Can Alternative Materials Replace Stellite in Check Valve Applications?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of sourcing stellite for check valve applications in a chemical company, where suppliers are struggling to meet specifications. Alternatives such as A351 CF8M stainless steel are proposed, but they lack the wear resistance and hardness of stellite. The consensus is that while stellite is not commonly used for check valve seats, it is preferred in applications involving abrasive media or metal-to-metal sealing. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding material properties in relation to specific operational conditions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of check valve design and applications
  • Knowledge of material properties, specifically stellite and stainless steel
  • Familiarity with fluid dynamics in chemical processes
  • Awareness of temperature and pressure ratings for materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Research alternative materials for check valves, focusing on wear resistance and sealing properties
  • Investigate the use of soft seating materials in check valves
  • Learn about the performance characteristics of stellite in various applications
  • Explore industry standards for material specifications in chemical processing
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for chemical engineers, materials scientists, and procurement specialists involved in valve design and material selection for chemical processing applications.

Dirkl
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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!
 
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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.