Stainless steel valves are generally better for your tank’s interior components, but do you really need to upgrade? Here are some reasons to choose stainless valves over other materials. Stainless steel valves are less expensive and lighter, and are more durable. This article discusses the pros and cons of each material. And, as always, your final choice should be based on your specific needs and budget. After all, your tank’s interior parts need to last for years!
Stainless steel valves are more durable
Stainless steel is an excellent choice for industrial valves. Compared to cheaper alternatives, stainless steel is much more durable. The material is available in two common grades: 304 and 316. These grades differ slightly in their durability but serve the same purpose. To get the most out of stainless steel valves, it is important to know about their different types. Whether your needs are for high-pressure or high-temperature environments, stainless steel ball valve will provide the best solution.
As compared to carbon steel valves, stainless steel is more resistant to corrosion. In addition, carbon steel valves are more cost-effective. Plastic valves can also resist high temperatures. Plastic valves are generally less expensive than stainless steel valves. Another option is PVC valves, which are light-weight and can resist corrosion. PVC valves are also resistant to sunlight and chlorine. A few other metals are also suited for plumbing.
They’re cheaper
Compared to brass valves, stainless steel ones are more expensive. This is because brass is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and has lead content higher than 0.25%. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is approved for use in the food industry and does not contain any lead at all. Stainless steel is more expensive than brass, but is still cheaper than its brass counterpart. Both materials are stronger than brass, but stainless steel is preferred by most manufacturers in the food industry.
However, stainless steel valves tend to be heavy. The reason for this is that they have higher amounts of nickel and molybdenum. The latter two materials are used in fast-moving marine environments. Stainless steel 316 valves are also FDA-approved, and they are usually much more expensive than their brass or plastic counterparts. If you are concerned about the weight of the valve, choose 303. This material is cheaper but does not have as high a corrosion resistance as 316.
They’re more corrosion resistant
Although stainless steel valves are more corrosion resistant than their 304 and 303 counterparts, they still have a few drawbacks. Stainless steel is much more expensive, and 316 is particularly difficult to machine and galls up on sliding parts. 316, however, is FDA-approved for use in food-handling applications. 304 and 303 are more affordable, but are still very effective at preventing corrosion.
Brass has a good corrosion resistance, but it can be susceptible to de-zincification in certain applications. Commercial ball valve stems are often wrought brass. Forging brass is a high-quality brass alloy. Gray iron, an alloy of iron and carbon, is corrosion-resistant and has excellent damping properties. It is commonly used for Class 125 iron body valves and has improved corrosion resistance over steel in some environments.
Stainless valves made of this material have significantly improved durability over their carbon steel counterparts. Their high hardness and corrosion resistance make them highly useful for a variety of industrial applications. The higher the quality of stainless steel, the better the valve’s lifespan. However, if corrosion is a major concern, stainless steel valves are a great choice. The corrosion-resistant properties will help them last longer and save you money.
They’re lighter
The most common benefit of stainless steel valves is their light weight. The weight of stainless valves is less than half that of valves made of carbon steel or aluminum. Moreover, stainless steel valves are easier to machine. The process is also cheaper than that of forging. The following are the pros and cons of stainless steel valves. In addition, stainless valves are more resistant to corrosion than carbon steel valves.
Titanium is a lightweight alloy and is forty percent lighter than steel. A lighter valve allows for more radical cam profiles and improved off-the-line performance. It also increases low-end torque. Although titanium valves are lighter, they are more expensive than steel. A single titanium valve costs about $70 to 90, which is still a little expensive for the average consumer. So, if you are looking for a valve that can last a long time, stainless steel may be the best option.
