At times, choosing between DZR valves and bonze valves can be a difficult task without the right information. A reason this article explores the fundamental aspects about these valves.
What Is DZR Valve?
DZR valves also known as dezincification resistant valves are a type of valve that is made from a specific line of brass. This type of brass is produced to specifically resist dezincification.
Dezincification is a type of corrosion that occurs to brass when it comes into contact with environments that have a high concentration of moisture and oxygen.
DZR valves are continually growing in demand due to their low cost, corrosion resistance, strength, electrical conductivity, and machinability. With these qualities, they outperform traditional copper materials and other alloys.
What Is Bronze Valve?
Bronze valves are made from bronze. Tin and copper are the main elements that are composed in the bronze alloy. Other alloy elements such as aluminum or manganese are added to the zinc and copper to achieve specific properties.
Compared to DZR brass, bronze has been in use for the longest though it is slowly been abandoned due to its increasing cost.
Properties of DZR Valve Versus Bronze Valve
Properties of DRZ Valve
Some of the properties of DZR valves include:
· Excellent Coping Features
The combined properties of dezincification resistance and corrosion resistance significantly add to the capacity of these valves. This makes them more suitable for extreme environments with aggressive water conditions.
· Strong
Compared with other elements of the same class, DZR valves are stronger, more reliable, and more durable thus preferred for heavy-duty applications.
· Less Zinc Content with Higher Copper Presence
DZR valves have a composition that is specifically made to balance out the copper and zinc content. The zinc content is minimized while increasing the copper content. This property is essential in ensuring that the DZR valve has dezincification resistance.
· Higher Temperature Tolerance
Compared to traditional brass valves, DZR valves have a much higher temperature tolerance. This feature makes them preferred when it comes to hot water applications and also used in areas with high temperatures.
· Corrosion Resistance
They are also ideal for clean water applications. Of course, this is due to their corrosion resistance properties.
Properties of Bronze Valve
· Brittle
Bronze valves are not very sturdy especially when compared to DZR valves. This makes them less preferable in applications that require mechanical stresses.
· Non-Flammable
Bronze is nonflammable while at the same time having excellent fire resistance properties. This makes it ideal for applications that require fire resistance.
· Flexible Nature
Bronze is flexible depending on the alloy composition used to make it. The best part is that it keeps its structural integrity while at the same time being flexible.
Chemical Composition of DZR Valve versus Bronze Valve
· Copper Composition
DZR valves have a higher copper composition of about 62% which provides the main structure and strength for DZR valves. Bronze valves consist of an even greater copper composition which can reach approximately 80% of copper content. This is what gives them a reddish appearance and also makes them resistant to rust.
· Zinc Composition
Bronze valves have less zinc composition compared to DZR valves which are composed of up to 35% zinc. The high zinc levels in DZR valves help in dezincification, durability, and resistance to decay.
· Lead Composition
Because of their sensitive applications, DZR contains very low levels of lead in their compositions. These levels can be less than 0.25% or even lead-free. This is to avoid lead leaching and also comply with water safety standards.
On the other hand, bronze valves are slowly abandoning lead in their composition. It is common to now find lead-free bronze valves in the market.
· Tin Composition
DZR valves do not utilize zinc as a main component. The resistance to corrosion of DZR valves depends on the controlling of copper and zinc levels. Bronze valves have traces of zinc because it is added as an alloy to enhance the bronze’s overall strength.
DZR Valve Vs Bronze Valve Working Temperature
DZR valves have a high working temperature that ranges from -20°C to 120°C. This is way better, especially when compared to traditional brass valves.
Bronze valves on the other hand have much higher working temperatures. The working temperature for bronze valves depends on the specific alloy composition and the intended application. For instance, an aluminum bronze valve can handle temperatures ranging from around -100°C to 400°C.
DZR Valve Vs Bronze Valve Working Pressure
A bronze valve’s working pressure also depends on its alloy composition, valve design, and also the application of the specific bronze valve. For low-pressure applications, the working pressure of the bronze valve can be around 150 psi while high-pressure applications can reach working pressure as high as 1500 psi.
On the other hand, DZR valves also range in working pressure depending on various factors such as application, valve design, material used, and size. This means that you can achieve a working pressure of as low as 150 psi and as high as 1500 psi or more.
Applications Of DZR Valve Versus Bronze Valve
Some of the applications depending on the specific valve include:
Bronze Valve Applications
· Petrochemical
Because of their fire resistance properties, bronze valves are ideal when it comes to applications that involve controlling highly flammable substances such as gasoline, gas, and oil.
· Marine
Bronze valves are also used in marine environments due to their corrosion resistance in saltwater conditions.
· Safety Relief
Bronze valves are also widely used as safety relief valves. Safety relief valves are used to protect pressure systems from overpressure. Overpressure can lead to damage or bursting of liquid transportation systems such as pipelines.
· Flow Direction Control
Flow direction control is the main application of bronze valves. They are used in regulating and directing the flow of liquid or fluids in different industrial processes.
· Flow Shut-Off
Bronze valves are also used in cutting off or shutting off the flow of liquids or gasses. This can be a temporary shut-off or permanent shut-off.
· Flow Control
As earlier stated, bronze valves can also be used in regulating the flow of fluids along pipelines.
DZR Valve Applications
Air and Liquid Shut-Off
DZR valves are essential for stopping gases and liquids in various systems such as pipelines. Their strength, build and pressure tolerance make them highly reliable.
Flow Control
DZR valves play a role in managing the movement of liquids or gases which allows precise control over the flow rate.
Flow Direction Control
Used to regulate and redirect the direction of liquid and gas flow. DZR valves provide adaptable control in different applications.
Natural Gas Shut-Off
DZR valves find special use in shutting off natural gases in places like geothermal sites. Their impressive resistance to high temperatures and make them a trusted choice.
Potable Water
DZR valves are suited for plumbing systems due to their low lead content and resistance to corrosion. They are suitable in managing the safe flow of drinking water.
Conclusion
With the information in this guide, you can certainly choose a perfect valve for your unique applications. Otherwise, both bronze valves and DZR valves can perform well as long as suitable conditions are set.