Ball Valves

Our range of PP-H (polypropylene homopolymer) ball valves is purpose-built for demanding industrial environments where high temperatures, aggressive chemicals, and reliable flow control are non-negotiable. Designed to regulate, isolate, and direct flow within plastic pipe systems, these valves combine excellent chemical resistance with lightweight construction and long service life.

At Pipestock, you’ll find one of the broadest selections of PP-H ball valves available in the UK - covering plain, spigot-ended, and BSP threaded connections, with EPDM or FPM (Viton) sealing options to suit a wide spectrum of media and temperatures.


Why Choose PP-H ball valves?

PP-H is a high-performance thermoplastic widely specified for hot and corrosive liquid handling thanks to its:

  • Excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, salts and many solvents
  • High temperature capability compared with many standard plastics
  • Smooth bore for low pressure loss and consistent flow
  • Corrosion-free performance and minimal maintenance
  • Lightweight handling versus metal alternatives

These advantages make PP-H ball valves ideal for chemical processing, industrial waste treatment, water treatment, pharmaceutical and biotech facilities, laboratories, brewing and distilling, food processing, electronics manufacture, hospital systems, nuclear applications, and effluent conveyance where dependable isolation is essential.


Standards, Materials & Manufacture

Metric pressure PP-H valves

  • Manufactured from beige-grey RAL 7032 polypropylene homopolymer (PP-H)
  • Dimensions and tolerances to DIN 3442
  • Valve connections to DIN 16962 (socket & butt fusion), ANSI, ASA, DIN, JIS and BS flanges
  • Quality and testing regime to DIN 3442 TI and certified DIN EN 19

Inch pressure PP-H valves

  • BSP threaded type manufactured from beige-grey RAL 7032 PP-H
  • Designed to fit pipe dimensions to BS 4991 : 1974 Series 2
  • Tested to DIN 3442 TI and certified DIN EN 19

Plain Ball Valves (EPDM / FPM)

Best for: Fully plastic systems using socket fusion or solvent-weld style connections.

  • Plain ends allow direct fusion into PP-H pipework for a homogeneous, leak-tight joint
  • Available with EPDM seals (excellent for water, mild chemicals, and many aqueous solutions)
  • Or FPM (Viton) seals for higher temperatures and more aggressive chemical media
  • Ideal where long-term chemical resistance and minimal maintenance are priorities

Typical applications: Chemical dosing lines, process skids, water treatment plants, laboratory pipework.

Spigot-Ended Ball Valves (EPDM / FPM)

Best for: Welded systems requiring strong, permanent joints with high mechanical integrity.

  • Spigot ends designed specifically for socket fusion
  • Create a robust, continuous PP-H system with no threaded interfaces
  • Offered with EPDM or FPM seals to match the conveyed media
  • Excellent choice for higher-temperature or higher-risk installations

Typical applications: Industrial chemical processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, hot effluent lines.

BSP Threaded Ball Valves (EPDM)

Best for: Connections to metal pipework, pumps, equipment, or where disassembly is required.

  • BSP threaded ends provide flexibility for mixed-material systems
  • Supplied with EPDM seals, well suited to water and many industrial fluids
  • Easier to install, remove, or replace than welded alternatives
  • Ideal for ancillary equipment connections and maintenance-friendly layouts

Typical applications: Equipment tie-ins, pump connections, skid-mounted systems, retrofit projects.


Choosing the Right PP-H Ball Valve

When selecting a PP-H ball valve, consider:

  • Connection type - plain or spigot for welded systems, BSP for threaded interfaces
  • Seal material - EPDM for general duty, FPM for higher temperature or aggressive chemicals
  • Operating temperature and pressure of the system
  • Chemical compatibility with both valve body and seals

Socket Fusion Welding Guide

What Is Socket Fusion?

Socket fusion (also known as polyfusion) is a heat-welding process where the outside of the pipe and the inside of the fitting socket are heated simultaneously using a dedicated fusion tool. Once softened, the components are pushed together to form a permanent, leak-free joint.

The welded joint becomes as strong as the pipe itself, with no seals, adhesives or mechanical fasteners required.

Equipment Required

To achieve a reliable socket fusion joint, you will need:

Important: Always use heater bushes that exactly match the pipe and fitting size. Incorrect sizing is the most common cause of failed joints.

Recommended Welding Temperature

  • Fusion tool temperature: 260°C ±10°C
  • Allow the tool to fully stabilise before welding
  • Never weld below temperature or with contaminated heater surfaces

Step-by-Step Socket Fusion Process

1. Cut the Pipe Square

  • Cut the PP pipe cleanly and square to ensure full, even contact inside the fitting socket

2. Chamfer and Clean

  • Lightly chamfer the pipe end to ease insertion
  • Remove burrs and debris
  • Wipe both pipe and fitting with a clean, dry cloth
  • Cleanliness is critical - dirt or moisture will weaken the weld.

3. Mark the Insertion Depth

  • Insert the pipe into the fitting without heat and mark the insertion depth on the pipe using a marker pen
  • This prevents over-insertion during welding, which can restrict bore diameter

4. Heat the Components

  • Place the pipe onto the external heater spigot
  • Place the fitting onto the internal heater socket
  • Apply firm, even pressure only - do not twist
  • Always follow the manufacturer’s time chart for your welding machine

5. Remove and Join Immediately

  • Remove pipe and fitting simultaneously
  • Push the pipe straight into the fitting up to the depth mark
  • Do not twist or rotate
  • Hold firmly in position

6. Cooling Time

  • Hold joint steady for 10 - 30 seconds (size dependent)
  • Allow full cooling before applying stress or pressure
  • Do not accelerate cooling with water or air

Visual Check - What a Good Weld Looks Like

Even, symmetrical fusion bead around the joint No bead / uneven bead
Pipe fully seated to depth mark Twisting marks
No burn marks, gaps or distortion Pipe pushed past depth mark
Bore remains smooth and unrestricted Oval or collapsed socket

 


If you require any further information, our excellent customer service team is here to help so please call us on 01794 835835.

 

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