Plast-O-Matic Valves Inc. has introduced a line of actuated thermoplastic ball valves designed specifically for clean-in-place applications. Plast-O-Matic’s ball valve design features a shaft strengthened with a stainless steel rod to prevent breakage. Teflon is used as a bearing on the shaft to minimise wear. The ball itself is machined and mirror-smooth, and uses top and bottom supports called a “trunnion” design. Teflon seats are energised with o-rings, and no metal parts are exposed to process liquid. These features enable the valve to be actuated easily and with less load torque, even after prolonged periods in the same position, which is common in many CIP applications. The trunnion design allows bi-directional flow due to design symmetry. This feature eliminates pressure loss and makes it impossible for the valve to be installed backwards. True union ends and mounting lugs simplify installation and provide piping support. Actuators are available with electric or pneumatic operation. Both are built from corrosion-resistant thermoplastics, and are water- and dust-tight to withstand pressurised external wash-down procedures.
