Engineering Solutions provider BMG and valves manufacturer Abrasive Flow Solutions (AFS), which are part of the specialist distributor Engineering Solutions Group (ESG), play a significant role in the local valves sector through the design, distribution, supply and support of a range of slurry-related valves, says BMG fluid technology low pressure division business unit manager Willie Lamprecht.

He adds that BMG plays a significant role in the local valves sector through the design, manufacture, distribution, and support of a range of slurry-related valves.

BMG’s range of FPV and KLEP valves includes slurry knife gate valves, which are manufactured by AFS and distributed throughout Africa by BMG.

The AFS manufacturing plant in Benoni, in Gauteng, is equipped with advanced equipment and is supported by specialists who offer technical support to ensure the optimum safety, efficiency and extended service life of every system.

“BMG’s fluid technology low-pressure division works closely with AFS specialists to further improve the quality of knife gate valves by lengthening their service life and reducing maintenance requirements.

“These objectives are being achieved through the latest developments in design technologies, advanced materials and durable coatings,” says Lamprecht.

He adds that the service lives of the knife gate valves depend on the process conditions and the media in the pipeline.

Further, the maintenance process includes replacing the blade and the liner of the valve; the body of the valve can also be repaired.

“Our highly skilled teams have a thorough understanding of the processes in which valves are installed and are able to specify the correct valves required for every application. We also assist customers in solving the problems of difficult installations and applications.

“To ensure optimum safety, efficiency and the extended service life of each system, the selection of the correct industrial slurry valve is critical. Valve selection is based on various factors, including the size and shape of particles, pressure, temperatures and chemical content.”

Lamprecht explains that BMG’s knife gate valve range is well suited for use in harsh conditions in industries such as mining, chemicals and petrochemicals, water and wastewater, energy production and agri-food.

The FPV urethane-lined, high-pressure slurry knife gate valves are designed for full on/off applications. The urethane is moulded throughout the body and chest area, while the lining is flush with the bottom of the valve, eliminating pockets where material can collect.

In addition, these valves have a pressure rating of up to 300 psi (25 bar) and can withstand operations that reach between –50º C and 80 ºC. Sleeve materials include gum rubber, high-temperature ethylene propylene diene monomer, neoprene, nitrile and butyl.

The FPV wafer slurry knife gate valves are designed as a space-saving option for slurry applications. The full port design allows for the gate to be fully isolated by the sleeve in the open position.

When the valve is closed, the gate pushes between the sleeves, ensuring a 100% bi-directional bubble-tight seal with no downstream leakage. Notable features of this lightweight valve include a narrow body, long-wearing replaceable sleeves and a high-strength stainless steel blade, Lamprecht notes.

Further, FPV flanged slurry knife gate valves are bi-directional gate valves with long-wearing, field-replaceable rubber sleeves that are designed to withstand the harsh abrasive duty in mining and milling applications. Isolation is provided by the gate passing through the sleeves and expelling any solids that could clog or jam the blade through the bottom of the valve housing.

The fluorocarbon-coated, stainless steel gate is designed to reduce friction of these lightweight valves, which have a pressure rating up to 300 psi (21 bar).

“The FPV high-pressure slurry knife gate valves have a full flanged body that is manufactured in cast ductile iron, with double-coated epoxy for durability in harsh operating conditions.

“Notable features of this series include bi-directional operation at 51 bar, a double-seat design and rubber sleeves that rely on the pressure between the sleeves to seal and provide a 100% bubble-tight shut off,” he says.

Further, the rubber seals with an internal stiffening ring are easily replaced in the field, which prolongs the valve’s working life.

Lamprecht highlights that BMG’s wafer lug knife gate valves have been designed as a space-saving option in corrosive applications. The resilient seat is an elastomer sleeve that supports and guides the gate to ensure full tightness when closed.

The body and seat of the valve are designed to ensure a nonclogging shut on/ shut off for suspended solids. These valves can be manufactured with replaceable sleeves, and can be used in bi-directional or dead-end services.

All types of actuators can be fitted, including electric, gearbox, hydraulic, pneumatic and handwheel units.

BMG’s range of industrial slurry valves also include butterfly, diaphragm and pinch valves. These valves meet stringent quality and safety specifications and are highly efficient at mines to control and isolate abrasive slurries, Lamprecht concludes.