As an important fluid control device, the material selection of valves has a significant impact on their service life, corrosion resistance, and stability. When choosing valve materials, copper valves have more advantages compared to stainless steel valves. So, why are copper valves better than stainless steel valves? Here are a few reasons why copper valves are better than stainless steel valves.
1、 Good thermal conductivity and thermal expansion
Copper is a metal with superior thermal conductivity, with a higher thermal conductivity coefficient compared to stainless steel. This means that copper valves can transfer heat to the environment faster, thereby preventing rapid temperature rise and increasing valve stability. At the same time, the thermal expansion coefficient of copper matches well with the temperature changes of the fluid, which can reduce the thermal stress of the valve during temperature changes and extend its service life.
2、 Better corrosion resistance
Copper has good corrosion resistance and can effectively resist the erosion of chemical substances such as acid and alkali. In contrast, stainless steel is prone to corrosion in some acidic environments, reducing the service life of valves. Moreover, stainless steel is prone to stress corrosion cracking in high-temperature environments, while copper is not threatened by such situations. Therefore, copper valves are more suitable for relatively harsh working environments and can ensure long-term reliable operation.
3、 Good plasticity and weldability
Copper material has good plasticity and weldability, making it easy to process into various shapes of valves. Copper valves can be manufactured through forging, die casting, and other methods to meet the needs of different engineering projects. Stainless steel has poorer plasticity than copper and usually requires welding processing, which may lead to the formation of heat affected zones, thereby affecting the strength and performance of the valve. Therefore, copper valves have better processability, bringing greater convenience and flexibility to engineering projects.
4、 Environmental friendliness
Copper is a renewable material and environmentally friendly. Compared to that, the production process of stainless steel is relatively more complex and consumes more energy. In today's society that emphasizes sustainable development, choosing copper valves is also a responsible choice for environmental protection.