Knife Gate Valves Browse All 
Select a featured product type to jump to that section.
Unidirectional
Bidirectional
Urethane Lined
O-Port
Push-Through, Slurry Valves
Guided Shear Gate
Zero Pocket
RTFE (Reinforced PTFE) is a PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) compound that is typically filled with glass fiber, carbon, or other reinforcing materials to improve its mechanical strength, wear resistance, and dimensional stability. It is commonly used in valve seats, seals, and liners requiring a balance between the chemical inertness of PTFE and enhanced mechanical durability, commonly used in chemical, oil & gas, and industrial process valves.
Properties
- Improved Wear & Creep Resistance – Offers better abrasion resistance and reduced cold flow (deformation) compared to virgin PTFE.
- Excellent Chemical Resistance – Maintains PTFE’s inertness to a wide range of acids, bases, and solvents, making it ideal for aggressive chemical environments.
- Enhanced Mechanical Strength – Reinforcement improves pressure-handling capability and extends the service life of seats and seals.
- Low Friction Coefficient – Maintains the self-lubricating, low-friction properties of PTFE, which is ideal for low-torque valve operation.
- Good Temperature Resistance – Operates effectively from -200°C to +260°C (-328°F to 500°F).
RTFE vs. PTFE in Valves
• Stronger and less prone to cold flow than virgin PTFE.
• Maintains similar chemical and temperature resistance, but with better dimensional stability under load.
• More wear-resistant than standard PTFE, but not as strong as filled polymers like PEEK.
Limitations
- Less Chemically Inert Than Virgin PTFE – Reinforcing fillers can slightly reduce chemical resistance in highly aggressive environments.
- Slightly Higher Friction Than Pure PTFE – Due to the presence of fillers, though still considered low-friction.
- Not Ideal for Highly Abrasive Media – For severe wear environments, PEEK or metal-seated valves may be preferred.
Common Applications
Ball Valve Seats – Widely used in chemical processing, oil & gas, and general industrial ball valves.
Butterfly & Plug Valve Liners – Provides low-friction, chemically resistant surfaces for tight sealing.
Control Valves – Used in dynamic sealing applications requiring low torque and long service life.
Pharmaceutical & Food Valves – Suitable for FDA-approved RTFE grades in clean and sanitary environments.
Cryogenic Valves – Maintains sealing capability in ultra-low-temperature services.