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Ideal slurry valves

Q: In flowing slurries through 1-in., 1.5-in. and 2-in. lines and with pressures in the 150# ANSI range, are ball valves or plug valves better suited for this application and why? Assume 30 psid pressure drops across the valves.

A: This is a dozy of a question. For control of the flow of slurries, neither a plug valve or ball valve is a good choice, especially with the high pressure drop expected. The abrasive nature of solids would suggest a pinch valve with a replaceable sleeve. For isolation, a butterfly or a knife valve is best. Both the butterfly and the pinch valves are available in designs for pressures up to about 200 psi.