Valves for mining and mineral processing plants: slurry, water, air
At a mineral processing plant valves handle abrasive slurry, process water and compressed air. No single gate valve suits all three, and a wrong choice shows up quickly as wear.
TAZ Engineering Team · · 6 min
Slurry and tailings
Slurry lines use knife gate valves: the thin blade cuts through settled solids and leaves no cavity for them to pack into. Wedge gate valves on slurry clog and lose tightness. Body and seal materials are chosen for the abrasiveness and density of the slurry.
Process and make-up water
Return water mains, tailings facilities and pump stations use wedge gate valves, butterfly valves and check valves. With suspended solids, choose full-bore valves and wear-resistant seals.
Dewatering and compressed air
Mine dewatering needs high-pressure valves because of the lift height, plus check valves to protect the pumps. Compressed air uses steel globe valves and ball valves.
Maintenance
Keep seals and packing in stock and plan wear part replacement by operating hours. TAZ supplies valves and spares to mining operations in Uzbekistan and neighbouring countries.
Checklist
- medium: slurry, water, air
- solids content
- pressure and DN
- valve type
- seal materials
- spare parts