In today’s world, faucets are a key component within plumbing systems, playing a vital role in supplying and controlling fluid flow. Given the wide variety of applications, designs, and functions of these devices, understanding the differences between various types—such as sanitary faucets and industrial valves—is essential and unavoidable.
Here, we aim to carefully examine the differences between these two types of valves and, from a technical and practical perspective, analyze their features, structure, raw materials, function, and standards. The purpose of this article is to increase readers' awareness so they can make the right and appropriate choice for their needs.
Sanitary Faucets and Industrial Valves
Sanitary faucets refer to equipment used in water supply systems for buildings and residential, commercial, or public areas. These types of faucets are designed to control water flow for everyday uses such as washing, bathing, kitchens, and toilets. In addition to proper functionality, their appearance and harmony with the surrounding décor are also especially important.
In contrast, industrial valves are devices used in various industries to control the flow of different fluids such as water, steam, oil, gas, and chemicals. These valves are designed to withstand high pressures, a range of temperatures, and harsh environmental conditions, focusing more on durability, safety, and precise operation than delicate appearance and aesthetics.
Generally, sanitary faucets are mostly used for household and comfort-related purposes, while industrial valves are utilized in work environments and specialized industrial processes, each designed and built based on specific needs.
Main Applications of Sanitary Faucets and Industrial Valves
1. Sanitary Faucets
Primarily used in residential, commercial, and public buildings to supply and control water flow for daily consumption. Common applications of these faucets include use in bathrooms, restrooms, kitchens, and any other areas where water temperature and pressure need to be regulated.
In addition, sanitary faucets are frequently used in public spaces such as hotels, hospitals, and shopping centers to ensure hygiene while providing comfort and convenient access for users. Their design typically emphasizes aesthetic appeal, ease of installation and maintenance, and adequate durability in day-to-day situations.
2. Industrial Valves
Industrial valves have wide applications across numerous industries and play a crucial role in managing and controlling fluid flow within industrial processes. Industries that commonly use such valves include oil and gas, petrochemicals, power plants, food processing, pharmaceuticals, mining, and water and wastewater systems. These valves are engineered to operate safely and reliably in harsh environmental conditions, including high pressure, extreme temperatures, or corrosive and toxic fluids. Therefore, selecting resilient raw materials and complying with technical standards is extremely important.
Material Differences in Sanitary and Industrial Valves
One of the most important differences between sanitary and industrial valves lies in the raw materials and their construction, which directly affect their performance, durability, and suitability for various uses.
Sanitary faucets are usually made of metals and alloys that, in addition to having sufficient strength, also provide a bright and attractive appearance. Materials such as brass, chrome, stainless steel, and high-quality plastics are common. Alongside corrosion resistance, these materials must also be hygienic and non-toxic since they come into direct contact with drinking water and sensitive health environments.
By contrast, industrial valves are made from much more resistant and specialized materials to handle the tough and variable conditions of industrial settings. Stainless steel alloys, cast iron, bronze, aluminum, and sometimes special heat- or corrosion-resistant materials like Teflon or proprietary protective coatings are used. These materials must be able to withstand high pressures, extremely high or low temperatures, and corrosive chemicals, ensuring both safety and efficiency while prolonging the useful life of industrial equipment.
The Operational Mechanisms of Each Valve Type
The operational mechanisms of sanitary and industrial valves differ greatly due to their various applications and environmental conditions.
Sanitary faucets are mainly designed for easy and precise control of flow and water temperature for domestic and comfort use. They typically feature simple, user-friendly mechanisms like lever, dual-handle, or rotary designs, allowing for quick and effortless adjustment. Moreover, to maintain hygiene and prevent leaks, these valves are commonly equipped with ceramic or disc cartridges that increase durability and precision.
In contrast, industrial valves are responsible for controlling fluid flow under more complex conditions and higher pressures. They often utilize more advanced mechanisms such as ball, butterfly, diaphragm, needle, or globe valves, which can withstand very high or very low pressures and temperatures while allowing for exact adjustment or on/off control. Furthermore, many industrial valves include automated control systems and measuring instruments, enabling better monitoring and management of industrial processes.
When Should Industrial Valves Be Used?
Selecting the right valve is a key factor in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and longevity of piping and process systems. Industrial valves come into play when working conditions exceed the requirements of ordinary household or sanitary use and when specific resistance, pressure, and temperature features are necessary.
Examples of situations where industrial valves are essential include:
- High Pressure and Temperature: When a fluid flows under very high pressure or at very high or low temperatures, standard sanitary faucets cannot provide reliable and safe performance.
- Special or Corrosive Fluids: In oil, gas, petrochemical, or chemical industries where corrosive, toxic, or uncommon fluids are used, industrial valves built with resistant materials and special designs are required.
- Need for Precise Flow Control: Industrial processes that demand precise adjustment of flow or automatic on/off control use specialized industrial valves.
- Harsh Environmental Conditions: Industrial settings exposed to moisture, dust, vibration, or mechanical shocks require more durable and robust valves.
Whenever the working conditions go beyond normal limits and require specific safety and operational standards, industrial valves are the best and most logical choice.
When Are Sanitary Faucets Sufficient?
Sanitary faucets are appropriate and adequate when used in residential, commercial, or public spaces with a standard water supply and hygiene requirements. In general, the following cases are suitable for sanitary faucets:
- Everyday Household Applications: Such as water supply and flow control in restrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and other indoor spaces in buildings.
- Standard Pressure and Temperature Conditions: When the water pressure and fluid temperature fall within the standard range that sanitary faucets can handle.
- Absence of Corrosive or Special Fluids: Where the supplied water does not contain corrosive or special chemicals, and hygienic standards are maintained.
- Need for Aesthetics and Harmony with Décor: In environments where appearance matters alongside functionality, products must match the interior design.
- Low-Risk, Non-Industrial Environments: Where there is no high working pressure, extreme temperatures, or harsh environmental factors.
In such cases, sanitary faucets are not only sufficient but also more economical and easier to use, meeting consumers’ everyday needs well.
Conclusion
Selecting between sanitary faucets and industrial valves directly depends on application type, environmental conditions, and the specific needs of each project. In residential, office, or commercial environments with normal pressure and temperature, where the main priority is everyday use, style, and convenience, sanitary faucets are the best option. They not only offer an attractive appearance but are also functionally adequate and easier to install and maintain.
However, in cases where your workplace is industrial—with high pressure and temperature or involving corrosive or special fluids—industrial valves made from resistant materials and featuring specialized designs provide guaranteed safety, durability, and optimal performance. Use of these valves is mandatory, especially for oil, gas, petrochemical industries, power plants, and other industrial applications.
Ultimately, accurately understanding your needs and work environment is the key to making the right valve choice. It is recommended to consult technical experts and review relevant standards before making a decision, so you can optimize costs, ensure ideal performance, and maximize the useful life of your equipment.
