Shahrum Iqbal and Carlos Reyes
Bray International, Houston, TX, USA; shahrum.iqbal@bray.com, carlos.reyes@bray.com
This paper presents a comprehensive engineering review focused on the accurate and reliable selection of control valves for milk of lime (MOL) and calcium saccharate applications within the sulphitation, defecation and carbonation sections of sugar-processing plants. Typical issues in these applications include scaling, abrasion, erosion, and jamming, which affect flow control equipment such as valves, resulting in inaccurate process control and reduced performance. Practical considerations that drive the selection of suitable valve types, materials, and design configurations under the challenging conditions posed by these slurry-type media are discussed. The study delves into key design principles, material compatibility, and control strategies for valves operating in high-scaling and erosion-prone environments. Real-world case studies are included to demonstrate how appropriate valve selection has led to measurable improvements in process stability, equipment longevity, and overall plant efficiency. Additionally, this paper presents an evaluation of valve sizing methodologies tailored to milk of lime flow characteristics, highlighting the impact of accurate flow control on system performance and product quality.