Valves and flow equipment for the steel industry

Steel plants operate with cooling water, steam, condensate, compressed air, industrial gases, fuel and auxiliary fluid networks. Valves used in these circuits are selected according to pressure, temperature, fluid type, operating frequency and the environmental conditions at the installation point.

Melting, casting, rolling, heat treatment and auxiliary systems use isolation valves, control valves, check valves, safety valves, pressure reducing valves and condensate removal equipment. Correct selection of size and materials supports flow control, stable line operation and protection of pumps, heat exchangers, boilers, headers and pipework.

Typical applications

• Cooling water circuits for furnaces, continuous casting machines and rolling lines.
• Steam networks for heating, cleaning, auxiliary processes and heat treatment.
• Condensate and drainage lines on headers, heat exchangers and pipework.
• Compressed air networks for pneumatic actuators, instruments and auxiliary equipment.
• Industrial gas and fuel lines in combustion and metal processing areas.
• Water softening, treatment and recirculation systems.
• Auxiliary circuits for hydraulic units, lubricants and thermal fluids.

Equipment selection criteria

• Operating pressure, temperature and load variations.
• Material compatibility with water, steam, condensate, air, gases or fuels.
• Resistance to dust, thermal radiation, vibration and external corrosion.
• Required flow rate and allowable pressure drop.
• Isolation, control, non-return or overpressure protection function.
• Operating frequency and automation requirements.
• Access for inspection, maintenance and replacement of internal parts.

Indicative equipment

• Isolation valves for water, steam, air and auxiliary fluids.
• Control valves for flow, pressure and temperature regulation.
• Pressure reducing valves and pressure regulators for steam and air networks.
• Safety valves for boilers, pressure vessels, headers and pipework.
• Check valves for backflow prevention in pumps and networks.
• Steam traps and condensate removal equipment.
• Line strainers for protection of valves, instruments and heat exchangers.
• Pneumatic and electric actuators for operation from the control system.

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