Bronze vs Brass for Ball Valve

[perion]

Hi,

I'm looking at shutoff valves for potable water. In particular, ball valves made by Milwaukee Valve. They have a line of lead-free valves (Ultra Pure) which come in either brass or bronze. Is there any advantage/disadvantage to picking bronze over brass?

Thanks,

Paul

 

[BillTheEngineer]

Bronze is typically stronger. I am guessing the bronze has a higher pressure rating. I would also guess either would work fine for you, I doubt you are need the working pressure limit of either valve.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[perion]

Thank you for the response, I appreciate it!

 

[Ron Lehman]

I had the same question when I started making my freeze tolerant ball valve with a freeze plug. You can google it, and what I found is that the strength is very similar. Bronze, because of the higher copper content ,80-86% is more resistant to corrosion when installed in contact with the ground. Hence copper water pipes- soft copper etc. If the valve is used on inside plumbing, there isn't really any advantage one over the other.

 

[John Gayewski]

Most heavy duty things in the potable water supply are made of bronze. Circulators, water meters, and valves. Lesser would be brass.

 

[DIYorBust]

My sense would be that bronze is used in environments where corrosion is an issue. Acidic water or salt spray would be an example. If this is not a known issue brass is probably ok. John says the heavy dutiness of the component is a factor and there may be something to that, but if it's just a regular shut off valve, I don't see why it would matter. I have brass shutoff valves that are 100 years old.

 

[Fitter30]

Brass valves 200 lbs@250* design for city water
Bronze 600 lbs wog design for commercial and industrial applications. Different fluids and gases.