Why You Shouldn’t Use Ball Valves For Sludge – A Sludge Valve Solution

Sludge Valves

Sludge is challenging to manage. Made up of large particles of mostly unpleasant material, such as sewage or rotting substances, it can make a pipe system foul and blocked in no time if not dealt with properly. Sludge can also quickly deteriorate the system it’s contained in. This is especially true if the containment system is made from inferior or inappropriate materials that are unable to handle the corrosive and damaging nature of the sludge.

Sludge valve manufacturers are typically known to handle issues caused by sludge by using high pressure and high torque actuators. These sludge valves use a screw-type mechanism and a high compression force to open and close the valve. The problem is that the high force easily traps particles and other debris and subsequently traps it within the sealing orifice. Over time, the debris builds up to a point where the seal becomes ineffective, causing leaks. Eventually, the valve can break down and become damaged beyond repair.

What About A Ball Valve?

Ball valves are one of the most common valve types on the market today. They consist of a perforated ball in the center of the valve used to control flow. The valve itself uses a quarter-turn mechanism to control open and shutoff.

Their design is robust, durable, and offers a strong shutoff. However, they are also notorious for being imprecise. Their lack of precision is offset by how cost-effective they are.

Overall, a ball valve is an excellent option for use with certain products, materials, pipes, and flow rates that don’t require precise control or flow. However, when it comes to handling sludge or sludge-like materials, a ball valve is not a good sludge valve option. Even if it’s cheap to install, the valve could end up costing you too much money in the long run.

The ball valves’ design it makes it very easy for sludge particulates to build up in and around the ball mechanism. The more build-up you get, the less effective the valve mechanism becomes. Eventually, this leads to completely redundant valves. Worse still, the build-up could create a burst pipe or other costly problems you could do without.

Additionally, due to their uneven surfaces, ball valves also use elastomeric O-rings to seal the mechanism. Sludge will eventually cause the O-ring to deteriorate. Ultimately, the valve will fail.

It’s worth mentioning that the ball valve’s mechanism is based on the top of the valve only. This causes unintended motion at the bottom of the ball resulting in uneven wear and tear to the ball itself and the cavity in which it sits. This problem is exacerbated when the additional space created by the wear and tear becomes lodged with sludge particulates.

A Sludge Valve Solution

If you’re currently using ball valves to control the flow of sludge, you may already have found yourself facing problems. If you are wondering what the solution could be, long-lasting and robust solutions on the market will allow you to handle sludge effectively.

The Everlasting Valve Company has developed a proven concept in valve technology. It can stand up to even the most challenging conditions. The rotating disk valves don’t wear out. They wear in, getting better with use. They last much longer than other valve types. Everlasting valves have an average life of 16 years and can handle extreme temperatures and high pressures. They can deal with abrasive, corrosive, or fouling sludge and slurry.

A repeated tight shutoff is achieved through the self-lapping metal to metal seat design. Coiled springs allow the disc to move vertically, which ensures the sealing surface is entirely and constantly in contact with the seat. This mechanism leaves no room for sludge to build up or get lodged within any of the sealing surfaces.

As the self-cleaning valve cycles, the unique mechanism shears and wipes away any material and debris that may have built up. Thus, it effectively cleans itself as it works.

The Benefits of Everlasting Valves

The Everlasting Valve Company can provide you with a solution to your sludge material that means you no longer have to be concerned about your valves wearing out prematurely.

Each of our rotating disc valves will provide:

• Self-lapping that wears in, not out.
• Metal polishing with each valve operation.
• The assurance of a tight seal that performs better than industry standards.
• Reduced leak rates.
• Self-cleaning mechanism.
• An average life of 16 years.
• The ability to withstand high-pressure and high temperature.

If you need a more effective sludge valve, think Everlasting. We have developed our valves to withstand even the harshest conditions and materials. If you deal with a product or material that involves sludge, slurry, or sewage, you can be assured that our rotating disc valves are up to the job. Everlasting Valve Company is here to save you time and money.