In many types of processing and manufacturing applications, specific chemical properties must be maintained throughout the entire processing system. This means, in other words, the product being manufactured has to be free from any contamination or alteration from other materials.
While this may seem obvious, it is important to keep in mind that anything that product or material touches, or anything that system feeding into the process touches, is a potential source of contamination on a molecular level. For these types of processes, metals and alloys often become a source of contamination, which is why high purity materials, equipment, and components are required.
These components include high purity tubing, pipes, and fittings as well as high purity valve options. Ball valves are commonly used in these types of applications, but there are also pneumatic valves, diaphragm valves and even custom designed valve options that will fit the definition.
Materials
Most of the high purity valve models and options will be made from PFTE or polytetrafluorethylene. This material is also known by the commercial name of Teflon, and it offers extremely low friction and top resistance to chemicals, which makes it ideal for valves.
All high purity valve models sold should meet specific standards for the industry of use. For many types of processes using these types of materials, the specifications will be set by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) as well as ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers).
Industries
Not all industries or even all processes require the use of high purity materials and components. In general, these materials will be used primarily in the pharmaceutical, biotech, water purification as well as food and beverage production industries.
These valves can also be used in the semiconductor manufacturing sector, but more commonly the ultra-high purity valves are used in these applications to eliminate even slight risks of any particles in the solutions.
