Stop the Clock: 

Why Standard Valves Fail in Slurry and Fly Ash : And the KGV Features That Guarantee Uptime!

Introduction: The High Cost of Downtime (The Pain Point)  

In industries dealing with abrasive media—from fly ash in power plants  to wood pulp in paper mills    —the valve is the weakest link. A jammed gate or a leaking seal doesn't just mean a quick repair; it triggers unscheduled shutdowns, damages pumps, and dramatically increases maintenance costs. This is often because a standard general-purpose valve was installed where an application-specific Knife Gate Valve (KGV) was required  

The Triple Threat: Abrasion, Corrosion, and High Heat  

A successful valve must withstand three forces simultaneously:

• Abrasion (The Grinding): Slurries and dry ash act like sandpaper, rapidly eroding the valve seat and gate   . This is why simple brass or low-grade stainless steel parts fail quickly.  

• Corrosion (The Chemical Attack): In wastewater or chemical slurries, the medium attacks the metal at a molecular level   .  

• High Temperature (The Stress): Applications like bed ash handling in thermal power plants can expose valves to temperatures up to  1200°C   , warping standard components and destroying soft seals.  

The Solution is in the Engineering: Essential KGV Features  

To combat the triple threat, Fluidtecq engineers specialized KGVs with distinct features:

• Material Science is Key: We move beyond standard materials.  For extreme wear, the gates are available in specialized materials like  SS310, Chrome plated and Nitrided finishes   .  For the body, options like Cast Iron or SS316 are available   .  

• Sealing for Survival:  

  • High Temperature: For applications up to 1200°C , we rely on  metal-seated designs where fine ground gates provide reliable sealing   .  

 Design for Flow: Our Uni-Directional / Bi-Directional designs  ensure the gate can cut through the media.  Full Round Port or Square Port options    are available, and the design is certified as per  MSS SP 81 standards  

Beyond the Valve: Actuation and Customization  

A valve is only as good as its automation.  We offer a full range of actuation options, ensuring   

seamless integration into your plant automation   :  

• Manual (Handwheel/Chain wheel)      

• Pneumatic (Cylinder-operated)    - Our own Fluidtecq cylinders are compatible     

•   Electric (Motorised)      

For large-scale projects and unique requirements, we offer sizes from 50NB up to  900NB (with higher sizes on request)   , ensuring a perfect fit for complex pipelines.  

Partnering for Longevity  

For over  35 years   , Fluidtecq has specialized in flow control for the most demanding industries. Choosing the right Knife Gate Valve—backed by specialized materials and high-temperature capability—is not an expense, but an investment in reducing your total cost of ownership (TCO) and guaranteeing continuous operation.  

Stop guessing and start solving. Request a Slurry Valve Consultation today to discuss your specific MOC and temperature requirements: