Description

    Plug Valves are either cylindrical or conically tapered. Conical valves are equipped with a handle attached to one end of the plug which allow better handling and control of the flow of the fluid whenever the device is opened or closed. There are many different models of plug valves, and among them is the two-port valve, which is simple to use and allows the fluid or gas to flow whenever it is opened, as well as stop the flow each time the valve is shut closed.

Uses

    Plug valves are used in a wide array of equipment. They are usually found in natural gas lines as a device to control gas flow within the pipes, as well as laboratory glassware stopcocks in used in creating glass products and items. Plug valves are also used in vacuum devices, as part of the controls in removing pressure from a given amount of space.

Applications

    Plug valves are used mostly in industrial gas and oil machines, particularly those used in heating and treating raw materials. Plug Valves are also used in oil field service applications like cementing, acidizing, and fracturing. Substances that go through plug valves include high-temperature/corrosive liquids, which can be dangerous if manually handled.

Types

    Plug valves run in various ports. While two-port valves are the most common, plug valves can also run in three or more ports. Three-port plug valves allow the substance to run through two exits after entering from one end, and these ports can be interconnected and passed through all at the same time. Multi-port valves are directed by means of flow controllers such as balls or rotors, which help in maintaining even, specified flow of the substance.

Care/Maintenance

    Since they are used in handling highly corrosive substances, plug valves are at high risk to wear and tear. Abrasive and corrosive liquids can erode the structure of the valve and obstruct the flow the substance, resulting to leaking and breakage. The valves would have to be regularly refurbished by means of welding new metal patches in the flow path in order to maintain smooth substance passage.