What Is An Eccentric Plug Valve?

Industrial flow control applications need valves that offer precise adjustment and tight shutoff. Eccentric plug valves provide both, with the ability to throttle flow rates across a wide range. Let’s explore how their adjustable design handles demanding services.

• Eccentric plug valves feature an off-center rotating plug to control flow
• Adjusting the plug position enables accurate flow throttling
• The eccentric mechanism allows tight shutoff even after wear
• Eccentric plug valves handle oils, gases, slurries, and other media

What is the eccentric plug valve?

An eccentric plug valve uses an asynchronously rotating plug to align or offset an orifice with the pipe flow path. Adjusting the plug position exposes more or less of the port opening area, enabling accurate flow control between fully closed and fully open.

The plug contacts the body seat surface in the shutoff position, forming a tight seal even as the surfaces wear. This prevents leakage over thousands of cycles. The eccentric adjustable design handles throttling needs that other valves can’t provide.

How does an eccentric plug valve work?

How do you use a plug valve? As the name indicates, an eccentric plug valve features a plug with an off-center pivot point. Rotating this eccentric plug via the actuator shaft changes how the flow port aligns between the plug and body. This effectively adjusts the open area.

Unlike concentric designs, an eccentric plug valve can achieve consistent shutoff through multiple adjustment cycles. As the seat wears, rotating the plug further until it contacts the opposite side re-establishes a reliable seal. This compensates for wear without leakage.

What is the flow direction of the eccentric plug valve?

Eccentric plug valves manage bi-directional flow well in applications involving frequent throttling. Their simple construction handles clean or dirty media effectively.

Certain high pressure drops or slurry flows may require uni-directional eccentric plug valves. Here, the eccentric offset matches the process flow direction to assure non-clogged shutoff. This avoids trapped media in the port and ensures positive shutoff.

What are the applications of eccentric plug valves?

Eccentric plug valves suit services requiring modulating control of flow rate, whether liquids or gases. The adjustable plug mechanism provides precise throttling capability superior to other valve types.

Typical applications include:

• Steam flow modulation to balance energy distribution
• Liquid flow control into separators and service vessels
• Compressor anti-surge control by venting and throttling gas
• Pigging services due to bi-directional block and bleed ability

Eccentric plug valves also work well across oil and gas production, refining, chemical, power, and other general industrial applications. Their versatility across media, pressures, sizes, and operating conditions makes them a mainstay solution.

PANS – Eccentric Plug Valves Manufacturers

Since 1985, PANS has engineered robust valve solutions for the most demanding industrial applications. As a specialty manufacturer focused solely on high performance plug valves, we help customers implement eccentric plug valves for accurate flow control.

Our in-depth understanding ensures you get a tailor-made solution, not an off-the-shelf product. Partner with our experts to maximize service life and reliability of your eccentric plug valves.

Conclusion

Eccentric plug valves solve challenging flow conditions across industries and applications. Their adjustable yet durable throttling design enables services other valve types can’t match.

Contact the PANS team to discuss implementing eccentric plug valves for your needs. Our specialists can provide recommendations and custom options to improve flow control performance, safety, and profitability.