Patent ID: 7770867

Claim:
A valve apparatus for use in high-solids applications, the valve apparatus comprising: (a) a valve body containing: (i) an interior space, (ii) a horizontal inlet port defining a cylindrical plug seat, the horizontal inlet port comprising an entry region having a change in outline shape but no reduction in total area, (iii) a horizontal outlet port substantially aligned with the inlet port, the outlet port constructed such that the maximum vertical dimension of the outlet port is greater than the maximum vertical dimension of the inlet port, and (iv) a bottom transition zone from the interior space to the outlet port, the transition zone having a substantially flush surface with the outlet port; and (b) a plug rotatably mounted in the valve body such that the plug rotates around a substantially horizontal axis, the plug comprising: (i) a cylindrically curved sealing face, and (ii) a substantially planar second face opposite to the cylindrically curved sealing face; wherein the plug is configured such that the planar second face is arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation when the valve is open, and the planar second face is arranged in a substantially vertical orientation when the valve is closed.