VICTREX PEEK Polymer Selected for Compressed Natural Gas Regulator Valve Seats

Located inside a CNG tank, the regulator must consistently control the pressure of gas while operating between temperatures of -40°C (40°F) and 120°C (248°F) as well as perform under extreme pressures without changing its shape or properties. The valve seats in the regulators are exposed to dynamic loads and need to provide long-term resistance against high loads without embrittlement at low temperatures.

Metal valve seats can be easily deformed at high pressures and are vulnerable to deformation under wide temperature variations. Material selection for valve seats is critical as a deformed valve seat can cause a leakage problem and interfere with the following critical functions: providing thermal protection to regulate temperature; prevent the tank from bursting under pressure; regulating gas flow to and from the engine in on and off mode and to interrupt the flow of gas in case of cable damages. In addition to its high temperature resistance, VICTREX PEEK polymer provides a unique combination of high performance properties, chemical resistance, and resistance to humidity to meet the customers’ requirements.

Soaring oil prices and environmental concerns have increased the demand for alternative fuels in the automobile market making CNG a more widely used fuel source globally and CNG powered vehicles more popular.