Calcutta Pipe Fitting Center
MJP Approved Sluice Valves
Valves play an important role in a utility system. They help control, regulate, and direct the flow of liquid. One of the valves widely used across industries is the sluice valve.
What is a Sluice Valve?
A sluice valve is a device that regulates the flow of liquid in a fully opened or fully closed position. The sluice valve is a gate or wedge-shaped disc that moves perpendicularly to the direction of the liquid entering or exiting the pipeline. The Sluice gate does not hinder the flow of the liquid in an open position. It is used along the pipe in one-directional or bi-directional flow. It is widely used in process plants to handle slurries.
How Does a Sluice Valve Work?
The Sluice valve consists of a gate, a stem, a seat, a bonnet, and an actuator to sometimes automate the flow. The gate seals the liquid flow, seats ensure sealing along with the gate, and bonnets are valve components for safe passage sealing.
Where Does Sluice Valve Find Applications?
A sluice valve is ideal for use when the liquid flow must be cut off; it cannot be used as a flow regulator.Sluice valve finds application in wastewater treatment plants and across industries in process plants to control slurries. During operations, these valves are either fully opened or fully closed. Sluice valves must not be used in partially opened positions in high flow velocity as they may cause disc and seat surface erosion. It may also cause vibration and noise.
Maintenance of Sluice Valve
The key parameters for checking the sluice valve are:
• Leakage through the valve seat
• Condition of body seat ring/wedge seat ring
• Condition of spindle
• Noise / Vibrations while opening or closing the Valve
Visual inspection of the seat and wedge pins is advised for the gate that is accessible. Gate operations should be observed to ensure even opening and closing of the gate against the wedge pins.
In case the sluice valve is inoperative, a once-in-month operation and maintenance exercise should be undertaken.
Before running the system, ensure that the system is pressurized-free and pressure-free. To check the sluice valve condition, remove the bonnet and the stem, followed by removal of the gate. Check the sluice gate and guide for any damage and wear. Repair or replace components if required. Lubricate stem and stem nut each time maintenance is carried out.