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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
While plastic solenoid valves are incredibly versatile, it's important to be aware of their limitations to make informed choices:
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.
Even though plastic is generally more compatible with a wider range of chemicals than metal valves, they still cant 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.
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.
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.
Find Out More
Low-Cost Easy to Use Selection of Meters Selection of Valves
- How Many Gallons Do You Want?
See all accessories for water meters
What is Pulse Output?
Compare all Meters that Display Flow Rate
Overview of all Acccessories
Vents actuator to failsafe Closes air supply line Easy to test and reset No contact with process media
Adds Thermal Shutdown to ANY spring return pneumatic actuator!
Note: ALL Actuated Ball, Plug, and Butterfly valves are also available with manual operator levers. See any series for more info.
INFO
BUY
VA Series
Materials
Body: Nickle Plated Brass
Seals: Viton, EPDM, or Buna
Connections
NPT: 3/8" to 2"
INFO
BUY
VIP Series
Materials
Body: Nickle Plated Brass
Seals: Viton, EPDM, or Buna
Connections
G (BSPP): 3/8" to 2"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
Angle Valves
Materials
Body: SS or Bronze
Seals: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 3/8" to 2"
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 2"
INFO
BUY
SV Series
Materials
Body: Stainless Steel
Seals: Viton or EPDM
Connections
NPT: 1/4" to 2"
INFO
BUY
RSG Series
Materials
Body: SS or Brass
Seals: FKM
Seats: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 3/8" to 1 1/4"
INFO
BUY
SM Series
Materials
Body: Brass or Lead Free Brass
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 1/2" to 2"
INFO
BUY
P2 Series
Materials
Body: PVC
Seals: EPDM or Viton
Seats: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 1/2" to 4"
Glue Socket: 1/2" to 4"
INFO
BUY
101 Series
Materials
Body: Nickel Plated Brass
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 3/8" to 3"
INFO
BUY
26 Series
Materials
Body: Stainless steel
Seals: PTFE & Viton
Seats: RPTFE
Connections
NPT: 1/4" to 3"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
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
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
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
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
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
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
BUY
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
BUY
XLB Series
Materials
Body: PFA lined Ductile Iron
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE
Connections
150#: 1/2" to 6"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
SM Series
Materials
Body: Brass or Lead Free Brass
Seals: PTFE
Seats: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 1/2" to 2"
INFO
BUY
30D Series
Materials
Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE
Connections
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 4"
INFO
BUY
31D Series
Materials
Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE/Viton or RPTFE
Connections
NPT: 1/4" to 3"
INFO
BUY
33D Series
Materials
Body: Brass
Seats: RPTFE
Seals: RPTFE/Viton
Connections
NPT: 1/4" to 2"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
PTP Series
Materials
Body: PVC
Seats: PTFE
Seats: EPDM or Viton
Connections
NPT: 1/2" to 2"
Glue Socket: 1/2" to 2"
INFO
BUY
BFY Series
Materials
Body: 316L SS
Seats: EPDM, SIlicon, or Viton
Connections
Tri-Clamp: 1/2" to 6"
Butt Weld: 1/2" to 6"
INFO
BUY
FE Series
Materials
Body: PVC
Seats: EPDM
Connections
Wafer: 1 1/2" to 12"
INFO
BUY
FK Series
Materials
Body: GRPP
Seats: Polypropylene
Connections
Wafer: 1 1/2" to 12"
Lugged: 2 1/2" to 12"
INFO
BUY
HP Series
Materials
Body: Carbon or Stainless Steel
Seats: RPTFE
Connections
Wafer: 2" to 12"
Lugged: 2" to 12"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
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
BUY
ST Series
Materials
Body: Epoxy Coated Ductile Iron
Seats: BUNA or EPDM
Connections
Wafer: 2" to 12"
Lugged: 2" to 24"
INFO
BUY
XLD Series
Materials
Body: PFA Lined Ductile Iron
Seats: Viton
Connections
Wafer: 2" to 24"
Lugged: 2" to 24"
INFO
BUY
061 Series
Materials
Body: PFA Lined Ductile Iron
Plug: PFA Lined Ductile Iron
Connections
150#: 1/2" to 4"
INFO
BUY
067 Series
Materials
Body: Stainless Steel
Seals: PTFE
Connections
150#: 1/2" to 4"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
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
BUY
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
BUY
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
BUY
EWG Series
Materials
Body: Carbon Steel (A216 WCB)
Trim: API Trim 8 (others available)
Connections
150#: 2" to 30"
300#, 600#, 900#, #: Call
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
21 Series
Materials
Body: Stainless Steel
Seats: PTFE
Seals: PTFE
Connections
NPT: 1/4" to 2"
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
For more information, please visit plastic flow adjustment valve.
282LF 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
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
BUY
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
BUY
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
BUY
B7 Series
Materials
Housing: Epoxy powder coated aluminum
Torque
up to 20,000 in/lbs.
INFO
BUY
Limit Switches
INFO
BUY
Solenoid Valves
INFO
BUY
FEX Series
Easily Retro-fits on
HPF, 150F, and 300F Ball ValvesHPF, 150F, and 300F Ball Valves
INFO
BUY
Valve Positioners
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
Valve Lockout Devices
INFO
BUY
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
BUY
WM-PD Series
Materials
Body: Glass Reinforced Polyamide
Connections
NPT: 1/2" to 3/4"
COMPARE
Pulse Output
for Water Meters
Learn what Pulse Output is and compare the water meters available with this feature.
COMPARE
Accessories
for Water Meters
See all of the accessories offered for our water meters.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of plastic flow control valve. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.