Offering users increased application range diversity, George Fischer has completed its product offering for the Type 546 Ball Valve family with material availability in Beta-PP (polypropylene) and PVDF (polyvinylidene). These materials meet the stringent requirements of the chemical processing, semiconductor, food and beverage, electroplating and metal industries. Combined with the existing materials in PVC and CPVC, users can now select the most suitable material for virtually any application.

The newly available Beta-PP material features excellent chemical resistance, high stiffness and maximum safety for impact stress and vibration. It is suitable for applications with operating temperatures ranging from -10°C to 95°C.

The second material, PVDF, is a semi-crystalline thermoplastic and exhibits outstanding temperature and chemical resistance properties without the use of additives, such as heat stabilizers. Consequently, it offers unbeatable quality in terms of hygiene and cleanliness. The result is high chemical resistance to most inorganic acids, resistance to UV light and gamma rays, and resistance to flame and abrasion. These properties also render it an ideal material for conveying ultrapure media in the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries. The temperature range for this material is –20°C to +140°C.

Available in sizes 3/8" - 2" (16mm – 63mm) with choice of red or black handle, the Type 546 Valve's buttress thread design offers robust construction and provides an exceptionally strong connection for maximum safety. Other important safety features include a ratchet styled lockable handle that prevents accidental movement and a blow-out proof stem with an intended break point. Short overall length allows for design of compact systems for space-saving economies.

Other outstanding features include the valve's multi-function module. This module significantly expands the number of uses for the Type 546 by allowing the user to easily add different accessories, actuators and switches. The multi-function module can also be used for easy wall/panel installation or as a position feedback unit by adding one of five different micro-switch options. The multi-functional handle ensures the necessary safety for manual operation while the locking feature protects against unwanted manipulation.

The Type 546 Ball Valve can be easily actuated with George Fischer's PA 11 and PA 21 Pneumatic Actuators or EA 11 and EA 21 Electric Actuators. These actuators easily mount on the standardized mechanical interface of the 546 Valve's multi-function module and offer a wide range of accessories, all-plastic housing, high protection rating, and a service life of 250,000 cycles. They also include a standard ISO-Namur connection for greater flexibility in adding accessories.