
Having a manufacturer that provides a broad selection means fewer suppliers to deal with and consistency in quality across your system.
3. Customization Options
- Valve size
- Handle type (lever, gear-operated, etc.)
- Threading and connection types
- Color and branding
4. Manufacturing Process and Capacity
- Spare parts production: A manufacturer handles casting, molding, and spare parts sourcing.
- Lead Times: 30 days leading
5. Certifications and Standards Compliance
- ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems
- RoHS: Restriction of Hazardous Substances (important if the valves will be used in sensitive environments like water supply systems)
6. Customer Support
- Warranties: 3 years warranty.
- Technical Support: 48 hours can fly to customer’s company with emergency issues
7. Pricing and Payment Terms
You want to ensure that the pricing matches the quality of the product you’re getting. L/C and T/T payments are acceptable.
8. Eco-Friendly Practices
- Green manufacturing processes
- Recyclable materials
- Reduced carbon footprint
How do you choose a Stainless steel ball valve manufacturer?
When choosing a stainless steel ball valve manufacturer, consider their product quality and the certifications such as ISO or CE; check what customizations are available. Choose a manufacturer has good reputation and after-sales service, you can choose multiple valve types. So ensure they deliver on time and follow international standards, as it is not a short-term game. For further reading, click here.
