In the pulp industry, long and short fibers must be reliably separated as part of fiber preparation. This requires controlled regulation of the throughput rate despite increased pulp density. The valves used must remain permanently functional even with fiber-containing, abrasive media and ensure stable process control.
At a glance
• Industry: Pulp industry
• Application: Fiber separation in pulp preparation
• Medium / Process: Pulp suspension with increased solids content
• Challenge: Reliable control with fibrous, highly abrasive medium
• STASTO solution: Ramén ball sector valves with pneumatic actuator and digital positioner
• Result: Stable process control, maintenance-friendly design, reliable continuous operation
The challenge
In pulp preparation, fiber suspensions with increased density are processed. In addition to water, the medium contains a significant proportion of long and short fibers as well as solid components. For the targeted separation of these fiber fractions, the throughput must be precisely controlled.
The valves used are subjected to high mechanical loads. Fiber deposits, abrasion and changing operating conditions place special demands on sealing systems, flow characteristics and actuation technology. Standard ball valves or conventional control valves often exhibit increased wear or insufficient control stability in such applications.
Therefore, a solution was required that can perform both shut-off and control functions and is, by design, suitable for media with a high solids content.
The STASTO solution
STASTO uses Ramén ball sector valves that are specifically designed for demanding control applications with media containing solids. Thanks to the integrated ball half-segment geometry, these valves combine shut-off and control characteristics in a compact design.
The robust design enables reliable control of slurries and fiber-containing suspensions. The valves have been combined with pneumatic actuators and equipped with digital positioners. This allows the valve position to be adjusted precisely and integrated into existing automation concepts.
The compact design of valve, actuator and positioner facilitates integration into existing piping systems. The design was carried out in close coordination with the plant manufacturer in order to optimally take into account process requirements, installation conditions and interfaces to the control system.
The result
The pre-assembled combination of ball sector valve, pneumatic actuator and digital positioner enabled stable and reproducible flow control.
The solution ensures:
- High operational reliability even with fibrous media
- Reliable operation in continuous duty
- Good control characteristics under varying process conditions
- Maintenance-friendly design thanks to compact unit
- Simplified integration into existing automation systems
The system benefits from consistent process quality and reduced downtime.
Added value for machine builders
• Combined shut-off and control valve in a compact design
• Suitable for abrasive and solids-containing media
• Easy integration into pneumatic automation concepts
• Pre-assembled units reduce assembly effort
• High functional reliability under demanding process conditions
This solution is particularly suitable for
• Pulp and paper plants
• Systems for fiber or sludge treatment
• Process plants with suspensions or slurries
• Applications with a high solids content
• Automated flow control systems in continuous operation
Contact
We will be happy to answer technical questions regarding the design of control valves or their integration into your system in direct communication.
Talk to our experts – we will be happy to advise you.