Overview
ISO 16139:2006 - "Industrial valves - Gate valves of thermoplastics materials" defines requirements for the design, manufacture, testing and marking of gate valves made from thermoplastic materials. It applies to hand- or power-operated gate valves used for isolating service in industrial pipe systems (irrespective of application or conveyed fluid), covering nominal sizes DN 10 to DN 350 and pressure ratings PN 6, PN 10, PN 16 and Class 150. The standard sets performance expectations for a service life of 25 years and a working temperature range from –40 °C to +120 °C, and specifies required tests and documentation.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Design and function
- Valves intended for isolating service with a symmetrical obturation suitable for both flow directions.
- Body bore may be full bore (≥ 90% of DN) or reduced bore (manufacturer to declare actual bore).
- Obturation must not intrude into the bore when fully open; soft-seat sealing and specified stem sealing systems (stuffing box or self-sealing) are required.
- Materials
- Permitted body/bonnet materials include ABS, PE, PP, PVC-C, PVC-U and PVDF (selection aligned with ISO 15493 / ISO 15494 / ISO 10931).
- Trim materials (disc, seals, internal components) are manufacturer-selected but must meet mechanical integrity and test requirements.
- Pressure/temperature rating
- Valve PMA (allowable maximum operating pressure) is derived from material p/t ratings using a rating factor (f); minimum f values vary by material and temperature (defined in the standard).
- Ratings account for the complete valve assembly and selected trim; limitations must be marked if trim restricts temperature range.
- End connections and dimensions
- Multiple end-connection types are covered: fusion, welding, electrofusion, flanged, threaded, wafer, union, etc.
- Face-to-face/centre-to-face dimensions and flange compatibility are referenced.
- Testing and certification
- Specifies initial type tests, pressure tests and requirements for fatigue, torque and flow resistance; documentation and declaration of compliance are required.
Applications and users
- Intended for designers, manufacturers and purchasers of industrial thermoplastic gate valves used in:
- Chemical processing, water and wastewater systems, general industrial piping.
- Useful for:
- Valve manufacturers (product design and type testing),
- System specifiers and procurement teams (ensuring compliance, compatibility and marking requirements),
- Plant engineers and asset managers (selection for long-term service up to 25 years).
Related standards (examples)
Keywords: ISO 16139:2006, industrial valves, gate valves, thermoplastics, pressure/temperature rating, DN, PN, Class 150, valve testing, valve design.
