Valve selection

Under harsh operating conditions involving solid particles such as copolymers, ordinary ball valves are indeed prone to seal surface damage, as well as air or fluid leakage, due to the adhesion of these solid particles. In this case, the following types of valve alternatives can be considered: 1. Scraper ball valve: The design of this type of ball valve allows for the removal of the copolymer from the surface of the ball when it is closed, thereby keeping the sealing surface clean and ensuring good sealing performance. 2. Plug valve: The plug in a plug valve can make full contact with the sealing surface and dislodge adhering substances, resulting in good resistance to contamination and excellent sealing performance. 3. Diaphragm valve: This type of valve controls the flow of fluid by means of a diaphragm that separates the fluid from the valve body; the diaphragm prevents the fluid from coming into contact with the valve body, thus avoiding the accumulation of solid particles on it. It is suitable for use in situations involving suspended solids or viscous fluids. 4. Eccentric rotary valves (such as butterfly valves): Butterfly valves with an eccentric structure or other types of eccentric rotary valves possess a self-cleaning function; they can remove the copolymers adhered to the sealing surface by rotating. 5. Knife gate valve: The blade of the knife gate valve can remove residues between the valve body and the sealing surface when it is closed, making it suitable for media that are viscous or contain crystals. 6. Valves made of special materials: Valve balls and seals are made from materials that are resistant to wear and contamination, such as ceramic valves or valves coated with PTFE, which offer improved resistance to wear and dirt. When selecting a product, factors such as fluid properties, operating pressure, operating temperature, flow capacity, and sealing requirements need to be taken into account. Due to the particular nature of actual operating conditions, it is generally recommended to consult with a professional valve manufacturer or engineer and provide details about those conditions; they will then recommend the most suitable type of valve and material based on your specific situation. .

Ball valves are not unacceptable, and they are actually the preferred choice. First, you need to check the hardness of your copolymer, and then consider the sealing properties of the valve body as well as the ball surface; coating it with cemented carbide is a good option. Additionally, a scraper design for the sealing strip is useful.