ETFE Diaphragm valve for abrasive fluid

[novocaine]

Halo Valve Experts,

I have to provide diaphragm valve for abrasive fluid, I have chosen soft natural rubber for its material, but it's only ETFE available. is ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) suitable to handle abrasive fluid?

thank you,

 

[gerhardl]

A diaphragm is as you know often composed of several layers bound together. The choice of thickness and elasticity of the wetted layer (and inner lining of the valve?) is depending on the abrasive particles and the total fluid composition, pressure, temperature and flow. This must be known for good advice. In addition the quality of the wetted layer and total valve could vary from supplier to supplier even if the material is the same.

A good producer/supplier has experience and could advice you and come with a proposal for the wetted surface. Ask for a best possible solution for long standing time, not directly if your pre-proposal is the best (that is the second question). Ask at least two vendors.

The best engineer is the one who gets an opinion from more than one expert. (...you are already on the right track...!)

A quetch valve or ceramic eccentrick ball-shell v-port valve is possible alternatives, but at higher price, not saying that this is the best choice in your case.

 

[moltenmetal]

ETFE is not a particularly abrasion resistant material- it's a fairly soft plastic but is not elastomeric at all.

Wear life in this kind of service is tough to predict. There's a lot of trial and error required.

What's the body material? There are lots of diaphragm valves available in all sorts of material combinations.

If your service is hot and abrasive, such that typical elastomers are out of the running, you will be in trouble finding something for the job. Same thing if the service is corrosive or tends to swell typical elastomers such that only Teflon-like materials are a possibility. Then your only elastomer choices would be Viton (FKM) or Kalrez (FFKM) materials. They're not as wear resistant as natural rubber, and cost a great deal more.

 

[novocaine]

thank you very much gerhardl and moltenmetal for your advices

 

[ash9144]

ETFE by itself won't last in abrasive service. ETFE impregnated with glass will last quite nicely.