Basically, valves work on two control motions. Either they work based on linear motion or rotational motion. The plug valve is based on rotating motion. It requires only a quarter-turn to operate. So it is also called a quarter-turn valve and a cock valve. Plug valves have some unique features. They have their own unique maintenance procedures. Plug valves are mostly usable valves in the valve industry.
Mechanism
The plug valve has a cylindrical or conical tapered plug inside the valve body that can be rotated in the valve. The plug has one or more hollow passageways to pass out the fluid from the valve. When the valve is in open condition, fluid comes out via these hollow passageways.
The plug is connected to the handle via the stem, so when it requires taking an action simply rotate the handle. The rounded or tapered cylinder plug is available in various opening ports that vary the degree. The opening areas such as rectangular ports, Rounded ports, and Diamond port.
The plug valves with multiple passageways like three-way plug valves or four-way plug valves have either L-shape or T-shape hollow plug inside the valve. The multi-way valves utilize for diverting or mixing applications. For mixing applications, the plug is hollowed as “X” shaped. Mostly these types of valves take place in FMCG factories. Where more than two ingredients mix in one port. Whereas the “L” shape hollow plug utilizing for diversion applications. The diversion application plug valve control to supply in two directions at the same place.
On the other side, slightly different from plug valves, there is a ball valve available with the same mechanism. As the plug valve has a hollowed plug inside the valve body, in the same manner, the ball valve has a hollowed ball inside the valve body. The ball valves also take only a 90-degree quarter turn to take action. The ball valves also come in 2 way, 3 way, and 4-way ports.
Plug valve importance
The plug valves require a quarter turn to operate, so it is very useful to control the media where quick action is necessary. Plug valves are also useful for high-pressure flow line applications. Where flow isolation needs in acidizing, cementing, coil tubing, fracturing, and sand control.
When the lubricated plug valve infection would not be important for the fluid process, in that scenario it can be used. The lubricated plug valve is suitable for slurry materials when the plug bore is available with the full port.
It is useful for hydrogen fluoride, sulfur, and other hazardous liquids that trap or potentially jam the valve. Where the plugs do not have a body cavity in contact with the flow rather than other valves.
In processes that use fluids containing mildly abrasive particles, such as dirty upstream applications, gas pipeline systems requiring bypass valves, as well as blowdown valves on valve stations and kicker valves, lubricated plug valves offer excellent performance.
When maintenance needs to remain low, such as in special services involving sulfur or hydrogen fluoride, or in applications. Where liquids might be trapped or solidified, non-lubricated plug valves can be preferred and Non-lubricated plug valves, on the other hand, are limited in their performance by temperature and chemical compatibility.
Plug Valve Maintenance
Maintenance of valves is an essential part of any damage prevention program, as it ensures the proper functioning of the pipeline. You have little to no control over your pipeline if your valves do not turn freely and seal properly. All equipment required maintenance to perform as expected. Plug valves also require periodic maintenance for smooth working. The Lubricated plug valves require lubrication from time to time otherwise this valve friction goes on at a high level causing the decrease of valve life and making it jam or hard to operate the valve. Generally, plug valves require annual maintenance for greasing the plug.
If your plug valve is older, lubricate it. An older lubricated plug valve’s primary seal is metal-to-metal contact between the plug and the valve body. The lubrication fitting applies pressure to the valve that builds up in the lube sealant reservoir under the plug, eventually lifting the plug away from the metal-to-metal seal. During this time, the lube sealant moves up and around the plug, lubricating it and forming an internal seal between the plug and valve body.
Manufacturers
The most important factor in valve purchasing is the valve producer or supplier of your origin. The plug valve manufacturer bases its development on operational safety, low energy consumption, high-performance processes, and cost-effectiveness in work operations, friction reduction, and ease of maintenance. In spite of these challenges, a lack of oil and gas sector developments, the requirement for actuators in NPS 4 and other larger valves, and the high cost of plug valves relative to ball valves have impeded the development of plug valves manufacturers.
Aira Euro Automation is a well-known Indian valve manufacturing company. They offer a wide range of Industrial valves including ball valves, butterfly valves, control valves, plug valves, and many others and they offer pneumatic actuator-operated plug valves as well as they have manual handle-operated 2 way and 3-way plug valves. They offer flange-ended and screw-ended plug valves. In various industries, the most common plug valves sit with flange end connection class 150 and 300#.
They offer a very special Jacketed Plug Valve. Jacketed plug valves have a sleeve-type structure, rapid opening and closing, small flow resistance, easy maintenance, and good sealing performance. Their application ranges from chemical and petroleum to piping controls.
About the Author
Yunus Shaikh is a mechanical engineer and passionate about industrial products and industrial valves. He has been writing for the last 5 years in this field also He has published many articles, mostly based on new research and industry news. He always says “There is a lot of work is awaiting”. In the last 100 years, modern technology has jumped and gone beyond the imaginations of an ordinary human. The engineers are constantly working to provide an easy and secure lifestyle. Not only to every man in the office but also for the factory workers.
