Materials used in the construction of solenoid valves.
Due to the wide range of solenoid valve applications, the materials used in the construction of valve components need to be compatible with a diverse array of fluids and gasses and must also be suitable for use with extreme temperatures, pressures and environments. They also need to be robust, resistant to corrosion and long lasting.
You can view the full range of M&M International UK Solenoid Valves here
Seal, Diaphragm, O-ring Materials
When selecting a solenoid valve, it is vital that the seal materials are suitable for use with the media, temperature range, pressure and environment of the application.
Listed below are some of the frequently used seal materials and their characteristics;
NBR
A synthetic rubber copolymer of Acrylonitrile and Butadiene.
In an M&M International solenoid valve part number NBR seals would be identified by the letter B. For instance, B205DBZ.
NBR is suitable for use with air, water, neutral gases and diesel. It is resistant to oil and grease from -10°C to +90°C.
It has excellent resistance to petroleum products but is not recommended for highly aromatic petroleum/gasoline’s or acids.
NBR has excellent compression set (the ability of a rubber to return to its original thickness after being exposed to prolonged compression stresses). It is also tear and abrasion resistant.
EPDM
EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) is an elastomer used in a wide range of applications.
The letter E is used in M&M International part numbers to indicate EPDM seals are used in the valve such as D263DEH.
EPDM is suitable for use with hot water and steam and is resistant to bases and acids in weak concentrations from -40°C to +140°C.
It is not suitable for media containing oil.
FKM
Also known as FPM or Viton, FKM is a fluorocarbon elastomer that has a wide range of chemical compatibility.
The M&M International part number system uses V to identify FKM seals. For example, D225DVJ.
It has high temperature capabilities, excellent resistance to hydraulic oils, petrol and many other chemicals.
It is particularly suitable for hot water and hydrocarbons from -10°C to 140°C but is not suitable for steam.
PTFE
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) is a rigid fluorocarbon resin that is practically resistant to all media.
The letter T is used in M&M Internationals part number system to identify PTFE seals. D233DTW for example.
It can be used from -20°C to +180°C
Rulon is another form of PTFE that is also used as a seal material in solenoid valves.
Silicone
Silicone is an elastomer that provides high and low temperature solutions under certain conditions for numerous applications.
The letter S is used to indicate silicone seals in a valve such as WB251SSA1 for example.
It has good resistance to hydrogen peroxide, some acid solutions, oils, water and ozone.
Silicone is quite a soft material so is not recommended for use with higher pressures and has poor resistance to diesel fuels.
Silicone’s retention of properties at high temperatures is superior to other elastic materials.
Neoprene
Neoprene is commonly used for refrigeration systems sealing as an external seal.
Suitable for alcohol, mild acids, water, air, ammonia, argon gas and other gases.
Sigodur (filled PTFE) & Ruby
Sigodur and Ruby are stiff materials particularly suitable for heavy duty applications.
Sigodur seals are identified by the letter L (e.g. D263DLA) and Ruby seals by the letter R (e.g. D263DRE).
KALREZ Spectrum 6375
KALREZ Spectrum 6375 is a compound specifically designed for the chemical process industry. This compound has excellent broad chemical resistance, good mechanical properties, and outstanding hot-air ageing properties.
The letter K is used to identify Kalrez 6375 seals in a solenoid valve such as D299DKH.
KALREZ 6375 is well suited for use in mixed process streams because of its excellent resistance to acids, bases and amines.
It is also recommended for use in hot water, steam, pure ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.
For more information on Solenoid Valves and the body and seal materials, contact our technical team on 01234 855888
You can also send an enquiry to our Email
Solenoid Valve Body and Components Materials
Below are the materials most commonly used in the construction of M&M International solenoid valves and components. Other options are also available.
Valve Bodies and Covers
Usually constructed from stainless steel (AISI 316L or AISI 303) or brass (CW617N). Brass with low lead content (CW719R) is also used for valves suitable for contact with food media.
Armature Tubes
Manufactured from stainless steel or brass.
Fixed Core
Constructed from magnetic stainless steel (AISI 430). Solenoid valves operating from AC power supply also have a shading ring (used to prevent vibration) embedded in the fixed core which is manufactured from silver or copper.
Armature/Plunger
Usually made from magnetic stainless steel (AISI 430) but in latching valves are made from brass.
Springs
Manufactured using stainless steel.
Valve Orifice
Manufactured using stainless steel (AISI 303).
You can purchase solenoid valves online through the V-Flow Solutions web shop
