South Africa-based company Ragon Industries specialises in the manufacture of valves for slurry and high-abrasive applications. Its innovative valves are designed to withstand the toughest operating conditions in industries that demand reliable, high-performance valves, particularly in the mining sector.

The company has developed an extensive global footprint, with a strong presence in markets across South America, Africa, China, Europe and Australasia.

The latest additions to its range include the dome, angle discharge valves and ceramic coated valves. Ragon notes that it also carries the complete product range for any automation and application types and processes.

“We specialise in the manufacturing of butterfly, knife gate and V-port valves for slurry and other high abrasive substances," says Ragon Industries MD Nico Ras. "Metal hardening is done with cutting-edge technology such as the High Velocity Oxygen Fuel, or HVOF, spray/impregnating process, which is used to apply wear-resistant coatings to critical components. Combined with our proprietary PECU seal, a urethane-based liner that works in harmony with the metal-hardened valve components, it makes our valves exceptionally durable and reliable for even the most demanding applications.”

According to Ras, one of the key selling points of the RAGMAX valve is its lightweight design: “Traditional slurry valves can weigh as much as 400 kg, requiring multiple workers and heavy rigging equipment for maintenance or replacement. Our valve, in contrast, weighs just 40 kg - about 10% of the weight of conventional valves - saving customers both time and money on labour and equipment costs."

This lightweight design combined with the valve's extended lifespan helps to make it a cost-effective choice for industries that require stable plant flow control with minimal disruption. Additional benefits include smaller actuators, low pipe stress, easy access to spare parts, and reduced maintenance requirements.