Introduction:

Selection of the slurry valves are most important things while designing a slurry or mining equipment. The industrial norm of current trend is to pump the slurries over longer distances at higher solids concentrations which in turn puts slurry valves in place to a tougher test of functioning, as these are very abrasive applications which have higher pressures. Basically, slurries are very thick and are filled with solids which tends it to be highly abrasive which makes it quite a tougher medium for every equipment that encounters it in the process.

Slurry valves are frequently use as valves for mining.. With proper selection of slurry valve well in advance can minimize the said effects of abrasion and corrosion, along with that the downtime as well as the cost of maintaining can be considerably reduced, by knowing what the key features to look for in a slurry valve selection.

1. Type of valve

Choosing the right type of valve for the application that is intended to use it. This is of paramount importance since a valve should perform basic functions like Shut off flow, divert flow, Mix flow etc., without any trouble. Specifically elastomer designed valves can be effective with the slurries, especially the abrasive ones, which can cause significant wear on equipment. Valves has to be selected by knowing the property of the slurry medium and its nature.

• Construction Materials

The underlying fact that slurries are usually corrosive, and abrasive makes it crucial to select the right materials for valve construction. Abrasive or Viscous slurries can cause scaling as well as crystallization which can hinder the flow as well as production and damage the equipment. Most slurry knife gate valve manufacturers recommend that the corrosivity needs to be considered, for selecting the right sleeve/seat material and for selecting a suitable material for the valve’s body, its housing, or its gate. If necessary some special process on the gates also should be considered.

• Pressure and Temperature Ratings

Determining the pressure and temperature requirements of the plants where these slurry valves will be installed will help to select which materials can be used to withstand these phenomena. This determination is also needed for the slurries to select the sleeve or seat materials for using in the valve. Some slurries require higher temperatures and pressures for their long-distance transportation. Most of the elastomers work well for higher temperatures, while others are best suited for ideal temperatures. Metal valves withstand higher temperatures and pressures than valves of other materials.

• Shut-Off Mechanism

It’s very important that the slurry valve selected needs to have a positive shut-off qualities since theses slurries are harmful to the environment and people encountering it. Generally for slurry applications Bi-Directional valves are mostly recommended. The slurries has to drained and flushed frequently according to the frequency of operation of the valves. This flushing mechanism will increase the life span of the valves, decrease the downtime and avoid scaling which will helps the valves to give a tight shutoff.

• Maintenance Criteria

Consider the ongoing maintenance criteria while choosing a valve is essential for the reliability and stability of the application it is to be used. The connection type of a valve can also determine whether the cost is increased in maintenance or replacement because each connection has its own advantages as well as disadvantages.

Conclusion:

Slurries are very tough fluids to move! Yes, they are indeed abrasive, corrosive, and contains solids in higher concentration. For slurry applications, selection of the right valves is not a perfected globally, so it’s highly important that a qualified team of experts are chosen for the getting best recommendations based on the characteristics of the slurries to find a solution for things that cause a premature valve failure.

At V-Tork, our team of valve specialists can help identify these suitability issues involved from the outset and offer the best solution for your intended valve application. Being one of the leading knife gate valve manufactures and knife gate valve suppliers in India, we are equipped with the specialized valve selection and design knowledge that comes with years of experience which will certainly help you reduce the cost of downtime and ownership with a perfect valve for the purpose.