Overview
Cast iron globe and angle valves, flanged and threaded.
Scope & Applicability
Applies To Industries
Covers — cast (gray) iron globe and angle valves with flanged or threaded ends for general low-pressure water, steam, and utility service, including ratings, materials, dimensions, and testing.
Does NOT cover (exclusions) — the following are governed elsewhere:
- Bronze globe/angle/check valves → MSS SP-80.
- Steel valves for process/petroleum service → API 600 / 602.
- Flammable, toxic, or shock-loaded service where brittle cast iron is unsuitable → steel/ductile valve standards.
Gray cast iron is brittle; SP-85 valves are limited to mild, non-hazardous service.
Key Requirements
SP-85 sets minimum requirements for cast iron globe/angle valves:
- Materials — gray cast iron body/bonnet with bronze or iron trim.
- Design & Ratings — Class 125/250 pressure-temperature ratings; standardized dimensions and end connections.
- Testing & Marking — shell and seat testing with acceptance leakage, plus marking per MSS SP-25.
Technical Details
MSS SP-85 standardizes cast iron globe and angle valves for low-pressure water, steam, and utility service, defining Class 125/250 ratings, materials, dimensions, and testing. It is the cast-iron companion to the bronze SP-80 standard.
Because gray cast iron is brittle, these valves are limited to mild, non-hazardous duty and are not appropriate for flammable, toxic, or shock-loaded service.
Engineering Note: Do not substitute a cast iron SP-85 valve into a line that can see thermal shock or hydraulic hammer — brittle failure of the body is the risk.
Engineering Notes
Low-pressure cast iron globe and angle valves for water, steam, and utility service. Cast (gray) iron is brittle, so these valves are not used for hazardous or thermally/mechanically shocked service. Companion to SP-80 (bronze) and the cast-iron gate-valve standards.
Source, Edition & Status
- Publisher
- MSS
- Edition Year
- 2011
- Industries
- General Industry, Building Services, Waterworks
- Last Reviewed
- 2026-07-01
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01
- Verified By
- Engineering content reviewer
- Content Status
- reviewed
- Official Link
- msshq.org