Introduction
If you look for valves to be used in plumbing or industrial systems, it is quite possible that you would come across a gate valve. However, it may be useful to visualize the kind of valve it is that is being used to control the flow of the fluids hence the need to answer the following questions: What is a gate valve?
In this article, we will briefly explain what a gate valve is, what it is used for, the various types of gate valves that one may come across, and the difference between this valve and other types of valves. At the end of this article, you will have enough information by which you can draw the conclusion as to whether the gate valve will suit your system or not. Let’s dive in!
What Is a Gate Valve?
A gate valve is a non-rotating type of valve that is used to open or shut the pipeline to control the flow of mainly liquids or gases. It is different from other types of valves because it opens or closes a gate (or a wedge) that resides within the actual body of the valve. When fully open, it is not in the path of fluid flow at all, which can be interpreted as there is virtually no restriction to the flow and, hence, negligible drop pressure across the gate.
Thus, gate valves are mainly used in those processes where it is necessary to turn off the flow of the working substance fully. They are not normally used for gradual regulation or part-opening of the gate since this will lead to wear and tear.
How Does a Gate Valve Work?
Available gate valves are of two primary types and work on the basic operation of a gate or a wedge:
- When the valve is open, there is easy flow of the fluid through the pipeline with little opposition.
- when gate valve is closed, and the formed gate provides a tight fit to prevent the flow of any liquid through the pipe.
This design makes gate valve suited to frequent open-shutting operations especially for processes whereby pressure an flow must be held within certain limits.
Types of Gate Valves
One should note that there are subcategories of gate valves depending on specific applications. Knowing these types will assist in making decisions on the ideal valve to be used in a given application.
1. Rising-Stem Gate Valves
Design: The stem rotates, giving a pointer at the point where it rotates and making it easy to judge the position of the valve.
Applications: Implementation can be done in situations where space is not an issue.
Pros: It is unable to be corroded by oil, and it is easy to determine whether it is open or closed.
Cons: Requires more vertical space.
2.Non-Rising-Stem Gate Valves
Design: It is immobile at the stem; as such, it attracts installation in areas with limited space.
Uses: Well suited to be used in installations of underground pipelines and other congested environment.
Pros: Compact and space-saving.
Disadvantages: Some specialized valves may be difficult to operate to check whether the status of the valve is open or closed.
3.Wedge Gate Valves
Design: It has a wedge gate which is slightly similar to the groove in order to get in contact with the lid tightly.
Uses: In such important applications such as high pressure where leakage should not be endured.
Pros: Excellent sealing capabilities.
Disadvantages: It is more vulnerable to wear out and fade easily.
4.Parallel-Slide Gate Valves
Design: It incorporates a form of a gate whose edges are adjacent to each other, and they have to be slid into a line.
Applications: Common in systems handling high-temperature steam.
Pros: Handles thermal expansion better than wedge gate valves.
Disadvantages: It has fewer numbers of ribs hence a weaker sealing capability as compared to the wedge shape.
Want to learn more about specific gate valve types? Check out our detailed guide on types of gate valves.
Gate Valve Function: Why Use Gate Valves?
Gate valves can be applied to various fields due to its versatility and some specific benefits that are provided by this kind of valve. Here is a list of reasons why one may decide on coming up with a gate valve:
1. Minimal Pressure Loss
In its fully open position, gate valves provide an unrestricted flow passage and the pressure loss is very low. This makes them suitable for use in applications where the air is expected to flow in high quantities.
2. Full Shutoff
Gate valves are stopple valves that offer full opening and closing, hence giving no intermediate degree of opening through which fluid might seep through.
3. Durability
Depending on the materials used which are stainless steel, bronze and cast iron, gate valves are quite strong and can work under condition of high pressure and high temperature conditions.
Find out how gate valves fare with regards to other valve types by reading our valve comparison article.
Applications of Gate Valves
All in all, gate valves are utilized in many industries due to their effectiveness and dependability. Here are some common applications:
1. Water Supply Systems
In every municipal network of water supply and distribution, gate valves are installed for regulating the flow of water. Because of their capacity to accommodate large quantities of fluids, the tanks are suitable for use in municipal water supply systems.
2. Oil and Gas Pipelines
These valves are especially used in the oil and gas industries for controlling pressure of crude oil, natural gas and the processed petroleum.
3. Power Plants
They are used widely in steam applications of power plants because pressure and temperature need to be regulated at this kind of system.
4. Residential Plumbing
Among the most favoured valves that homeowners employ for the termination of water supply are the gate valves.
To know more about the industrial valve applications, check out the entire guide of RUFSUPPLY.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gate Valves
Advantages
Minimal flow resistance when fully open.
Durable and long-lasting, even in harsh environments.
Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature systems.
Disadvantages
It is not a throttling or partial flow control application.
Lower speed than other quarter-turn types of valves, such as ball valves.
Prone to dirt build-up, which can be grounding your performance.
Gate Valves vs. Ball Valves
Gate valves are utilized when there is absolutely no intention to pass through any fluid in between the two separated segments of the pipeline, and the fluid should be stopped completely; ball valves are best for irregular and simple shutoffs. Gate valves require rotation of the handle several times, while quarter-turn operation is possible for the ball valves. As for durability, the gate valves are well-suited for high-pressure service, and ball valves are used because they do not wear or corrode quickly. As to the prices, gate valves are considered to be cheaper compared to ball valves, but the latter ones have higher initial costs, providing more benefits in the future.
Dive deeper into the debate with our Gate Valves vs. Ball Valves comparison.
How to Choose the Right Gate Valve
What must be taken into consideration while choosing a gate valve are these:
Purpose: Will it be used as a water supply, for carrying out gases, or for conveying steam?
Material: Choose stainless steel or bronze for corrosive environments.
Space Limitation: When extremely visible designs are to be preferred, use the rising-stem designs and if the area is restricted the non-rising-stem designs may be adopted.
Call to Action: Let Us Help You Find the Perfect Valve!
As you already know what a gate valve is and its distinguishing types and uses, it is high time to choose the right gate valve for your system. Common valves including city valves used in the supply of water or industrial valves for pipeline installation, or plumbing valves used in houses among others.
Contact us immediately if you would like some additional consultation or if you would like to make arrangements to receive a free estimate. Be informed about new products and services related to valves, trends, and special promotions.