Overview
ISO 16135:2006 - "Industrial valves - Ball valves of thermoplastics materials" - specifies requirements for the design, functional characteristics, manufacture and testing of thermoplastic ball valves intended for isolating, control and divert/mix services in industrial pipe systems. The standard covers valves sized DN 8 to DN 150, pressure ratings PN 6, PN 10, PN 16, PN 25 and Class 150/300, with a design temperature range from −40 °C to +120 °C and an intended service life of 25 years.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and application: Applies to hand- or power-operated thermoplastic ball valves used across industrial piping systems (including general water supply, drainage and sewerage); special rules may apply for potable water systems.
- Design requirements: Defines two-way and multi-way valve functions, ball bore options (full or reduced), shaft/actuator interfaces, blow-out proof shafts, position indication and soft-seat alternatives.
- Materials: Body/bonnet materials include ABS, PE, PP, PVC-U, PVC-C, PVDF or equivalent materials meeting referenced plastics standards. Trim and sealing material selection is the manufacturer’s responsibility but must pass specified tests.
- Pressure/temperature rating: Body design follows MRS values (ISO 12162). Maximum allowable pressures (PMA) account for material p/t ratings and a rating factor f to derive PMA for the valve design and 25-year life expectancy.
- End connections: Supported end types include butt fusion, spigot (cementing/welding), socket (electro-fusion/heated tool/cementing), flanged, wafer, threaded and union ends.
- Testing and verification: Specifies initial type tests, pressure and functional tests, documentation of test results, and conformity criteria per clause 5 and related test standards.
Applications and users
ISO 16135 is used by:
- Valve manufacturers designing and certifying thermoplastic ball valves
- Piping and process engineers specifying valves for chemical, water treatment, and general industrial systems
- Procurement and quality assurance teams ensuring product compliance and long-term performance
- Standards writers and compliance bodies referencing harmonized test and marking requirements
Typical applications include on/off isolation, flow diversion/mixing in chemical processing, water handling, and other corrosive or temperature-sensitive fluid systems where thermoplastics offer material advantages.
Related standards
ISO 16135 references and aligns with key plastics and valve standards, for example:
- ISO 12162 (MRS / p/t rating), ISO 15493 / ISO 15494 / ISO 10931 (plastics piping components)
- ISO 5211 (actuator attachments), ISO 8233 / ISO 8659 (torque/fatigue tests)
- EN 12266-1 (valve pressure testing), EN 558 (face-to-face dimensions)
These related documents provide complementary requirements for materials, testing and connections.
Keywords: ISO 16135, ball valves, thermoplastics, industrial valves, DN, PN, pressure-temperature rating, PVDF, PVC-U, PP, ABS, valve testing, valve design.