28-Jul-2025
In demanding industrial applications where high temperatures, abrasive media, or extreme pressures are involved, metal seated ball valves are the go-to solution. Unlike soft-seated valves, which use PTFE or other polymer-based seals, metal seated valves use precision-engineered metal-to-metal contact to ensure tight shutoff under harsh conditions.
🔧 What is a Metal Seated Ball Valve?
A metal seated ball valve uses a ball and seats made from hardened metal materials, such as stainless steel, Stellite, Tungsten Carbide, or Chromium Carbide coatings. The ball rotates within the valve body to control flow, just like standard ball valves, but the metal contact surfaces can withstand far more severe conditions.
✅ When to Use Metal Seated Ball Valves
Metal seated ball valves are typically chosen for:
🌡️ High-temperature environments (up to 540°C or more)
🧪 Abrasive or slurry applications
🔥 Fire-safe systems
⚙️ Steam, hydrocarbons, refinery, or power generation pipelines
🧼 Applications requiring frequent cycle life with minimal maintenance
⚖️ Metal Seated vs. Soft Seated Ball Valves
Understanding the difference between metal seated and soft seated ball valves is critical when selecting the right valve for your application.
Feature
Soft Seated Ball Valve
Metal Seated Ball Valve
Sealing Material
PTFE, TFM, PEEK, Delrin (Acetal)
Hardened Metal (e.g. Stellite, Tungsten Carbide)
Temperature Range
PTFE: ~140°C; PEEK: ~260°C; Delrin: ~80°C
Up to 500°C (or higher with special alloys)
Media Suitability
Clean, non-abrasive fluids and gases
Abrasive, corrosive, or high-solid media
Seal Tightness
None Visible Leakage
Class IV–V
Wear Resistance
Good with PEEK/Delrin; lower with PTFE
Excellent (ideal for erosion and slurry)
📝 Summary:
Soft seated valves (PTFE, PEEK, Delrin) are great for clean media, moderate temperature, and tight shutoff needs.
Metal seated valves are ideal for high-temperature, high-abrasion, and high-cycle environments where durability is critical.
💡 Key Benefits of Metal Seated Ball Valves
Feature
Benefit
🔥 High Temperature Resistance
Suitable for steam, thermal oil, and combustion systems
🛠️ Durable Against Abrasives
Handles sand, catalyst particles, slurries, etc.
🔄 Extended Cycle Life
Ideal for high-frequency on/off operations
🔒 Reliable Shutoff
Metal-to-metal contact maintains seal even under pressure and thermal cycling
🔧 Repairable/Serviceable Design
Many metal seated valves allow for lapping or replacement of internal components
📏 How to Select the Right Metal Seated Ball Valve
When selecting a valve, consider:
Temperature & Pressure Ratings
Media Composition (e.g., solids, corrosives)
Actuation Type – Manual, Pneumatic, or Electric
Valve Size & Connection Type – Flanged, Threaded, or Welded
Industry Standards – API 6D, ANSI, ISO, Fire-safe certifications
🏭 Industries That Rely on Metal Seated Valves
Petrochemical plants
Power generation
Pulp and paper industry
Mining & mineral processing
Steel and metallurgy
Oil & Gas
🚀 Why Choose Anson Flow Metal Seated Ball Valves?
At Anson Flow, we provide OEM and standard series metal seated ball valves tailored to demanding applications. We offer:
Precision-machined hard-coated balls and seats
Fire-safe, anti-static, ISO pad-ready
Private-label options
Specialty materials available on request: alloy steel, Hastelloy®, Duplex and Super Duplex stainless, nickel alloys, Inconel®, and titanium。
Actuated sets with pneumatic or electric control
👉 Need a sample or quote? Contact us to discuss your application.
📞 Let’s Talk
Whether you’re sourcing for a refinery, power plant, or abrasive slurry system, metal seated ball valves offer the durability and reliability your project demands.
📧 Email us at: sales@ansonflow.com🌐 Visit: https://www.ansonflow.com/