Which Valves Should Be Selected for High Pressure and High Temperature Conditions?

In industrial piping systems, valves are not only key components controlling the direction and flow of media, but also the “gatekeepers” of system safety. Especially under high pressure and high temperature conditions (such as steam, petrochemical, hot oil, and metallurgical applications), valve selection plays a decisive role in equipment lifespan and operational safety. Incorrect selection can lead to leaks, seal failure, system shocks, and even safety accidents. So, how do you choose the right valve for demanding operating conditions? WEIZODOM provides you with a professional procurement reference guide.

I. What are High-Temperature and High-Pressure Operating Conditions? Defining Operating Conditions – A Prerequisite for Valve Selection

High-temperature and high-pressure operating conditions typically refer to:
Temperature ≥ 200°C
Pressure ≥ 2.5 MPa (25 bar)

Common applications include:

Steam piping networks and boiler systems

Petrochemical reaction units

High-temperature heat transfer oil circulation systems

Power plant high-pressure steam supply pipelines

Metallurgical and pharmaceutical equipment

Before selecting a valve, the following parameters should be clearly defined:

Media type (steam, oil, water, gas, etc.)

Pressure rating and temperature range

Opening and closing frequency and control method

Pipe diameter and installation space

These data will directly determine the type and material of the valve.

II. Recommended Valve Types for High Temperature and High Pressure Conditions

1️⃣ Gate Valve – Reliable Fully Open/Closed Control

Applications: High-temperature steam, heat transfer oil, main pipelines

Features: Robust structure, excellent sealing performance; low flow resistance, suitable for fully open or fully closed operation; optional wedge or parallel structure

Recommended Materials: Carbon steel (WCB), Cr-Mo steel, stainless steel (304/316)

Purchase Recommendation: Prioritize metal-sealed products to ensure no deformation or leakage at high temperatures.

2️⃣ Ball Valve – Quick Control Option for High-Pressure Systems

Applications: Gas, oil, chemical media, high-pressure pipelines

Features: Rapid opening and closing, reliable sealing; suitable for frequent opening and closing; supports full-bore design, minimal flow resistance

Recommended Materials: Stainless steel, carbon steel, alloy steel

Purchase Recommendation: For high-temperature conditions, metal hard-seal ball valves are recommended to avoid aging of soft-seal materials.

For environments exceeding 300°C, a wear-resistant alloy ball valve with a metal seat should be selected.

3️⃣ Globe Valve – Precise Regulation and Pressure Resistance First Choice

Applications: Steam pipelines, heat exchange systems, chemical pipelines

Features: Short opening and closing stroke, excellent regulation performance; uniform stress on the sealing surface, wear-resistant; robust structure, suitable for high pressure differential environments

Recommended Materials: WCB, WC6, WC9, 304, 316 stainless steel

Purchase Recommendation: Electric or pneumatic control options are available for applications requiring precise flow regulation.

4️⃣ Check Valve – Prevents backflow and protects equipment

Applications: Boilers, compressor outlets, high-temperature fluid systems

Features: Automatic opening and closing, no external force required

Prevents backflow impact damage to equipment

Adapts to pressure fluctuations in high-pressure, high-temperature systems

Recommended Materials: Stainless steel, chrome-molybdenum steel, carbon steel

III. Valve Material Selection – Key to High Temperature and Stress Resistance

Under high temperature and high pressure conditions, ordinary cast iron or bronze valves will fail due to insufficient strength or thermal deformation.

Therefore, the following materials should be selected:

Purchasing Recommendations: If the system contains corrosive media (such as acids, alkalis, sulfur-containing gases), stainless steel or alloy steel valves should be given priority.

For equipment operating at high temperatures for extended periods, forged steel valve bodies provide better safety and lifespan.

IV. Cost and Maintenance – Key Considerations for Purchasing Personnel

For high-pressure, high-temperature systems, “selecting the right valve the first time” is more economical than frequent maintenance later. Therefore, within budget limits, prioritize purchasing high-performance, pressure-tested industrial-grade valves.

V. Installation and Usage Precautions for High-Temperature and High-Pressure Valves

Preheat the valve body: Before using high-temperature media, gradually increase the temperature to prevent thermal shock from causing valve body cracking;

Avoid frequent opening and closing: Metal-sealed valves should not be operated frequently to avoid accelerated wear;

Regularly inspect the sealing surface: Especially in high-pressure systems, wear on the sealing surface directly affects safety;

Correctly select the drive device: High-pressure valves are recommended to be equipped with electric or pneumatic actuators to avoid human error;

Standard pressure testing and acceptance: Ensure that the factory pressure test report and material certificate are complete.

VI. Why Choose WEIZODOM High-Temperature and High-Pressure Valves?

WEIZODOM has 25 years of manufacturing and service experience, producing various specifications of gate valves, ball valves, globe valves, and check valves. We have complete API, CE, ISO, and EN certifications, and offer a diverse range of materials. Each valve undergoes rigorous testing from production to export, including pressure resistance, sealing, torque, and life tests. Our customer base covers industries such as power, petrochemicals, and metallurgy. Moreover, WEIZODOM high-temperature and high-pressure valves are widely used in power plant boilers, petrochemical plants, steam systems, and high-temperature hot oil pipelines, winning the trust of domestic and foreign customers with their stable and reliable performance.