Mining operations rely on precision and durability to keep production running smoothly. As the gatekeepers of flow control, valves must perform reliably in extreme conditions, including high pressures, abrasive slurries, and corrosive chemicals. A single weak point in the system can lead to operational bottlenecks, safety hazards, and escalating maintenance costs.
With advancements in valve technology, mining operators now have access to solutions designed to handle these harsh conditions while optimizing performance. Selecting the right valves isn’t just about preventing failures—it’s about enhancing efficiency, extending equipment lifespan, and minimizing long-term costs.
This article explores some of Armour Valve’s mining solutions that can improve reliability, reduce downtime, and support the overall success of mining operations.
SchuF: Custom, Precision-Engineered Valves, Manufactured in Germany
With more than 100 years of experience, our manufacturing partner SchuF has perfected the art of adapting its valves to meet the unique needs of virtually any application. Trusted by industries worldwide, SchuF’s customizable solutions ensure reliable performance even in the most demanding environments.
Customizable Piston Bottom Outlet Ram Valves
One such solution is the SchuF Ram Valve, which excels in paste backfill applications, offering dead space-free drainage in abrasive slurry applications. Ram valves can also be applied to isolation and acid / slurry injection applications in the autoclave acid leaching processes. These valves provide unobstructed full-bore flow, ideal for rapid draining and injection.
Precision-fitted to the vessel, they eliminate dead space at the bottom, ensuring complete drainage of both the vessel and the valve. The Ram Valve also creates a secure seal to the atmosphere, with packing rings tightened by the stuffing-box gland for a radial seal around the ram.
For enhanced corrosion resistance, the valve is available in titanium, with a variety of other material options that can be provided by SchuF. Robustly designed and fully customizable, each Ram Valve can be tailored to meet specific application needs—whether for non-standard connection sizes, handling abrasive materials, or ensuring low contamination. The valve automatically breaks through any crust that may form at the bottom, making it ideal for media containing solids. It can also be equipped with flushing ports to allow in-place cleaning. One of our customers, a mining company struggled with their ball valves that failed to close due to paste solidification. We suggested a switch to SchuF Ram valves, which eliminated days of downtime previously spent unplugging ball valves. Read the full case study to learn more.
Source: Onyx Valve Company
Onyx Valve Company: Crafted with Expertise, Manufactured in the U.S.
Our partnership with Onyx Valve Company further expands our ability to meet the demanding needs of mining operations. Onyx brings precision manufacturing and innovative designs crafted in the U.S., ensuring durability and performance in the toughest environments.
Our manufacturing partner, Onyx Valve Company, is a U.S.-based manufacturer that handles all machining of valve castings and parts in-house, employing advanced technology for precise fabrication. Every component is crafted to the highest standards of accuracy. In addition to manufacturing valve assemblies and pressure sensor rings, Onyx also designs and produces molds for their rubber components, ensuring complete control over the production process within their facility.
Onyx Pressure Sensors
Onyx manufactures various models of pressure sensors, providing a simple method to measure pressure slurries and corrosive fluids. They come with a module seal that allows instruments to be replaced or calibrated with minimal down time. No tools are required to change the pressure instrument, which features an ultra-deep vacuum filling that ensures exceptional accuracy, outperforming diaphragm seals.
Onyx Pinch Valves
Onyx Pinch valves are engineered to handle a wide range of slurry services with on / off modulating styles available. The sleeve, which is the sole part exposed to the media, is easily replaceable, allowing for hassle-free maintenance. The simple design of Pinch Valves makes them advantageous for slurry applications as there are fewer parts to fail or wear out. This also makes them easier to maintain. For optimal performance, choosing Pinch Valves with high-quality sleeves is essential. Onyx uses compression molding for its sleeves in lieu of heat taped molding which ensures a superior dimensional control wall thickness, superior bond strength between rubber and fabric, and is less labor intensive so replacement sleeves cost less.
Onyx Duck Bill Check Valves
Onyx Duck Bill Check Valves provide a mono directional flow of slurries. Perfect for tailing pond applications. The simple rugged design eliminates mechanical parts which can wear and jam in conventional check valves. A variety of elastomer options are also available.
Partner with Armour Valve for Custom Mining Solutions
SchuF and Onyx valve technologies are game changers for the mining industry, offering durable, high-performance solutions that help improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and extend the life of equipment. These solutions are built to handle the toughest conditions and are just a few examples of the mining products we offer at Armour Valve. We have a wide range of solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your operations. Get in touch with us at sales@armurvalve.com to learn more about how we can help take your mining processes to the next level.
