sleeved  plug valve is a type of plug valve in which the plug is covered with a non-metallic sleeve (usually PTFE, TFM, or other elastomeric material) that provides a tight seal against the valve body.
Unlike lubricated plug valves, sleeve plug valves are non-lubricated, relying on the sleeve to provide sealing and low-torque operation.
sleeved plug valve is a non-lubricated, quarter-turn shutoff valve where the plug is lined with a PTFE or elastomer sleeve to provide sealing and low torque. It complies with API 599 / ASME standards, offers bubble-tight shutoff, and is widely used in chemical, oil & gas, water treatment, and industrial applications. Maintenance is minimal, mainly focused on sleeve replacement and stem sealing when needed.

Description

1.Structure of Sleeved Plug Valve

Valve Body – Cast or forged steel, stainless steel, or alloy.
Plug – Tapered cylindrical or conical, rotates inside the sleeve.
Sleeve (Liner) – Non-metallic insert (PTFE, PFA, TFM, reinforced elastomers). Provides sealing and lubrication.
Stem/Handle – For manual or actuator-driven rotation (usually 90°).
Bonnet / Gland Flange – Provides stem sealing and allows plug adjustment.
Seat – Integrated into the sleeve, eliminating separate seat rings.
End Connections – Flanged, butt-weld, socket-weld, or threaded.

2.Standards for Sleeve Plug Valve

Common design and manufacturing standards:
Design Standards: API 599 (plug valves), ASME B16.34 (valve design)
End Connections: ASME B16.5 (flanges), ASME B16.11 (socket weld), ASME B1.20.1 (threaded)
Inspection & Testing: API 598 (valve testing)
Face-to-Face Dimensions: API 609 / Manufacturer standards

3.Features of Sleeved Plug Valve

Non-lubricated design – no need for sealant injection.
Bubble-tight shutoff due to PTFE sleeve.
Low torque operation – sleeve acts as a bearing.
Fire-safe designs available – per API 607.
Blowout-proof stem for safety.
Compact body compared to gate or globe valves.
Quarter-turn operation – fast opening/closing.
Maintenance-free in most services.
Bidirectional flow capability.

4.Applications of Sleeved Plug Valve

Chemical & Petrochemical industry – corrosive fluids, acids, solvents.
Oil & Gas – hydrocarbon handling, gas distribution lines.
Water treatment – raw water, slurry, desalination.
Power plants – condensate, cooling water, auxiliary systems.
Pulp & Paper industry – slurry and viscous service.
General industrial piping systems – shutoff where tight sealing is required.

5.Operation of Sleeve Plug Valve

Operated by rotating the plug 90° using a lever, gear operator, or actuator (electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic).
Flow is controlled by aligning the port in the plug with the pipe bore.
Rotation moves the plug inside the sleeve, ensuring wiping action that keeps sealing surfaces clean.
Commonly used as on/off valve (not throttling).

Maintenance Manual (Guidelines)of Sleeved Plug Valve

Operation Care:

Avoid throttling – designed for shutoff.
Do not operate with excessive torque; if torque rises, check for sleeve wear or debris.
Suitable for clean or slightly dirty fluids; abrasives reduce sleeve life.

Routine Maintenance:

Inspection:
Check for leakage at body, stem, or seat.
Verify plug rotation is smooth.
Sleeve Replacement:
Disassemble bonnet and plug.
Remove worn sleeve and install new one.
Ensure correct alignment during reassembly.
Stem Sealing:
Tighten gland packing if minor leakage is detected.
Replace packing if leakage persists.
Lubrication:
Not required (sleeve provides self-lubrication).
Testing after maintenance:
Perform hydrostatic shell test and seat leak test (per API 598).

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