Session: Corrosion Management: Water Treatment, Desalination, Transmission, and Reuse
Corrosion-Free and Smart: Enhancing Valve Reliability with High-Performance Plastics and Smart Electrical Position Feedback Solutions (C2026-00450)
Monday, March 16, 2026
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Central
Location: 372 EF
Earn .5 PDH
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Jochen Hamburger, Ali Al Sahari, Mohammad Alhazmi, Yannic Ohms
Material selection plays a crucial role in valve performance, particularly in demanding environments where exposure to aggressive media such as chemicals, seawater, and wastewater can lead to degradation over time. This paper presents the successful deployment and evaluation of high-performance thermoplastic butterfly valves in seawater applications, addressing corrosion and maintenance challenges associated with traditional metallic valves. A two-year field trial, conducted by Georg Fischer in collaboration with the Research Center of Saudi Water Authority (SWA), involved the installation of PA-GF60/PVDF composite valves with smart electric actuators at a seawater RO pilot plant. The valves demonstrated exceptional performance under harsh operating conditions, with over 2,000 actuation cycles across 762 days. Post-use analysis confirmed zero leakage (per ISO 9393-2), stable actuation torque, superior burst resistance (>48 bar), and no thermal or structural degradation, as verified by DSC and macroscopic evaluations. The valve’s lightweight design, corrosion resistance, and operational reliability offer a sustainable alternative to metal valves. Additionally, the integration of a smart electrical position feedback system enhances process automation, enabling precise control, predictive maintenance, and reduced total cost of ownership. This study underscores the effectiveness of advanced polymer-based valve systems for improving durability, safety, and efficiency in desalination industry.
