Components for valves and fittings.

Ceramic valves and fittings for smooth operation

An example of the use of ceramic materials in valves is the lever mixer of the water faucet. There, a configuration of the ceramic rotary vane achieves reliable operation. Dimensional stability as well as stable tribological characteristics ensure tightness and smooth operation of the valve over a long period of time.

In the application for fittings, ceramic materials offer advantages in terms of:

• Wear resistance: The high hardness of the materials at about 15,000 HV10 provides high resistance to both sliding wear and impact wear.
• Chemical resistance: Oxide ceramics are an inert material resistant to a wide range of media.
• Temperature resistance: Alumina has a max. Operating temperature of 1,700°C.
• Dimensional stability: Due to the low thermal expansion, the components are very stable. This property also avoids distortion of the components during operation.
• Tribology (friction/wear): Alumina is a material with very good friction coefficients.

Ball valves, rotary slide valves, linear slide valves, control pistons, metering pistons and valve seats have established themselves in practice as typical designs for ceramic valves.