When to Choose a Plastic Solenoid Valve

23 Sep.,2024

 

When to Choose a Plastic Solenoid Valve

Solenoid valves (SVs) are electromechanically operated valves that control the flow of liquids, gases, and steam. They are widely used in various industries, including manufacturing, automotive, and medical. Solenoid valves come in various materials, including brass, stainless steel, and plastic, each with its own unique advantages.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website SUPCON.

In this blog post, we will discuss the advantages, common applications, and different factors to consider when choosing a plastic solenoid valve. Should you have any questions after this article, our team is always available to answer your questions.

Advantages of Plastic Solenoid Valves

Chemical Compatibility and Corrosion Resistance:

Plastic valves are commonly sought out for their exceptional chemical compatibility and corrosion resistance. Compared to metal valves, these resistant properties make them ideal for chemically aggressive environments. They are inert to corrosive substances, resistant to acids, bases, and organic solvents, and perform well in harsh conditions.

That being said, the different types of plastics used to make these valves and their seals may still be susceptible to certain chemicals. Consult a specialist, or use our free chemical and material compatibility database to determine if your media will be safe for any particular valve.

Lightweight Advantage

Plastic solenoid valves are significantly lighter than their bulky metal counterparts. This translates into easier installation, less strain on your piping system, and lower shipping costs. If you need valves for portable equipment, have to squeeze them into tight spaces, or just want to make your installer's life easier, plastic would be the best choice.

Comparing weights of plastic solenoid valves to other valves:

Cost-Effectiveness

Plastic SVs often cost significantly less than those made from brass or stainless steel. For projects where you need to watch your budget closely or where you need a lot of valves, these cost savings can make a big difference. Opting for plastic valves means you can allocate funds to other parts of your project or even free up money to upgrade elsewhere.

Insulation Properties:

Plastic naturally provides insulation. That means plastic solenoid valves can be useful in electrical systems where you want to minimize interference. They can also be beneficial in situations where preventing heat transfer through the valve itself is important. This is a huge benefit for many automotive and medical products.

Ideal Applications for Plastic Solenoid Valves

Plastic solenoid valves have become indispensable in many industries. There are countless applications where they are the best valve to use. The following provides just a few examples of some industries that rely heavily on plastic SVs.

Water Treatment and Management:

From purifying drinking water to managing wastewater, plastic valves are used all throughout the water industry. You'll find plastic valves controlling flow, dosing chemicals, and keeping water systems running smoothly at every stage. Their resistance to corrosion makes them ideal for handling everything from the chlorinated water in your swimming pool to the purified water in your drinking system. Plastic valves are also essential for water purification systems, helping to be compliant with strict EPA drinking water standards.

Chemical Processing:

Those working in chemical manufacturing know that the stakes are always high, and the margins for error are slim. Plastic solenoid valves, thanks to their non-reactive nature, are a valuable piece of chemical processing systems. These valves are able to stand up against most potent chemicals, harsh acids, bases, or other aggressive substances.

Aquariums and Aquaculture:

For the aquatic life enthusiasts out there, maintaining perfect water conditions is crucial. Plastic solenoid valves are used to manage this water flow, oxygenation, treatment, and filtration. Their resistance to saltwater and biological materials helps to create a healthy environment for marine life to thrive in.

Food and Beverage Industry:

In the food and beverage industries, maintaining a sanitary and sterile environment is incredibly important for maintaining the safety of the final product. Plastic solenoid valves are often chosen in these industries since they are non-toxic and easy to clean. From managing the precise dispensing of flavors and additives to advanced beer brewing technology applications, these valves make sure your products come out delicious and contaminant-free.

Considerations and Potential Limitations

While plastic solenoid valves are incredibly versatile, it's important to be aware of their limitations to make informed choices:

Temperature and Pressure Limits:

Perhaps the biggest tradeoff for the cost savings and chemical resistance of plastic valves would be their susceptibility to higher temperatures and pressures. For example, this plastic zero differential solenoid valve made of Engineered Nylon Plastic (PA66) can handle temperatures of 15 to 175° F and pressure ranges up to 60 PSI, while this stainless steel steam solenoid valve can withstand temperatures and pressures of 32 to 356° F and 0 - 90 PSI.

These valves have specific operational limits when it comes to the heat they can handle and the pressure they can withstand. Different types of plastics (like valves made with Polypropylene or Engineered Nylon Plastic (PA66) valves) also have their own varying heat tolerance and can become less sturdy under extreme pressure compared to others.

Always check the specifications of your plastic valve to make sure its temperature and pressure ratings align with the specs of your system.

Material Compatibility:

Even though plastic is generally more compatible with a wider range of chemicals than metal valves, they still can&#;t resist everything. Some plastics may degrade when exposed to certain chemicals, leading to leaks or valve failure. Double-check the specific plastic valve materials (and internal parts) to make sure it is compatible with the liquids or gasses it will be controlling.

When To Choose Metal Valves

Choosing the right solenoid valve material is a bit like picking the right tool for a job. Plastic solenoid valves are fantastic for a wide range of applications, thanks to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and chemical resistance. However, sometimes your best option would actually be a valve with a metal body.

There are instances where metal valves are going to be better. Brass or stainless steel will usually be your choice for applications involving higher temperatures, higher pressures, or where ruggedness is the top priority.

Conclusion

Choosing the right solenoid valve comes down to carefully considering your specific needs. Plastic solenoid valves offer numerous advantages in many situations. By understanding their strengths, limitations, and ideal applications, you can make an informed choice that best suits your system for efficiency and longevity.

Need help deciding if plastic solenoid valves are right for you? Get in touch with our valve experts by , , or online chat. We're ready to answer your questions and guide you to the perfect solution.

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INFO

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VA Series

Materials

Body: Nickle Plated Brass
Seals: Viton, EPDM, or Buna

Connections

NPT: 3/8" to 2"

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VIP Series

Materials

Body: Nickle Plated Brass
Seals: Viton, EPDM, or Buna

Connections

G (BSPP): 3/8" to 2"

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VIP-EVO Series

Materials

Body: Aluminum (non-wetted)
End Conn: Ni plated Brass (wetted)
Piston: Chem. Ni plated Brass (wetted)
Seat: PTFE 15% Glass Fiber Seals: Viton, EPDM, or Buna

Connections

NPT: 3/8" to 2"
G (BSPP): 3/8" to 2"

INFO

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Angle Valves

Materials

Body: SS or Bronze
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 3/8" to 2"
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

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SV Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seals: Viton or EPDM

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 2"

INFO

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RSG Series

Materials

Body: SS or Brass
Seals: FKM
Seats: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 3/8" to 1 1/4"

INFO

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SM Series

Materials

Body: Brass or Lead Free Brass
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

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P2 Series

Materials

Body: PVC
Seals: EPDM or Viton
Seats: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Glue Socket: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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101 Series

Materials

Body: Nickel Plated Brass
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 3/8" to 3"

INFO

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26 Series

Materials

Body: Stainless steel
Seals: PTFE & Viton
Seats: RPTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 3"

INFO

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38 Series

Materials

Body: Stainless steel
Seals: PTFE
Seats: RPTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 3"
Socket Weld: 1/4" to 3"
Tri-clamp: 1/2" to 4" Ext. Tube Butt Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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36 Series

Materials

Body: Stainless steel
Seals: PTFE
Seats: RPTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 3"
Socket Weld: 1/4" to 3"
Tri-clamp: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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150F/300F Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or stainless steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 8"
300#: 1/2" to 8"

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150F/300F Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or stainless steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 8"
300#: 1/2" to 8"

INFO

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HPF Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or stainless steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Socket Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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HPF Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or stainless steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Socket Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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XP3 Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or stainless steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Socket Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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DSI-WG Series

Materials

Body: Carbon Steel (A216 WCB)
Trim: API Trim 8 (others available)

Connections

150#: 2" to 30"
300#, 600#, 900#, #: Call

INFO

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XLB Series

Materials

Body: PFA lined Ductile Iron
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 6"

INFO

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V Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE, TFM, or 50/50
Seats: PTFE, TFM, or 50/50

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 4"
150#/300#: 1/2" to 8"
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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SM Series

Materials

Body: Brass or Lead Free Brass
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

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30D Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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31D Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE/Viton or RPTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 3"

INFO

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33D Series

Materials

Body: Brass
Seats: RPTFE
Seals: RPTFE/Viton

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 2"

INFO

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MPF Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seats: TFM
Seals: TFM

Connections

150#: 3/4" to 6"
300#: 1 1/2" to 6"

INFO

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PTP Series

Materials

Body: PVC
Seats: PTFE
Seats: EPDM or Viton

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"
Glue Socket: 1/2" to 2"

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BFY Series

Materials

Body: 316L SS
Seats: EPDM, SIlicon, or Viton

Connections

Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 6"
Butt Weld: 1/2" to 6"

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FE Series

Materials

Body: PVC
Seats: EPDM

Connections

Wafer: 1 1/2" to 12"

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FK Series

Materials

Body: GRPP
Seats: Polypropylene

Connections

Wafer: 1 1/2" to 12"
Lugged: 2 1/2" to 12"

INFO

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HP Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seats: RPTFE

Connections

Wafer: 2" to 12"
Lugged: 2" to 12"

INFO

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HPX Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seats: Graphite

Connections

Wafer: 3" to 48"
Lugged: 3" to 48"
ANSI class 150, 300, 600

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HPX Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seats: Graphite

Connections

Wafer: 3" to 48"
Lugged: 3" to 48"
ANSI class 150, 300, 600

INFO

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ST Series

Materials

Body: Epoxy Coated Ductile Iron
Seats: BUNA or EPDM

Connections

Wafer: 2" to 12"
Lugged: 2" to 24"

INFO

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XLD Series

Materials

Body: PFA Lined Ductile Iron
Seats: Viton

Connections

Wafer: 2" to 24"
Lugged: 2" to 24"

INFO

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061 Series

Materials

Body: PFA Lined Ductile Iron
Plug: PFA Lined Ductile Iron

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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067 Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seals: PTFE

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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XP3 Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel or Carbon Steel
Seals: PTFE, RPTFE, PFA, or Special

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 12"
300#: 1/2" to 12"

INFO

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GVI Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Trim: SS, TFE, or PEEK

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 4"
300#: 1/2" to 4"
NPT: 1/2" to 2"
SW: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

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GV Series

Materials

Body: Bronze or Stainless Steel
Trim: Bronze, SS, or PEEK

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"
Butt Weld: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

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GH Series

Materials

Body: Cast Iron
Trim: Bronze or SS

Connections

150# Flange: 2 1/2" to 8"
300# Flange: 2 1/2" to 8"

INFO

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EWG Series

Materials

Body: Carbon Steel (A216 WCB)
Trim: API Trim 8 (others available)

Connections

150#: 2" to 30"
300#, 600#, 900#, #: Call

INFO

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DSI-WG Series

Materials

Body: Carbon Steel (A216 WCB)
Trim: API Trim 8 (others available)

Connections

150#: 2" to 30"
300#, 600#, 900#, #: Call

INFO

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21 Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 2"

INFO

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282 Series

Materials

Body: Brass
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 4"
NPT (male x female): 1/4" to 1"
Solder: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

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282LF Series

Materials

Body: Lead Free Brass
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

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Manual Valves

2-way Ball Valves

NPT: 1/4" to 3"
Socket Weld: 1/4" to 3"
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 3"

3-way Ball Valves

NPT: 1/4" to 2"

Butterfly Valves

Lugged: 2" to 8"

INFO

BUY

112LF Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

282LF Series

Materials

Body: Brass
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 4"
NPT (male c female): 1/4" to 1"
Solder: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

BUY

250LF Series

Materials

Body: Lead Free Brass
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

Manual Valves

2-way Ball Valves

NPT: 1/4" to 3"
Socket Weld: 1/4" to 3"
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 3"

3-way Ball Valves

NPT: 1/4" to 2"

Butterfly Valves

Lugged: 2" to 8"

INFO

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TSV Series

Materials

Valve: Ball or Butterfly
Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: Delrin®

Connections

NPT: 1/4"
SW: 1/4"
150#: 1/4"
300#: 1/4"
Lugged: 1/4"
Wafer: 1/4"

INFO

BUY

FireChek® Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel
Seals: Delrin®

Connections

NPT: 1/4"
ISO: 1/4"

INFO

BUY

FM Fire-Safe Valves

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: Graphoil
Seats: Xtreme RPTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"
150#/300#: 1/2" to 4"
Lug/Wafer: 3" & 4"

INFO

BUY

ESD Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 8"
300#: 1/2" to 8"
NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Socket Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

BUY

ESOV Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seat: API Trim 8 or 12
Cover Seal: Graphite

Connections

150#: 2" to 16"
300#: 2" to 16"

INFO

BUY

150F/300F Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 8"
300#: 1/2" to 8"

INFO

BUY

FM Fire-Safe Valves

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: Graphoil
Seats: Xtreme RPTFE

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"
150#/300#: 1/2" to 4"
Lug/Wafer: 3" & 4"

INFO

BUY

HPF Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Socket Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

BUY

HP Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

Wafer: 2" to 12"
Lugged: 2" to 12"

INFO

BUY

ESD Series

Materials

Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seals: TFM or Graphite
Seats: TFM or 50/50

Connections

150#: 1/2" to 8"
300#: 1/2" to 8"
NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Socket Weld: 1/2" to 4"

INFO

BUY

C Series

Materials

Housing: Extruded aluminum alloy
End Caps: Powder coated die-cast aluminum

Torque

Spring Return: up to 56,500 in/lbs.
Double Acting: up to 59,000 in/lbs.

INFO

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F Series

Materials

Housing: Polyurethane coated aluminum

Torque

Spring Return: up to 13,211 in/lbs.
Double Acting: up to 21,430 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

O Series

Materials

Housing: Aluminum with corrosion resistant coating

Torque

Spring Return: up to 25,600 in/lbs.
Double Acting: up to 25,600 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

P Series

Materials

Housing: Aluminum with corrosion resistant coating

Torque

Spring Return: up to 25,600 in/lbs.
Double Acting: up to 25,600 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

CE Series

Materials

Housing: Ploycarbonate plastic (ABSPC)

Torque

100 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

V4 Series

Materials

Housing: Epoxy coated aluminum

Torque

125 or 300 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

R4 Series

Materials

Housing: Polycarbonate

Torque

300 or 600 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

S4 Series

Materials

Housing: Anti-corrosive polyamide

Torque

up to 2,600 in/lbs.

INFO

BUY

O Series

Materials

Housing: Diecast aluminum alloy

Torque

up to 8,680 in/lbs.

INFO

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B7 Series

Materials

Housing: Epoxy powder coated aluminum

Torque

up to 20,000 in/lbs.

INFO

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Limit Switches

INFO

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Solenoid Valves

INFO

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FEX Series

Easily Retro-fits on

HPF, 150F, and 300F Ball Valves

HPF, 150F, and 300F Ball Valves

INFO

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Valve Positioners

INFO

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Eliminizer Series

Air Flow

20 to 150 SCFM

Connections

NPT (female): 1/4" to 1"

Filtration

Solids: 1 micron
Water: 100% removal

INFO

BUY

Eliminizer Combo Series

Air Flow

20 to 150 SCFM

Connections

NPT (female): 1/4" to 1"

Filtration

Solids: .01 micron
Water: 100% removal

INFO

BUY

CB Series

INFO

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Valve Lockout Devices

INFO

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01N Series

Materials

Body: Nylon

Connections

NPT: 1"

INFO

BUY

01A Series

Materials

Body: Aluminum

Connections

NPT: 1"

INFO

BUY

DM-P Series

Materials

Body: Plastic

Connections

NPT (male): 1/4" to 1"

INFO

BUY

A1 Series

Materials

Body: Aluminum or Nylon

Connections

NPT: 1" or 2"

INFO

BUY

MAG Series

Materials

Body: Stainless Steel

Connections

NPT: 1/4" to 2"
BSPP: 1/4" to 2"
T-clamp: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

G2 Series

Materials

Body: SS, Aluminum, or Brass

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"
T-clamp: 3/4" to 2 1/2"
Flange: 1" to 2"

INFO

BUY

TM Series

Materials

Body: PVC schedule 80

Connections

NPT: 1" to 4"
Glue Socket (female): 1" to 4"
Flange: 3" to 4"

INFO

BUY

WM-PT Series

Materials

Body: PVC sched. 60 or 80

Connections

Glue Socket (male): 1/2" to 4"
Insertion: 1 1/2" to 8"

INFO

BUY

WWM Series

Materials

Body: PVC sched. 60 or 80

Connections

Glue Socket (male): 1/2" to 4"
Insertion: 1 1/2" to 8"

INFO

BUY

LM Series

Materials

Body: Aluminum

Connections

NPT: 1/2"

INFO

BUY

WM Series

Materials

Body: Epoxy Coated Bronze

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

WM-NLC Series

Materials

Body: Lead Free Brass

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

WM-NLCH Series

Materials

Body: Lead Free Brass

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

D10 Series

Materials

Body: Lead Free Brass

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 1"
Flange: 1 1/2" to 2"

INFO

BUY

WM-PC Series

Materials

Body: Fiber Reinforced Polymer

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 1 1/2"

INFO

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WM-PD Series

Materials

Body: Glass Reinforced Polyamide

Connections

NPT: 1/2" to 3/4"

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