The Ultimate Guide to Valve Materials

The Hosemaster

January 13, 2025

Valves are used across the world in a myriad of systems, machines, and industries. With so much variety, it is no surprise that valves are created from a wide array of materials, each with their own distinct properties.

In this guide, we will understand the materials used in valves, and discuss their benefits. Get ready for some serious detail, because we’re getting right into the minutiae here. Keep reading to learn more…

Understanding valve materials

The substances used in the manufacture of the different components of a valve are known as the valve materials. The choice of materials that go into a valve can have a massive impact on the performance, durability, and sustainability of a valve, which often are subjected to difficult temperatures, pressures, and environments.

Getting it right is important to ensure that the correct materials are used so that the valve can handle the required conditions it will be subjected to. There are several factors to consider when selecting materials for a valve:

Pressure and temperature

Considering pressure and temperature when selecting valve materials is crucial for safety, performance, durability, compatibility, and cost-effectiveness.

There are few things quite as impactful on the durability of a valve as the pressure and temperature it is subjected to. Valves need to be able to withstand maximum pressure and temperature conditions to minimise the risk of failures, leaks, or ruptures, all of which could lead to safety hazards.

Chemical compatibility

Selecting the right materials helps valves to operate efficiently without degradation, allowing them to resist wear and tear from fluctuations and extending their lifespan.

Materials react differently depending on what they are presented with. Corrosive chemicals will eat through incompatible materials, like boiling water through snow. Choosing the correct material ensures compatibility, preventing corrosion or chemical reactions that could compromise valve integrity.

Environmental conditions

Different environments, such as those with extreme temperatures, high humidity, corrosive substances, or abrasive materials, can significantly impact the durability and functionality of valves. Selecting the right material helps prevent degradation, and failure, thereby maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the system.

Cost

Proper material selection also reduces maintenance costs and downtime by ensuring reliable operation. Ultimately, this thoughtful approach saves time and money while guaranteeing safe and efficient performance. So unless you like to throw money down the drain replacing incorrect valves, it’s worth spending a little time making sure you’ve picked the right one.

Regulatory requirements

Valves must meet specific criteria to be used in certain industries where strict guidelines govern material safety, quality, and performance. Failure to comply can result in fines, legal issues, operation shutdown, or risk of injury.

Common valve materials

With those considerations in mind, let’s take a comprehensive look at the various materials used in valves. We’ve categorised these by common material types:

Stainless steel

Stainless steel valve materials offer numerous benefits, including high rust and corrosion resistance, exceptional tensile strength and durability, and the ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures. They are also hygienic, and easy to clean.

Valves made from stainless steel are used in various applications, such as food, beverage, or chemical processing. In these industries, stainless steel valves deliver longevity, maintain hygiene standards, and perform reliably even in harsh conditions.

For more in-depth information about stainless steel grades, please consult the table below.

Material grade	Description
AISI 304	Commonly used in food and beverage applications due to its excellent corrosion resistance and ease of cleaning.
AISI 316	Containing molybdenum, which provides superior resistance to pitting and corrosion, AISI 316 is particularly suitable for marine and chemical processing environments.
AISI 316L	AISI 316L is a low-carbon version of AISI 316, which enhances its corrosion resistance in environments where welding is involved.
AISI 420	This martensitic stainless steel is known for its hardness and good corrosion resistance, and is typically used in surgical equipment.
1.4547 Super Duplex 2507	Super Duplex 2507 offers extreme resistance to stress corrosion pitting and cracking, which makes it ideal for seawater applications.
1.4462 Duplex 2205	With a high resistance to corrosion, Duplex 2205 is stronger than regular austenitic stainless steel.
1.4501 Super Duplex Zeron 100	Super Duplex Zeron 100 is designed for harsh environments, such as seawater and chemical processing.
1.4417 Super Duplex F53	Super Duplex F53 offers a great resistance to chloride corrosion, which finds it commonly used in oil, gas, and desalination.
1.4417 Super Duplex F55	Super Duplex F55 is often used on offshore platforms due to its superior corrosion and wear resistance.

A stainless steel valve

Buy Now - Stainless Steel Valves

Carbon steel

Carbon steel valve materials have a high mechanical strength, which makes them a perfect fit for high-pressure applications. They are generally more affordable than stainless steel, and offer exceptional weldability.

Carbon steel valves are widely used in the oil and gas industry. They're also suitable for water supply lines and treatment plants where the fluid is not highly corrosive, and are used in structural applications in construction due to their strength and ease of fabrication (as you can see below).

Material grade	Description
ASTM A105	Commonly used in forged carbon steel piping valves for high-temperature service.
ASTM A350 LF2	Suitable for general non-corrosive service in a wide range of temperate extremes, LF2 provides good toughness and impact resistance for applications like steam, hydrocarbons, and general industrial services.
ASTM A350 LF3	A350 LF3 offers increased toughness and performance at even lower temperatures. It is often used in more demanding low-temperature applications where higher notch toughness is required.

Alloy steel

With their high temperature resistance, exceptional mechanical strength, and good corrosion resistance - especially in high-temperature and high-pressure environments - alloy steel valve materials are a popular choice in demanding applications.

As you can see from the table, alloy steel valves are commonly used for high-pressure systems like steam and power generation, chemical processing involving high temperatures and corrosive materials, and petroleum processing plants where high-temperature resistance is essential.

Material grade	Description
ASTM A182 F1	Low alloy steel, typically used for low-temperature service. Suitable for non-corrosive applications like water, oil, and gas transportation.
ASTM A182 F5	A chromium-molybdenum alloy steel with high-temperature strength, this is particularly suitable for elevated temperature applications.
ASTM A182 F9	A182 F9 is a chromium-molybdenum alloy steel with improved creep resistance and high-temperature corrosion resistance, used in refineries and energy stations.
ASTM A182 F11	Low alloy steel with enhanced creep resistance. Available in three classes with different chemical compositions and mechanical properties: Class 1 has a carbon content of 0.05 - 0.15, a tensile strength of 60 KSI, and yield strength of 30 KSI. Class 2 has a carbon content of 0.1 - 0.2, a tensile strength of 70 KSI and yield strength of 40 KSI. Class 3 has a carbon content of 0.1 - 0.2, a tensile strength of 75 KSI and yield strength of 45 KSI.
ASTM A182 F22	This chromium-molybdenum alloy steel boasts excellent creep strength and resistance to oxidation and corrosion, making it suitable for high-pressure steam applications.

Copper

Copper valves materials excel with their thermal conductivity, good corrosion resistance, and easy malleability. These benefits see copper valves used in water supply lines, providing durability and corrosion resistance; HVAC systems, where efficient heat transfer is essential; and electrical applications, thanks to their outstanding conductivity.

Material grade	Description
ASTM B61	B61 is known for good corrosion resistance and is often used in steam and water applications.
ASTM B62	B62 is used for valves as it offers good wear resistance and machinability.

Brass

An alloy of copper and zinc, brass valves are known for their strength and corrosion resistance, making them a popular choice in many domestic systems.

Durable and cost-effective, brass valves excel in systems transporting water, oil, or gas due to their notable corrosion resistance. Brushed brass valves are commonly used in residential and commercial plumbing, water heating systems, and low-pressure industrial applications.

Material grade	Description
ASTM B283	This standard applies to free-cutting brass, which is commonly used for valves due to its excellent machinability.
ASTM B124	This grade encompasses brass alloys, often used for valves, which are used because of their strength and machinability.
ASTM B687	B687 is suitable for valve and fitting applications due to its corrosion resistance and strength.

A brass valve

Buy Now - Brass Valves

Bronze

Bronze valve materials offer several advantages. They provide excellent corrosion resistance, particularly in marine and industrial environments, and boast high strength and durability.

Additionally, bronze is resistant to biofouling - a critical requirement in marine applications - which sees it used frequently in shipbuilding, desalination plants, and various industrial processes where reliability and resistance to harsh conditions are paramount.

Note: biofouling is where microorganisms, algae, and other small underwater organisms accumulate on the surface of a submerged material. This can compromise its longevity, strength, and durability.

Material grade	Description
B-148 C95500	Known for its strong corrosion resistance and durable quality, this bronze alloy is commonly used in industrial machinery and marine environments.
B-148 C95800	This alloy boasts a strong seawater corrosion resistance, making it suitable for marine applications. It offers good mechanical properties and is widely used in shipbuilding and offshore structures where exposure to saltwater is a significant concern.

Plastic

Plastic valve materials are lightweight, making them easier to handle and install compared to metal fittings. They are made from one of three types of plastic: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) and cross-lined polyethylene (PEX).

They are generally more affordable for many applications, and corrosion-resistant, ensuring longevity in various environments. Their flexibility, especially when made of PEX, allows for easier installation in tight spaces, reducing the need for additional joints and fittings.

These properties make them ideal for use in drainage and irrigation systems, water supply lines, and chemical handling.

Material grade	Material type	Description
ASTM D1785	PVC	Commonly used for cold water lines due to its resilience and strength.
ASTM D2466	PVC	Typically used in drainage systems and other cold water applications.
ISO 1873	CPVC	Suitable for hot water applications due to its higher temperature resistance and good chemical resistance.
PN10	PEX	Rated for applications requiring a pressure of up to 10 bar, suitable for both hot and cold water systems. Flexible and easy to install with fewer fittings.
PN16	PEX	Rated for applications requiring a pressure of up to 16 bar, providing enhanced performance for more demanding systems. Also, suitable for both hot and cold water systems, offering great flexibility and durability.

Advanced valve materials

When standard materials simply aren’t able to offer adequate resistance and performance, there are a range of advanced valve materials. These provide enhanced properties designed to withstand extreme temperatures, corrosive chemicals, and hostile environments. Here is a detailed look at some of these advanced valve materials:

Material grade	Description	Uses
Hastelloy C276	A nickel-molybdenum-chromium alloy, Hastelloy C276 has excellent corrosion resistance, great strength, and superb formability, meaning it can be easily welded while remaining non-magnetic.	Commonly used in chemical processing, pollution control, heat exchangers, aerospace components, nuclear reactors, and pharmaceutical equipment.
Inconel 625	Made of a nickel, chromium, and molybdenum composition, Inconel 625 has high strength, and exceptional oxidation and corrosion resistance. This material is suitable for environments that require durability and the ability to handle increased stress and heat.	Used in marine applications, nuclear reactors, chemical processing, aerospace components, exhaust systems, and heat exchangers.
Monel K500	Monel K500 is a nickel-copper alloy with exceptional strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Non-magnetic in nature, its robustness and reliability make it a top choice for demanding environments.	Often used in marine hardware, chemical processing equipment, the oil and gas industry, and cryogenic applications.
Uranus B6	A high-performance alloy known for its strength, good corrosion and wear resistance, Uranus B6's superior mechanical properties make it suitable for situations requiring both strength and endurance.	Typically used in aerospace components, high-performance machinery, and specialised industrial applications.
CK3MCuN (254 SMO)	CK3MCuN - also known as 254 SMO - is a powerful stainless steel with high molybdenum content. It has outstanding corrosion resistance, strength, and weldability.	Used in chemical processing, marine applications, and the oil and gas industry.

Composite materials

Following hot on the heels of the advanced valve materials, we have composite materials. A composite material is a combination of at least two different materials brought together to create a new substance with enhanced properties.

This is especially helpful for valves and pipes, as they are able to combine the strength, durability, and resistance of their composite parts to provide a superior product. This makes them ideal for use in industries such as chemical processing, wastewater treatment, and power generation, where reliable performance and longevity are crucial.

Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic

Fibreglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) composites are known for their high strength-to-weight ratios, excellent corrosion resistance, and good thermal insulation properties. They are lightweight, non-conductive and can withstand exposure to a wide range of chemicals, making them a popular choice in industries where durability and chemical resistance are critical.

FRP is widely used in wastewater treatment, chemical storage tanks, and marine applications. In these settings, where traditional metals would corrode quickly, FRP offers a long-lasting and reliable alternative.

Graphite

Graphite composites are highly valued for their exemplary thermal and electrical conductivity, as well as their resistance to high temperatures and powerful chemicals.

Commonly used in the petrochemical and power generation industries, where they are exposed to extreme conditions, their ability to maintain structural integrity and performance in such demanding environments ensures the reliability and safety of critical systems.

Advanced Coatings and Linings

In some circumstances, additional measures are required to make valves more durable and reliable in tough environments. In these cases, valves may be coated or lined to boost performance and lifespan.

Essential in industries like chemical processing, oil and gas, and food and beverages supply and transport, these coatings and linings ensure valves withstand extreme conditions while maintaining functionality and efficiency. These are some of the commonly used materials:

PTFE

Commonly known as Teflon, PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) has impressive chemical resistance and low friction. Because of this, it is used for lining valves in the chemical processing, food and beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, where its non-reactive nature and ability to handle a wide range of temperatures help ensure smooth operation in these environments.

Ceramic

Yes, the same stuff that cradles your morning cuppa also coats the inside of industrial valves. Ceramic coatings possess exceptional hardness and endurance, providing a protective layer that enhances the durability of valves in abrasive and high-temperature environments.

Ceramic is commonly used in slurry handling, mining, and power generation industries where erosion and abrasion are significant concerns.

Nickel

Nickel has the unusual ability to be both hard and soft. It is capable of withstanding extreme force, while being easy to bend or yield without breaking.

Not only that, but it has some excellent corrosion resistance, which sees it often used in oil and gas, chemical processing, and marine applications to extend the life of metal components exposed to harsh conditions, ensuring durability and reliable performance.

Nickel plated valve

Buy Now - Nickel Plated Valves

Satisfy your valve needs at The Hosemaster

Whether you like your valves in ball, slide, gate or globe style, or if you prefer brass to stainless steel, we’re here to help.

With decades of experience under our tool belts, and a broad range of products to choose from, you’ll be sure to find everything you need to get the job done at The Hosemaster.

And, if you need additional support or buying advice, we’re always happy to help. Contact us online with any sales or technical questions, or give us a call on 01282 604 002 to speak to one of our team.