In industrial fluid control systems, plug valves and gate valves are two common types of valves. They differ significantly in structure, function, and application scenarios, making the choice of the appropriate valve essential to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the system. 1. Structure and Working Principle The main difference between plug valves and gate valves lies in their structure and operating principle. The core of a plug valve is a rotatable cylindrical or conical plug, which opens or closes the valve by rotating the plug. Plug valves typically operate with a 90-degree rotation, allowing for quick fluid shutoff or switching. Due to their simple structure and fast operation, plug valves are suitable for applications that require rapid opening and closing. In contrast, the operating principle of a gate valve involves controlling fluid flow through a horizontally moving gate. The opening and closing process of a gate valve is relatively slow and typically requires a longer stroke to fully open or close the valve. Therefore, gate valves are more suitable for applications where the valve remains fully open or fully closed for extended periods, and are not ideal for frequent operation. 2. Sealing Performance and Fluid Control In terms of sealing performance, the design of plug valves generally provides excellent sealing, particularly in applications where leak prevention is critical. The tight contact between the sealing surfaces of plug valves ensures safe flow of high-pressure or corrosive fluids. Due to the minimal friction during operation, plug valves are less prone to jamming, allowing them to operate reliably and stably over extended periods. Although gate valves also offer good sealing performance, the larger contact surface between the gate and the valve seat can result in greater friction during opening and closing. Over time, this can lead to wear and affect the sealing effectiveness. Additionally, the operation of gate valves is relatively slower, meaning they are less efficient than plug valves when it comes to controlling fluid flow. 3. Application Fields Plug valves are typically used in applications requiring frequent on-off operation or flow direction control. They are widely applied in industries such as oil, natural gas, chemicals, and water treatment, especially in systems that require rapid control of fluid flow. Plug valves are particularly suitable for environments that demand high sealing performance and can handle complex fluid types, such as corrosive media or media containing solid particles. In contrast, gate valves are more commonly used in applications requiring prolonged fully open or fully closed positions, such as in water treatment, supply systems, and certain high-pressure systems. Gate valves are typically used in environments where frequent operation is not required. Their design enables them to maintain low fluid resistance during continuous, stable fluid transmission. 4. Maintenance and Cost The plug...

The plug valve is a commonly used fluid control valve, widely applied in industries such as oil, natural gas, and chemicals due to its high sealing performance and ease of operation. The valve features a simple design, where a rotating plug controls the flow direction of the fluid, ensuring safe operation in systems involving high pressure, high temperature, and hazardous media. 1. Working Principle The core structure of a plug valve is a cylindrical or conical plug with a through passage. When the plug rotates, the passage aligns or misaligns with the fluid pathway of the valve body, thus controlling the opening and closing of the valve. (1) Open Position When the passage on the plug valve aligns with the fluid pathway of the valve body, the fluid can flow directly through the valve, ensuring an unobstructed flow. This design minimizes pressure loss during fluid flow, making it suitable for applications where maintaining stable flow is essential. (2) Closed Position When the plug is rotated 90 degrees, the passage becomes perpendicular to the fluid pathway, completely cutting off the flow of fluid, achieving the closed position. The 90-degree rotation of the plug valve allows for a complete shutdown of the fluid flow, offering a quick response, making it ideal for emergency shut-off applications. 2. Structural Characteristics (1) Types of Plug Valves Plug valves typically come in two types: conical and cylindrical plugs. The conical plug provides better sealing performance but may require additional lubrication or material support at high temperatures, while the cylindrical plug operates smoothly and is suitable for applications requiring frequent on/off operation. (2) Sealing Materials The sealing design of plug valves typically uses PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or other non-metallic lining materials, which offer high corrosion resistance and flexibility, ensuring good sealing performance even under high pressure. Additionally, some high-end plug valves employ metal-to-metal sealing for extreme environments, preventing seal failure. (3) Wear and Corrosion Resistance The internal materials of plug valves are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel or nickel-based alloys, preventing wear caused by medium corrosion. This makes them suitable for transporting acidic or corrosive media and is commonly used in the chemical industry and refining systems. (4) Simple Maintenance The internal structure of the plug valve is simple, with no complex springs or valve disc mechanisms, making disassembly and maintenance relatively easy. In high-temperature and high-pressure environments, specific materials and designs can be selected to extend the valve’s service life and reduce subsequent maintenance costs. 3. Application Scenarios The application of plug valves is commonly found in critical situations where leakage prevention is essential, as well as in systems requiring rapid opening and closing or fluid shut-off. Below are ...

A sleeved plug valve is a specific type of plug valve designed with a non-metallic sleeve or liner that surrounds the plug, creating a tight seal. This sleeve, often made from materials like PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), ensures a low-friction, corrosion-resistant seal, making the valve suitable for various applications where leakage prevention, durability, and chemical resistance are crucial. 1. How Sleeved Plug Valves Work In a sleeved plug valve, the plug rotates within a sleeve liner rather than directly against the metal body. This design reduces wear on the valve body and allows for smoother, more consistent operation. When the valve handle is turned, the plug rotates, opening or closing the flow path. The sleeve not only provides a tight seal but also allows for a self-lubricating effect, enhancing the valve’s longevity and performance. 2. Key Features and Advantages (1) Leakage Prevention The non-metallic sleeve acts as a reliable seal around the plug, minimizing the risk of external leakage. This feature is especially important in industries handling hazardous chemicals, as it prevents leaks and potential environmental contamination. (2) Corrosion and Chemical Resistance Sleeved plug valves are ideal for handling corrosive or abrasive fluids. The PTFE or other chemically resistant materials used for the sleeve make the valve suitable for environments where standard metal-on-metal contact would degrade over time. (3) Low Maintenance Due to their self-lubricating design, sleeved plug valves require less frequent maintenance compared to traditional plug valves. The sleeve also absorbs some wear, reducing the need for frequent replacements and improving overall valve durability. 3. Applications Industries such as chemical processing, water treatment, and oil and gas frequently use sleeved plug valves due to their reliability and ability to handle tough operating conditions. These valves perform well in systems that require minimal leakage, resistance to aggressive fluids, and easy maintenance.