Selecting the correct slide gate or diverter valve for a
conveying application is critical. Getting it wrong can mean the
difference between system success and failure, especially when
handling challenging materials. Several factors should be
considered during the selection process, including material
characteristics and their compatibility with valve seat and seal
materials, conveying parameters, actuator requirements, valve
maintenance, and environmental protection. Facilities should
consider all of these factors to select the right valve for the
application at hand. Material characteristics determine which
type of valve is required. Coarse materials require valves and
diverters with greater clearances, while fine materials such as
carbon black, calcium carbonate, or titanium dioxide require
valves and diverters with tighter tolerances in order to ensure
dust-free service, prevent material leakage, and guarantee a
clean plant environment. Other material characteristics that are
important when selecting a va