| Typical service temperature | Approximately −40°C to +150°C, depending on compound and valve construction. | Approximately −20°C to +100°C; some compounds may be rated higher. | Approximately −40°C to +200°C; the actual limit may be lower because of valve design and pressure. | Request the manufacturer’s pressure-temperature chart for the complete valve assembly, not only the seat material. |
| Water service | Very suitable for potable water, chilled water, cooling water, and wastewater when the compound is approved for the intended service. | Suitable for many non-potable water systems, but generally less preferred for hot water and potable-water applications. | Suitable where broad chemical resistance or higher temperature capability is required; verify sealing and torque requirements. | Confirm drinking-water approval when required, such as NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 or the applicable local standard. |
| HVAC suitability | Usually the first choice for chilled-water, condenser-water, and glycol-water systems. | Useful for moderate-temperature water and oil-contaminated systems, subject to temperature limits. | Useful for higher-temperature or chemically demanding HVAC fluids, although operating torque can be higher. | Check compatibility with ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, treatment chemicals, and the specified operating temperature. |
| Oil and hydrocarbon resistance | Generally poor to limited resistance to petroleum oils, fuels, and many hydrocarbon fluids. | Generally good resistance to mineral oils, hydraulic oils, and fuels within the compound’s temperature range. | Generally excellent resistance to many oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons, subject to permeation and mechanical design considerations. | Ask for a compatibility assessment using the exact fluid composition, concentration, and temperature. |
| Acid and alkali resistance | Good resistance to many dilute acids and alkalis; not universally compatible with concentrated or oxidizing chemicals. | Limited to moderate resistance; strong acids, strong alkalis, and oxidizing chemicals can cause degradation. | Very broad chemical resistance, including many acids and alkalis; verify against molten alkali metals, fluorine, and specialized chemicals. | Require written chemical-compatibility data or test evidence for critical chemical service. |
| Steam and hot-water service | Generally not the preferred choice for continuous high-temperature steam service. | Generally unsuitable for continuous high-temperature steam service. | More suitable than EPDM or NBR for many hot-water and steam-related applications, but seat design and pressure must be checked. | Verify steam-cycle testing, maximum saturated-steam temperature, and the valve’s allowable pressure at temperature. |
| Abrasion and mechanical resilience | Good elasticity and sealing recovery; suitable for many water systems with moderate solids. | Good abrasion resistance and resilience, especially in oil-containing environments. | Excellent chemical resistance but lower elasticity; cold flow and deformation should be considered. | Review seat design, shaft arrangement, cycling requirements, and torque margins. |
| Ozone and weathering resistance | Generally excellent resistance to ozone, weathering, and aging. | Generally more vulnerable to ozone and weathering than EPDM unless specially formulated or protected. | Generally excellent resistance to weathering and ozone. | For outdoor installations, verify storage, coating, UV exposure, and elastomer formulation details. |
| Common material selection | Water, wastewater, chilled water, cooling water, dilute chemicals, and many glycol-water mixtures. | Mineral oils, fuels, hydraulic fluids, and selected water systems with moderate temperatures. | Aggressive chemicals, high-purity fluids, oils, solvents, and higher-temperature applications. | Confirm that the proposed seat is available in the required size, pressure class, and actuator configuration. |
| Main limitations | Poor compatibility with many petroleum-based fluids and some concentrated chemicals. | Limited high-temperature, ozone, weathering, and strong-chemical resistance. | Higher operating torque, potential cold flow, and possible sensitivity to seat-support design. | Request documented service-life assumptions and maintenance requirements for the intended duty cycle. |
| Relevant standards to consider | Valve design and testing may be specified to EN 593, API 609, ISO 5752, or equivalent requirements. | Valve design and testing may be specified to EN 593, API 609, ISO 5752, or equivalent requirements. | Valve design and testing may be specified to EN 593, API 609, ISO 5752, or equivalent requirements. | Check the project specification, pressure-test standard, face-to-face dimensions, flange drilling, and material standards. |
| Recommended priority | Best general-purpose option for water and HVAC when petroleum-oil exposure is absent. | Best option when oil or fuel resistance is more important than high-temperature or ozone resistance. | Best option when chemical resistance and temperature capability outweigh cost and torque considerations. | Select by verified application fit rather than price alone; compare test records, traceability, warranty, and after-sales support. |