Valves and flow equipment for the building materials industry

Building materials plants use steam, water, thermal oil, compressed air, fuel, condensate and auxiliary fluid networks. Valves in these circuits are selected according to pressure, temperature, fluid type, operating frequency and the environmental conditions at the installation point.

Cement, gypsum, lime, ceramics, brick, insulation material and precast element production lines require stable flow control in mixing, drying, heating, curing, cooling and cleaning processes. Correct valve sizing helps limit unstable flow, pressure losses and unwanted thermal variations in production equipment.

Typical applications

• Steam networks for drying, mould heating, cleaning and auxiliary processes.
• Thermal oil circuits on ovens, dryers and heating systems.
• Cooling, washing, mixing and recirculation water lines.
• Compressed air networks for pneumatic actuators, instruments and auxiliary equipment.
• Fuel and industrial gas lines in thermal processes.
• Condensate removal systems from heat exchangers, headers and pipework.
• Auxiliary circuits on silos, mixers, dryers, kilns and packaging units.

Equipment selection criteria

• Operating pressure, temperature and load variations.
• Material compatibility with steam, water, thermal oil, air, fuel or chemical additives.
• Resistance to dust, humidity, thermal radiation and external corrosion.
• Required flow rate and allowable pressure drop.
• Isolation, control, non-return or overpressure protection function.
• Operating frequency and need for connection to an automation system.
• Access for inspection, cleaning, maintenance and replacement of internal parts.

Indicative equipment

• Isolation valves for steam, water, air, thermal oil and auxiliary fluids.
• Control valves for flow, pressure and temperature regulation.
• Pressure reducing valves and pressure regulators for steam and compressed air networks.
• Safety valves for boilers, vessels, headers and pipework.
• Check valves for pump protection and backflow prevention.
• Steam traps and condensate management equipment.
• Line strainers for protection of valves, instruments and heat exchangers.
• Pneumatic and electric actuators for remote or automatic operation.

For each application, the line operating data, start-up and shutdown conditions, available installation length, presence of dust or humidity and automation requirements should be reviewed. These parameters define the valve type, nominal size, pressure class, construction materials, sealing requirements and suitable actuation method.