In plastic tanks and storage vessels, liquid level control must often be simple, reliable and independent from electrical power. Many applications require a mechanical valve solution that can automatically open or close according to the liquid level inside the tank.
The ELV Float Level Valve Series is designed for liquid level control in tanks. With its float-operated mechanical structure, stainless steel construction and adjustable arm design, ELV provides a practical solution for filling, discharge and level-based flow control applications.
What Is the ELV Series?
The ELV series is a float level valve family used to control liquid level in tanks and reservoirs. The valve operates mechanically through a float and arm mechanism.
As the liquid level rises, the float moves upward and changes the valve position. Depending on the application design, the valve can close when the level rises, or it can open and start discharge when the level increases. When the level decreases, the valve changes position again.
This simple mechanical operation makes ELV suitable for tanks where electrical control is not available, not preferred or not necessary.
Use in Plastic Tank Applications
Although the catalog defines ELV as a stainless steel float level valve, it can be considered for plastic tank applications where a durable mechanical level control valve is required.
Plastic tanks are commonly used for water storage, utility liquids, condensate, process liquids and food-related fluids. In these applications, the ELV valve can provide automatic level control without requiring sensors, PLC systems or electrical actuators.
For plastic tanks, correct connection design and mechanical support are important. Since the valve body and float are metallic, the tank wall strength, mounting position, gasket compatibility and liquid type should be checked before installation.
Operating Principle
The ELV valve uses a float connected to a mechanical arm. The float follows the liquid level inside the tank.
When the liquid level rises, the float arm moves the piston mechanism. This movement changes the valve position. The valve can be configured so that rising liquid level closes the valve, or in reverse logic, rising level opens the valve and starts discharge.
When the level drops, the float moves downward and the valve returns to its previous position. This allows continuous mechanical level control without electrical energy.
Stainless Steel Construction
One of the key advantages of the ELV series is its stainless steel structure. According to the catalog, the body material, piston bracket, piston material, bolts, nuts, washers and split pin materials are 304 stainless steel as standard, with 316 stainless steel available as an option.
This construction provides durability in industrial liquid applications and supports long service life. For plastic tank applications, stainless steel construction is especially useful when corrosion resistance, mechanical strength and reliability are required.
Seal Material
The standard seal material is Viton. The catalog also states that seal material can be selected according to special liquids such as oil, petroleum and food-sector fluids.
This is important for plastic tank applications because the valve must be compatible not only with the tank material but also with the stored liquid. When the application involves chemicals, oils or food-grade liquids, gasket compatibility should be reviewed carefully.
Technical Features
The ELV series has a maximum working temperature of 200 °C. The maximum working pressure range is listed between 2 bar and 10 bar, depending on model.
Different models offer different connection sizes, flow capacities and pressure ratings. This allows users to select the correct valve according to tank size, liquid flow requirement and installation design.
Main Advantages
The ELV series offers several practical advantages. Special models can be produced on request, and shorter valve arm versions can be manufactured when space is limited.
The catalog also highlights that the seal can be selected according to oil, petroleum or food-sector materials. The complete stainless steel construction is another important advantage for demanding industrial applications.
Application Areas
The catalog lists application areas such as storage tanks, general tanks, fire water tanks, tanks where electricity cannot be supplied, condensate tanks and food storage tanks.
For plastic tanks, ELV can be useful in applications such as water storage, utility liquid tanks, process liquid tanks, condensate collection tanks and simple filling control systems.
Model Options
The ELV series includes many model options, including ELV 00, ELV 08, ELV 10, ELV 12, ELV 15, ELV 16, ELV 18, ELV 21, ELV 31, ELV 41, ELV 51, ELV 52, ELV 41f, ELV 51f, ELV 65f, ELV 81f and ELV 101f.
This wide product range allows selection according to flow rate, connection type and tank size.
Compact Models for Smaller Tanks
The ELV 00 model has an R 1/2" + nut connection, maximum flow rate of 0.5 m³/h, maximum working pressure of 10 bar and maximum weight of 0.7 kg.
The ELV 08 model also uses R 1/2" + nut connection, with maximum flow rate of 1.8 m³/h, maximum working pressure of 2 bar and maximum weight of 0.7 kg.
These compact models may be suitable for smaller plastic tank applications where low flow rate and compact installation are required.
Medium Flow Models
Models such as ELV 10, ELV 12 and ELV 15 use R 3/4" + nut connection. Their maximum flow rate is 3.5 m³/h, maximum working pressure is 10 bar, and maximum weight is 1.6 kg.
Models ELV 16 and ELV 18 also use R 3/4" + nut connection, with 3.5 m³/h maximum flow rate, 8 bar maximum working pressure and 2.5 kg maximum weight.
These models can be used where a higher flow rate is required while maintaining a relatively compact connection size.
Larger Threaded Models
For higher flow requirements, the ELV series includes larger threaded models.
ELV 21 has R 1" + nut connection and 6 m³/h maximum flow rate. ELV 31 has R 1 1/4" + nut connection and 9 m³/h maximum flow rate. ELV 41 has R 1 1/2" + nut connection and 12.5 m³/h maximum flow rate. ELV 51 has R 2" + nut connection and 16.5 m³/h maximum flow rate.
These models are suitable for larger tanks or applications requiring higher liquid flow capacity.
Flanged Models for Higher Flow Applications
The ELV series also includes flanged models such as ELV 41f, ELV 51f, ELV 65f, ELV 81f and ELV 101f.
The high-flow flanged models can reach up to 50 m³/h maximum flow rate in the ELV 101f model. These models are generally suitable for larger industrial tanks where robust connection and higher flow capacity are required.
For plastic tanks, flanged models should be evaluated carefully according to tank wall strength and mechanical support requirements.
Installation Considerations for Plastic Tanks
When installing an ELV valve on a plastic tank, the tank wall must be strong enough to carry the valve, arm and float. If the valve is installed close to a pump outlet, the catalog notes that the arm may need to be extended or the number of floats may need to be increased.
This is important because turbulence near pump outlets can affect float movement and valve stability. Correct installation position helps ensure reliable level control.
Why Choose ELV for Plastic Tank Level Control?
ELV is a practical choice when a plastic tank requires mechanical level control without electrical power. Its float-based operation, stainless steel construction, Viton seal, adjustable arm design and wide model range make it suitable for many liquid storage applications.
It can help prevent overflow, support automatic filling control and provide simple level-based discharge control depending on the selected operating logic.
Conclusion
The ELV Float Level Valve Series provides a mechanical and reliable solution for liquid level control in tanks. Although the catalog defines the product as a stainless steel valve series rather than a plastic valve series, ELV can be considered for plastic tank applications where stainless steel construction, mechanical operation and electricity-free level control are required.
With multiple model options, flow capacities, threaded and flanged connections, Viton seal and 304 / 316 stainless steel material options, ELV offers a flexible solution for tank level control in industrial and utility liquid applications.