Valves and flow equipment for metallurgy

Metallurgical plants operate with cooling water, steam, condensate, compressed air, industrial gas, fuel, thermal oil, hydraulic fluid and auxiliary fluid networks. Valve selection is based on pressure, temperature, fluid type, operating frequency, installation point and the conditions of the production environment.

Melting, casting, rolling, heat treatment, cooling, cleaning and metal processing operations require a defined function for each valve. Cooling circuits require stable flow and pump protection. Steam networks require condensate management and overpressure protection. Fuel and industrial gas lines require tightness control, material compatibility and safe section isolation.

Typical applications

• Cooling water circuits on furnaces, foundries, rolling lines and heat exchangers.
• Steam networks for heating, cleaning, heat treatment and auxiliary processes.
• Condensate, drainage, venting and blowdown lines.
• Compressed air networks for pneumatic actuators, instruments and auxiliary equipment.
• Oxygen, nitrogen, argon, natural gas and other industrial gas lines.
• Fuel lines on burners, kilns, ovens and thermal processes.
• Water treatment, recirculation and filtration systems.
• Auxiliary circuits for hydraulic units, lubricants and thermal fluids.

Equipment selection criteria

• Operating pressure, design pressure and valve differential pressure.
• Operating temperature, external temperature and thermal radiation at the installation point.
• Material compatibility with water, steam, condensate, air, fuel, industrial gas or hydraulic fluid.
• Resistance to dust, vibration, humidity, external corrosion and mechanical loads.
• Required flow rate, minimum flow rate and allowable pressure drop.
• Isolation, control, non-return, relief or overpressure protection function.
• Seat, stem and connection tightness requirements.
• Operating frequency and automation requirements from PLC, DCS or local panel.
• Access for inspection, section isolation, maintenance and replacement of components.

Indicative equipment

• Isolation valves for water, steam, air, fuel, gases and auxiliary fluids.
• Control valves for flow, pressure, temperature or level regulation.
• Pressure reducing valves and pressure regulators for steam, air and industrial gases.
• Check valves for protection of pumps, compressors and cooling networks.
• Safety and relief valves for boilers, vessels, headers, heat exchangers and pipework.
• Steam traps and condensate management equipment.
• Line strainers for protection of control valves, pumps, instruments and heat exchangers.
• Separators, air vents and drainage equipment for steam and water networks.
• Pneumatic and electric actuators for remote or automatic operation.

For each application, the line operating data, fluid, flow rate, pressure, temperature, installation point, presence of dust or thermal radiation and control system requirements should be reviewed. These data define the valve type, nominal size, pressure class, construction materials, sealing arrangement and suitable actuation method.