Valves and flow equipment for the tyre industry

Tyre and rubber product plants operate with steam, condensate, thermal oil, hot water, chilled water, compressed air, vacuum and auxiliary fluid networks. Valves in these circuits are selected according to pressure, temperature, fluid type, operating frequency and the requirements of the production equipment.

Tyre production requires controlled flow and temperature in mixing, preheating, forming, vulcanising, cooling and cleaning processes. Correct valve sizing helps limit pressure losses, thermal fluctuations and unstable operation in presses, moulds, heat exchangers, tanks, headers and pipework.

Typical applications

• Steam networks for vulcanising presses, moulds, preheating and thermal processes.
• Condensate and drainage lines from presses, headers and steam pipework.
• Thermal oil circuits in heating and temperature control systems.
• Hot and chilled water lines for heating, cooling and auxiliary processes.
• Compressed air networks for pneumatic actuators, instruments and auxiliary equipment.
• Vacuum and auxiliary gas lines in forming and process control.
• Cleaning, water treatment and auxiliary unit support systems.

Equipment selection criteria

• Operating pressure, temperature and heating or cooling cycles.
• Material compatibility with steam, condensate, thermal oil, water, air or auxiliary fluids.
• Resistance to thermal stress, external temperature, humidity and industrial environment.
• 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, 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, heat exchangers and nozzles.
• Pneumatic and electric actuators for remote or automatic operation.

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