What Is Stellite 20?
Stellite 20 is a high-carbon cobalt-chromium-tungsten alloy used where hard particles, corrosive process media, and repeated surface contact cause rapid wear. Its nominal composition contains approximately 32.5% chromium, 17.5% tungsten, and 2.5% carbon, with cobalt as the balance, while published hardness is approximately 52-62 HRC. For STECO customers, its main applications are precision valve balls and replaceable wear components in high-pressure homogenizer valve assemblies.
What Is Stellite 20 Used For?
Stellite 20 is widely used for precision valve balls and high-pressure homogenizer valve components. These parts operate under repeated opening and closing, concentrated contact stress, high-velocity fluid flow, and abrasion from suspended particles. The high hardness and carbide-rich structure help the working surfaces retain their geometry under these conditions.
Stellite 20 Valve Balls
Stellite 20 valve balls are used as moving sealing elements in ball-type check valves and homogenizer pump assemblies. During operation, the ball repeatedly contacts the valve seat while process fluid passes through the valve at high pressure. A polished spherical surface and accurate diameter allow the ball to move freely and establish repeatable contact with the seat.
The alloy is particularly useful when the fluid contains fine solids or ingredients that accelerate abrasive wear. Its chromium-rich cobalt matrix also supports service in process media where wear and corrosion occur together. Valve balls can be supplied in custom diameters and finished to the surface condition required by the valve design.
High-Pressure Homogenizer Valve Parts
In a high-pressure homogenizer, the valve assembly forces the product through a restricted flow path. The rapid pressure drop and high fluid velocity concentrate wear at the valve ball, valve seat, impact ring, poppet, and other components surrounding the homogenizing gap. Stellite 20 is used at these wear zones to preserve the working profile and flow geometry.
Typical Stellite 20 homogenizer components include:
- Valve balls for ball-type inlet, outlet, or homogenizing valve assemblies.
- Valve seats matched to the ball or poppet contact geometry.
- Impact rings and wear rings positioned in the high-velocity product stream.
- Poppets, valve plugs, and other replaceable wear elements.
- Custom valve inserts manufactured to an equipment drawing or sample.
These components are used in homogenizers processing dairy products, beverages, food emulsions, pharmaceutical formulations, cosmetics, chemicals, and other pumpable products. The component geometry varies according to the homogenizer model and whether the equipment uses a ball-type, poppet-type, flat-seat, or multi-stage valve arrangement.
Valve Seats and Mating Components
The valve seat provides the mating contact profile for the ball or poppet. STECO can manufacture Stellite 20 valve balls together with seats and related wear components as matched parts. Depending on the design, the seat may be solid Stellite 20 or a composite component that places the cobalt alloy at the working surface.
Applications by Processing Industry
In dairy and beverage homogenization, Stellite 20 components are used around the homogenizing gap where milk, cream, juice, emulsions, and products containing fine ingredients pass through the valve at high velocity. Food-processing applications include sauces, flavor emulsions, and nutritional products. Pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical homogenizers use the same types of balls, seats, impact rings, and poppets when abrasive ingredients and repeated pressure cycles wear the valve surfaces.
Ball-Type and Poppet-Type Valve Assemblies
Ball-type assemblies use a precision sphere that lifts from and returns to a matching seat. Poppet-type assemblies use a shaped moving element and a corresponding seat or impact surface. Stellite 20 can be manufactured into either configuration, including first-stage and second-stage homogenizing components.
Custom Stellite 20 Components
Homogenizer valve parts are commonly produced to an equipment drawing, an existing part, or specified mating dimensions. STECO supplies custom valve balls, seats, impact rings, poppets, plugs, inserts, and related components. Diameter, contact profile, concentricity, surface finish, and mating dimensions can be controlled and inspected according to the order.
How to Order Stellite 20 Valve Parts
Send us the component drawing or sample information, required dimensions, quantity, application, surface-finish requirements, and inspection or certification needs. For a valve ball and seat set, include the mating geometry or identify both components in the same inquiry.
Request a quotation by leaving a message through the inquiry form on this page, emailing sales@stecometals.com, or contacting us on WhatsApp at +86 136 7477 1335. We normally respond within 24 hours.
