The main differences between brass valves and bronze valves

What makes the valves made of these materials different

Valves are mechanical devices which control and regulate the flow of a fluid, whether in liquid or gaseous phase. There are different types of valves, depending on the valve mechanism or the type of fluid that needs to be controlled. Valves can have not only purposes, but also different industrial applications.

 

In addition, of course, industrial valves can be made from different materials depending on the task they have to perform, their construction and field of application.

 

As it is easily intuitively, different materials have different characteristics - some more resistant to temperatures, others are more versatile and flexible... Their use depends on the type of task which the valve is to perform, in more or less critical conditions. The valve material therefore affects performance, durability, compatibility and cost. 

 

Common materials include steel, stainless steel, bronze and alloys such as cast iron or brass. 

 

Let’s discover the main differences between brass and bronze and in which types of valves they find their best application. 

Industrial materials and valves

 

As mentioned above, an industrial valve is a mechanical device used to control and regulate the flow of a fluid. Connected to a pipe, or passage, of which it blocks and releases the flow, it can be used to start, stop or regulate pressure in a piping system. 

 

These systems are an essential part of the oil and gas industry and many other sectors, including automotive or air conditioning. They are essential for safety, help prevent leakage and increase efficiency. For this to happen, each valve must be made of the material best suited to support the task it has to perform.

 

Bronze and brass valves have different properties. Bronze, for example, has a higher thermal conductivity and therefore can withstand higher temperatures. 

 

It should be noted that both bronze and brass valves are made of copper and other metals. Both materials are malleable, so they are useful for different applications, presenting (like all materials) advantages and disadvantages. 

 

Brass valves are generally more cost-effective than bronze valves, so it is important to know the differences before choosing.

 

The characteristics of bronze valves

 

Bronze valves are among the oldest to have been designed and built. Bronze is in fact an alloy of copper used since the first century B.C. Now there are different types, various alloys of bronze made also with other metals, besides copper, such as nickel, aluminum and manganese. 

 

Typically, bronze valves and fittings contain 85-90% copper mixed precisely with tin, aluminum, silicon or nickel to produce more robust and corrosion resistant alloys. The most common variations include:

 

• tin bronze, ideal for low pressure applications
• silicon bronze, for better strength and wear resistance
• bronze aluminum, very corrosion resistant, is commonly used in marine applications.

 

Bronze valves have a rough and porous finish and are usually made by die casting or cast ingot machining.

 

They are an excellent choice for the toughest environments, such as offshore platforms or oil and gas exploration. In contrast, brass valves are softer and are preferred for industrial use. 

The characteristics of brass valves

 

Brass valves are made of brass and chrome plated surfaces. The full spheres are used below ph39, while the hollow spheres are used above. The material of the ball also determines the sealing performance. 

 

Brass valve bodies are typically made of free-working brass, which is also called CDA 360 or UNS C36000. Brass is also generally used for ball valve bodies. 

 

Compared to bronze and copper valves, brass is even more durable and offers higher performance. Combining flexibility, elasticity and excellent corrosion resistance, brass valves are a very common choice for applications such as the petrochemical, marine and natural gas industries. They are fire-resistant valves and are often made of sealed Teflon materials.

 

What are the differences between brass and bronze?

 

 

It is always important to know the differences between bronze and brass in order to make a conscious choice. Indeed, the two alloys, although both containing copper, have different characteristics. Let us see some of them:

• Brass is more malleable and has a lower lead content. Bronze, on the other hand, is harder and less flexible, which makes it more fragile under certain conditions;
• Bronze is more resistant to oxidation and, as mentioned, less malleable, but has a higher melting point;
• Brass is more resistant to corrosion;
• Bronze valves are generally more resistant than stainless steel, but can be more expensive;
• In general, brass is a better metal for welding and brazing.

 

Although brass valves are more durable, they are not as popular in some industries such as food and pharmaceutical production due to their lead content. 

 

In addition, when choosing brass valves, it is necessary to consider whether a high-pressure valve or one capable of withstanding higher temperatures is needed. In general, both brass and bronze valves are good prices on average and are good for water systems.

 

What influences the choice of materials?

 

When choosing the best valve material for your industrial application, you need to consider several factors such as:

 

• Pressure. Materials such as steel and bronze are ideal for high pressures, while plastic and cast iron are better for low pressures.
• Temperature. Materials must resist heating or cryogenic effects and maintain their properties unchanged even with significant temperature changes.
• Corrosion. Stainless steel and bronzes are also corrosion resistant in water supply and chemical plants.
• Cost. Materials such as plastic and bronze typically cost more than carbon steel but offer several other advantages.
• Use. The characteristics of the flow medium and the overall service life requirements influence the choice of valve type and material.

ECI valves in brass or bronze: the solution for every application 

 

Carbon steel, stainless steel, high performance alloys and bronze cover most industrial valve applications. But other materials such as brass, cast iron, aluminium and plastics can also be suitable for specialized uses.

 

Whatever your application, ECI offers a full range of industrial valves in different materials including bronze and brass, to suit your needs. Experienced engineers and a constantly trained team of the latest solutions help customers specify the right metals, alloys and valve types to provide the perfect balance between corrosion resistance, functionality and value. 

 

Each product is systematically tested to ensure compliance with specific quality standards and maximum operational efficiency. As a manufacturer of valves for various industrial sectors, ECI offers various types of valves - in bronze, brass and other materials. Among these, we find: 

 

• ground valves;
• globe valves;
• ball valves;
• check valves;
• balancing valves.

 

Thanks to a long experience in the sector, ECI - European Casting Industry - provides specialized advice and tailor-made solutions for each customer’s specific needs, Offering valves made to different standards and ensuring a wide distribution of its products.

 

For more information on the different types of valves proposed by ECI, contact us!