Sand level in the process fluid is 250 PPM. Fluid is sour Oil and Gas mixture.

1)Does the ball and seat require Tungsten Carbide coating?

2)What are the criteria to select Tungsten Carbide coating?

3)Are there any less expensive alternatives for TC?

4) Suppose one compares x750 or 718 material versus TC coated 316L in the above application, which is better?

A ball valve is not for throttling, therefore it should be 100% open and not really subject to sand wear on the ball exterior or seats.  Sand should be flowing through without impinging on the ball surface as it would in an open condition.  

With our experience on Sand service, there is no comparison between stellite 6 and Tungsten Carbide. So far we have experienced that the Tungsten Carbide coating is the best solution for Throttling Sand Service.

If the service is cavitating or Flashing, please select a Globe or Angle Control Valve with multi stage Anti Cavitation Trim with Tungsten Carbide Inserts.

I Believe even a V Notch Ball valve with Ceramic lining can also be used for throttling service.

Also important to note is though Tungsten Carbide is very hard, it cannot withstand sand service for ever. For a typhical Cavitating Throttling Application, Tungaten Carbide Trim will withstand for a maximum of 2 Years only.

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