September 04,2024
Roy

PFA lined ball valves use a PFA-made lining to control fluid flow with advantages of strong chemical resistance and mechanical durability. They are ideal valves for chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and petroleum industries. Curious on their structure, functionality, benefits, maintenance and uses? Let’s explore.

Fluorine lined ball valve

Structure And Functionality Of PFA Lined Ball Valves

Ball valve sealing controls fluid flow following a 90 degree movement axis. And this gives it a second name: the quarter turn valve. Ball valves contain a ball whose movement controls opening/closing. This ball has a hole/passageway drilled through it which allows fluid flow. 

When the ball valve is closed, the external hinge is perpendicular to the fluid flow. In this position, the passageway in the ball is not facing the fluid. To open the flow, the valve must be rotated by 90 degrees. And in turn this rotates the ball which then faces the fluid allowing it to flow through. 

Ball valves that are lined with PFA/PTFE layers have no difference in functionality. Instead, these layers mostly add corrosion resistance benefits.

PFA Lining Benefits

Most FDA compliant valves found in industrial operations come with PFA lining benefits. Some of these benefits are:

  • High Temperature Resistance: PFA lining consists of many strong carbon-fluorine and carbon-carbon bonds. This helps handle temperatures up to 260°C.
  • Low Friction Coefficient: PFA lining consists of polymers which are very lightweight. This leads to less friction generated when ball valves come in contact with fluids.
  • High Chemical Compatibility: PFA includes fluorine-carbon bonds which are inert. This gives PFA lined ball valves greater corrosion resistance to chemicals.

PFA VS PTFE Lining

PFA LiningPTFE Lining
Offer greater flexibility, but lower flex lifeOffer lower flexibility, but higher flex life
Absorbs more waterMore resistant to water containing fluids
Offers high temperature resistanceBetter temperature resistance than PFA
Low friction coefficientLower friction coefficient than PFA

Keeping Track Of PFA Lined Valve Maintenance

Taking good care of PFA lined ball valves can prolong use. Here are tips to follow:

  • Read the product manual.
  • Follow the specifications (temperature, pressure, mediums) mentioned within the manual. Each ball valve model has different specifications.
  • Perform routine check ups to look for leaks or any problems.
  • Improper use of external handles can damage PFA lining. Follow the proper opening/closing movements necessary.
  • PFA lined ball valves that carry flammable fluids should not be put under a lot of pressure.

Uses Of PFA Lined Ball Valves

PFA lined ball valves are often used for the following operations:

  • Chemical Industry
  • Oil/Gas Factories
  • Power Plants
  • Purification Pipelines
  • Waste Pipes

FAQs

What Are PFA Lined Ball Valves?

PFA lined ball valves are used to control flow of fluids in industrial operations. These contain a ball with a passageway which allows fluid to pass through when open. The PFA lining gives the valve high temperature resistance and greater chemical compatibility.

What Are Some PFA Lining Benefits?

Some of the PFA lining benefits are that it gives ball valves higher pressure and temperature resistance. It also produces less friction when in contact with fluids. PFA Lining also makes ball valves more corrosion resistant.

Resources:

What is a fluorine-lined valve? How to extend the service life of it? (tanghaivalve.com)

The properties, benefits & uses of PFA – Adtech

What is a Ball Valve? Anatomy and Function | Superlok Blog | Mako (superlokworld.com)

00870-0400-6114_170510.fm (emerson.com)

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