Can Alternative Materials Replace Stellite in Check Valve Applications?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dirkl
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Material
AI Thread Summary
Alternative materials to stellite for check valves may include soft seating options like plastics or elastomers, which are more commonly used in non-abrasive applications. Stellite is primarily utilized in scenarios requiring metal-to-metal sealing or in abrasive environments, making it less common for general check valve applications. Suppliers are currently struggling to meet the stellite specifications due to its specific properties. While A351 CF8M stainless steel is often suggested, it lacks the wear resistance and hardness of stellite, making it an inadequate substitute. Companies typically specify stellite based on historical performance issues, indicating a need for careful consideration of material alternatives.
Dirkl
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi,

In our chemical company, the pipe spec for check valves prescribes stellited material for disc and seat.
Now, suppliers are having a hard time meeting this specification.

Are there other materials with comparable properties that are more commonly used?

Mostly suppliers offer SS (eg A351 CF8M)

Fluids go from water, nitrogen to hydrocarbons.
Press/Temp starts at -28°C/9 bar over 50°C/18 bar to 350°C/4 bar

Thanks!
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
Check valves are not typically made with stellite for the seat. Most checks are soft seated. In other words, they use a plastic or elastomer seat to provide the sealing. Stellite might be used in abrasive media or where metal to metal sealing is required but is otherwise not very common as I'm sure you're aware.

Most large companies will have in house standards that components must meet and the reason for these kinds of specifications is that people in your company have had problems that were resolved using stellite so I suspect your company has some history behind the decision to go with stellite. Regarding A351, that material is not particularly wear resistant nor is it very hard like stellite. It wouldn't be a good substitute for stellite.
 

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top