Lift Type Plug Valve Introduction
07 Mar, 2026
A lift-type plug valve is a special type of plug valve. Its design include a slight rise of the housing (cover) during opening or closing. Separating it from the seat, and then rotate it; when closing, it rotates to the correct position and then presses seat down.
1.Working Principle
Unlike traditional valves (whose valve body rotates directly towards the valve seat),lift plug valves has two operating steps:
1.1 Operating Step: When the meidum level reach the set value, trigger switch or plate slightly lift the valve core longitudinally. It will separate the sealing surface of buffer zone from the valve surface seals (eliminate friction). Rotation then begins until open fully .
1.2 Close Process: First, plug rotate to the closed position. Then, the valve stem make plug to descend vertical. Through wedge action or external force, plug is firm pressed against valve seat, achievie a seal.
2.Key Features and Advantages
· Zero-friction operation: Since sealing surface is separated before the rotation action occur. There is almost no mechanical friction between the sealing surface. This significant extends the service life of the valve. Especial in cases of frequent operation or in conditions involve particulate media.
· Excellent sealing performance: The downward pressure action during closure provide strong mechanical sealing force, enable bidirectional sealing (with zero leakage in both direction), and the sealing force not affected by pipeline vibration.
· If a traditional plug valve is not used for a long time or works in a high-temperature environment, it is prone to getting stuck or unable to rotate due to thermal expansion and contraction or the accumulation of media.
· However, this lifting structure first lifts the valve stem upwards to separate it from the sealing surface, then performs the rotation operation. It like lifting the stuck object first and then rotate it, it can effective avoid the problem of sticking.
· Low torque: When operate the valve, main resistance to be overcome is mere the friction of the valve stem threads and the weight of the valve disc itself. Rather than sliding friction between the sealing surface. Therefore, the operation will be more effortless and lighter.
3. Main application fields
This type of lift plug valve is particular suitable for using in places where high sealing requirement are imposed or where the working conditions are harsh, due to its excellent sealing performance and durability.
Oil & Gas Industry: Large pipelines, purification systems, natural gas processing plants (requires bidirectional sealing and zero leakage)
Refining Industry: Catalytic cracking units, high-temperature pipelines, services with catalyst particles.
Chemical Range: Corrosive environments, high-intensity conditions, and easily crystallizing media (lifting action interrupts crystallization)
Others: Heat pipe networks, power plants (requiring frequent opening and closing, as well as strict emergency shutdown systems)
1.Working Principle
Unlike traditional valves (whose valve body rotates directly towards the valve seat),lift plug valves has two operating steps:
1.1 Operating Step: When the meidum level reach the set value, trigger switch or plate slightly lift the valve core longitudinally. It will separate the sealing surface of buffer zone from the valve surface seals (eliminate friction). Rotation then begins until open fully .
1.2 Close Process: First, plug rotate to the closed position. Then, the valve stem make plug to descend vertical. Through wedge action or external force, plug is firm pressed against valve seat, achievie a seal.
2.Key Features and Advantages
· Zero-friction operation: Since sealing surface is separated before the rotation action occur. There is almost no mechanical friction between the sealing surface. This significant extends the service life of the valve. Especial in cases of frequent operation or in conditions involve particulate media.
· Excellent sealing performance: The downward pressure action during closure provide strong mechanical sealing force, enable bidirectional sealing (with zero leakage in both direction), and the sealing force not affected by pipeline vibration.
· If a traditional plug valve is not used for a long time or works in a high-temperature environment, it is prone to getting stuck or unable to rotate due to thermal expansion and contraction or the accumulation of media.
· However, this lifting structure first lifts the valve stem upwards to separate it from the sealing surface, then performs the rotation operation. It like lifting the stuck object first and then rotate it, it can effective avoid the problem of sticking.
· Low torque: When operate the valve, main resistance to be overcome is mere the friction of the valve stem threads and the weight of the valve disc itself. Rather than sliding friction between the sealing surface. Therefore, the operation will be more effortless and lighter.
3. Main application fields
This type of lift plug valve is particular suitable for using in places where high sealing requirement are imposed or where the working conditions are harsh, due to its excellent sealing performance and durability.
Oil & Gas Industry: Large pipelines, purification systems, natural gas processing plants (requires bidirectional sealing and zero leakage)
Refining Industry: Catalytic cracking units, high-temperature pipelines, services with catalyst particles.
Chemical Range: Corrosive environments, high-intensity conditions, and easily crystallizing media (lifting action interrupts crystallization)
Others: Heat pipe networks, power plants (requiring frequent opening and closing, as well as strict emergency shutdown systems)
Previous: Plug Valves: The Precision Flow Control Star in Industrial Production
Next: Back to list