Valves Used for the Mining Industry

The global mining industry, like the world economy, has the feature of obvious periodicity. In recent years, affected by uncertain and unstable factors in global economic development, the demand for global mineral products has been weakening, and the situation of global mining has shown a downward trend, and resource prices have fluctuated greatly. 
 
The status and development pattern of mine valves
Mining valves are mainly used in two aspects: mineral processing pipeline control (low-pressure valves) and long-distance pipeline transportation (medium and high-pressure valves). Choosing a mineral is the most important link in the production of mineral products. In addition to the three main operations and equipment of mineral raw material preparation, screening and post-selection product processing, mining enterprises also have ore storage yards, mine warehouses, and product transportation (belt transportation, slurry pumping), feeders, and other facilities, so the demand for opening and closing is more obvious in this process; the preferred types of valves are mainly gate valves and ball valves. 
 
The current application status of domestic mine valves
① Low technical level and product quality
At present, compared with imported products, mining valves produced in China lack the necessary scientific research investment and technological innovation. As a result, the leading products of enterprises are still low-quality mass products, and they dominate the market at low prices. Various types of mine valves generally have shortcomings such as external leakage, internal leakage, bad appearance, short service life and inflexible operation, etc. Valves for some key devices still rely on imports. 

② Relatively few dedicated enterprises of mining valves 
Most domestic enterprises that produce mining valves cannot manufacture mining valves with good quality. However, with the continuous improvement of the middle and high-end valve market being made in China, the overall rate of domestic industrial valves being made in China is expected to continue to rise.
 
Prospects for the development of mine valves
Although there are many bottlenecks in the development of domestic mining valves, with the overall transformation and upgrading of the valve industry, the continuous improvement of corporate technological innovation, the continuous optimization of management thinking, and the impact of the "double carbon" background, the mining valve industry will move towards the new development trend of energy saving, environmental protection, intelligence, information, intensification and complete set.
 
① Energy saving and environmental protection 
The Chinese government has issued a series of policies to clarify the overall development ideas of green mine construction, and began to promote the development of green mine construction with the goal of mining industry transformation in an orderly manner. The industry will move towards green, energy-saving, and environmental protection. Under this trend, domestic mining valves must also be improved in the direction of energy conservation and environmental protection to meet requirements for environmental protection. For example, the valve installed in the pipeline of the original tailings mining pipeline is prone to not closing well, and the leakage of the valve body will cause environmental pollution. Developing specific wear-resistant slurry valves and adopting a self-cleaning design can achieve complete closing and opening and zero leakage; use full-wrapped wear-resistant valve lining material, which can improve its wear resistance.
 
② Intelligence plus informatization 
Since the relevant supporting equipment in the mining industry has to work in a relatively harsh and complex environment for a long time, the requirements for product stability are relatively high. The valves transform to intelligence and informatization, and the use of remote control and monitoring can help save operating costs and improve the working environment of operators. These must be achieved through technology research and development and process improvement. 
 
③ Being intensive and having complete sets 
The single equipment with high energy consumption, low output, and simple process used in the links of crushing, sand making, and screening of mining resources can no longer meet the actual needs of users, and its demand for valves has also shown specialization, standardization, scale, and complete sets of trends, valves will also usher in new opportunities and turning points due to the integration of mine machinery and electronics. Mining valves have entered an innovation period. Not only do product categories need to be updated, but internal management of enterprises also needs to deepen reforms in accordance with industry standards.
 
Features of mine valves
The common features of mine valves are as follows:
Corrosion resistance: These valves are often made from materials that can resist corrosion caused by chemicals or minerals present in mining fluids. Common materials used include stainless steel, brass, and various corrosion-resistant alloys.
Extended stem or bonnet design: In some cases, mine valves feature an extended stem or bonnet to allow for operation in deep underground mines or other locations where the valve needs to be located away from the pipeline or process.
Emergency shut-off capability: Safety is a critical consideration in mining operations. Some mine valves are equipped with emergency shut-off features, such as quick-closing mechanisms or fail-safe designs, to rapidly stop the flow of fluids or gases in case of emergencies.
Easy maintenance and servicing: Mine valves are designed for easy maintenance and servicing to minimize downtime. They often feature accessible components and straightforward disassembly and reassembly procedures.