How Slurry Knife Gate Valves Conquer Abrasive Slurries?
Iron ore, the lifeblood of the steel industry, rarely exists in a pristine state. It’s often extracted and transported as a slurry – a thick mixture of crushed ore particles suspended in water. These slurries pose a significant challenge to flow control due to their abrasive nature. Here’s a deep dive into how Slurry Knife Gate Valves tackle this demanding task. Understanding the Abrasiveness of Iron Ore Slurries Iron ore is a naturally abrasive material, containing a high concentration of hard minerals like quartz and hematite. When crushed and mixed with water, these particles create a slurry that can wear down conventional valves rapidly. The abrasiveness of a slurry depends on several factors, including Particle size and shape: Larger, angular particles are more abrasive than smaller, rounded ones. Concentration: Higher concentrations of solids in the slurry increase its abrasiveness. Flow velocity: Faster flow rates can lead to increased erosi...