Abstract: A shield for the sealing surface of a pivotable disc of a disc valve faces in an upstream direction to protect the sealing surface against wear and tear from a fluid medium streaming through the valve, particularly a hot fluid medium with abrasive particles suspended in it. The protective shield has the same thickness as the disc, is aligned with the disc when the latter is in its open position, and is located just upstream of the disc. Its ends are secured to the valve housing, and the protective shield is preferably shaped so that it generates minimal back pressure in the fluid medium such as by forming the side of the shield facing in the upstream direction as a wedge.