Plug Valves
What Is a Plug Valve?
A plug valve uses a cylindrical or tapered plug with a hole through it. Turning the plug a quarter turn (90°) lines the hole up with the pipe to allow flow, or turns it across the pipe to stop flow.
The compact, simple design has few parts and gives dependable sealing, even in dirty or abrasive conditions.
Key Features & Benefits
- Quick quarter-turn operation: fast open and close.
- Handles dirty media: copes well with sand, grit, slurries and sticky fluids.
- Compact and simple: few moving parts, easy to maintain.
- Reliable sealing: tight shut-off in both directions.
- Multi-port options: 3-way and 4-way versions for diverting flow.
- Durable in harsh service: suited to rugged oilfield and gas distribution use.
Types of Plug Valves
| Type | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Lubricated | Sealant injected between plug and body for sealing and easier turning | High pressure gas and oil |
| Non-lubricated (sleeved) | PTFE sleeve around the plug, no lubrication needed | Chemicals, general process |
| Eccentric | Plug swings in and out of the seat, less wear | Wastewater, slurry |
| Expanding plug | Plug expands against the seat for a double block seal | Critical isolation |
| Multi-port (3-way / 4-way) | Changes flow direction | Diverting and switching lines |
Materials of Construction
| Part | Options |
|---|---|
| Body | Cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel, stainless steel |
| Plug | Stainless steel, alloy steel, coated steel |
| Sleeve / seat | PTFE, PFA, rubber coated |
| Sealant | Gas and oil-resistant lubricants |
Applications
- Gas distribution networks
- Oilfield and wellhead service
- Refineries and petrochemical plants
- Wastewater and sewage
- Mining and slurry lines
- Chemical processing
- Fuel handling and storage
Looking for plug valves?
Tell us your media, pressure and size, and we will recommend the right model.
Feature a rugged design containing a cylinder or cone plug with a bored passageway. They offer a quick quarter-turn shut-off and are exceptionally resilient in heavy, sandy gas distribution streams and rugged oilfield service