IMI PBM FIRE RATED Ball Valve
Sanitary fire-safe ball valve range, IMI PBM, FI and FT series
IMI PBM Valve Solutions – API-607 certified ball valves for flammable fluids in hygienic environments
The IMI PBM sanitary fire-safe range includes 2-way and tank-bottom ball valves qualified to API-607 for use with flammable fluids in hygienic processes.
It meets a need shared across pharma, biotech, fine chemicals and cosmetics: processes regularly use flammable solvents (ethanol, isopropanol, acetone, methanol) on skids in ATEX zones, where the slightest valve leak in the event of an external fire turns a local event into fire propagation.
A standard valve, even if bubble-tight when cold, loses its PTFE seats at 300 °C and leaks under flame. The fire-safe range incorporates secondary metal seats that take over after the PTFE is destroyed and maintain sealing during and after the fire.
Used in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, fine chemicals and cosmetics, on solvent stations, extraction lines, alcohol dissolution tanks, purification circuits and classified ATEX zones.
Two main series in the sanitary range
| Series | Configuration | Sizes | Typical application |
| FI Series 6 | Sanitary fire-safe 2-way ball valve | 1/2″ to 4″ | Solvent lines, flammable product transfer |
| FT Series 6 | Sanitary fire-safe tank-bottom ball valve | 1/2″ to 4″ | Solvent tank outlets, synthesis reactors |
Fire-safe cryogenic configuration also available for low-temperature processes (liquefied gases, liquid nitrogen) where flame exposure remains a risk.
API-607 standard and test principle
API-607 certification (Fire Test for Quarter-Turn Valves and Valves Equipped with Non-metallic Seats) is the reference standard for quarter-turn valves with soft seats.
The test takes place in three phases: the valve, filled and pressurised, is subjected to an external flame reaching 750 °C within the first two minutes and then 820 °C for 30 minutes.
During exposure, external leakage (body, stem, flanges) must remain below the allowable threshold. After water cooling, the valve must still be operable and internal leakage through the seats must remain compliant.
The certificate guarantees that an internal leak does not turn into fire propagation through the process piping.
Body and wetted-part materials
316L stainless steel (ASTM A351 CF3M) as standard, with sanitary surface treatment.
Alternatives available in Hastelloy® C-276 and other ASME B16.34-listed materials to specification.
Composition and traceability compliant with ASME BPE. 3.1 material certificate supplied for all wetted parts.
Fire-safe seats, seals and sealing
Standard V-TEF™ or TFM™ (modified PTFE) primary seats for normal use, FDA-compliant and USP Class VI.
Secondary metal seats integrated into the body, set back from the PTFE seats. As long as the PTFE is intact, these metal seats are not engaged. In the event of fire, the PTFE degrades above 300 °C, the ball comes into direct contact with the metal seat and sealing is maintained by metal-to-metal contact.
High-temperature graphite body seals, graphite packing rings with white TFM in process contact, isolated from the medium in normal operation.
Live-loaded stem packing with Belleville springs that compensate for thermal settlement and maintain stem sealing during flame exposure.
Three-piece swing-out design
Three-piece swing-out body, allowing visual inspection of the ball and seats, replacement of consumables and cleaning without dismantling the pipework or requalifying orbital welds.
This design is retained in the fire-safe version: routine maintenance remains possible without removing the valve.
True-Bore® design and hygiene
Full port, with a ball diameter equal to the inside diameter of the connected tube. Continuous, hygienic fluid path compliant with GMP requirements, with no flow restriction.
Surface treatments performed without animal-derived ingredients (ADI-free).
Surface finish
| Finish | Internal Ra | Target applications |
| Standard mechanical | ≤ 0.76 µm (30 µin) | Fine chemicals, cosmetics |
| Fine mechanical | ≤ 0.51 µm (20 µin) | Pharma, biotech, pharma solvents |
| Electropolished | ≤ 0.38 µm (15 µin) | High-purity pharma, active ingredient extraction |
Dimensions and connections
Standard sizes 1/2″ to 4″ (DN 15 to DN 100), special configurations on request.
Available connections: hygienic clamp (Tri-Clamp), extended tube ends for orbital welding (controlled sulphur for weldability), sanitary thread, ANSI class 150# or 300# RF flanges to specification.
Compatible with ASME BPE, DIN 11864 and SMS dimensional standards.
Operating range
Operating pressure up to 62.1 bar (900 psig) depending on series and seat material.
Normal service temperature up to 232 °C with V-TEF™ seats, reduced ranges with alternative seals.
Under fire conditions, API-607 certified fire resistance: sealing maintained for 30 minutes under flame at 820 °C and residual functionality after cooling.
Cryogenic version available down to -196 °C with API-607 certification retained.
Actuation
Manual operation by patented lockable handle with ELT (Electro-Thermal Link) option for automatic closure if the ambient temperature is exceeded.
Integrated Direct Mount Actuation interface for automation, precise alignment with single-acting spring-return pneumatic actuator (fail-safe close).
Thermal fuse (fusible link) available on the actuator: in the event of an external fire, the fusible link breaks and releases the return spring, which closes the valve regardless of compressed air availability.
This mechanical redundancy is the safety belt in ATEX zones when the PLC loses power.
Traceability and packaging
Each valve is supplied with a 3.1 material certificate according to EN 10204 for all wetted parts (CMTR), a USP Class VI declaration of conformity for primary elastomers, an FDA statement for product-contact materials, and an API-607 qualification certificate with test report number.
Laser marking on the body: reference, size, material, serial number, “Fire Safe API-607” mention with qualification date.
Individually packed in a polyethylene sleeve, with capped ends.