With the trend being the pumping of slurry over longer distances at higher solids concentrations, this statement has never been more relevant, and slurry valves are truly being put to the test in the resulting severe applications that are often high pressure and highly abrasively. In addition to these challenges, certain mines also have the added problem of the media being corrosive.
In general, engineers designing for process efficiency will often find that material and equipment capabilities pose the most serious limitations on allowance process conditions, curbing efficiency.