Comparative analysis of operation features of ball and plug valves in metallurgical slurry systems

The design features of ball and plug valves in relation to their operation in metallurgical slurry systems are analyzed. The advantage of a plug valve includes a lower abrasive wear of the plug edges, which provides for a reliable regulation of the slurry mixture flow and a longer service life of the device under minimal material expenses. The simulation results confirmed that, compared to a ball valve, the velocity vector and hydrodynamic structure of slurry flows have a lesser effect on the wear of the plug valve edges. Therefore, DN200 plug valves are more suitable for operation in metallurgical slurry systems at valve opening degrees of 70–90°.