Gate Valve Types: Applications, Benefits, and Choosing the Right One

When you’re putting in valves, especially underground, it is crucial to make sure you choose the right one for your application. Getting the wrong type of valve can result in high replacement costs and a lot of lost time. Gate valves are one of the best options for many above and below-ground applications.

There are a few different gate valve types to choose from. Picking the right one is a matter of knowing what you need in terms of temperature and pressure ratings. Read on to learn about the gate valve types, their applications, and benefits.

Applications

You can find gate valves in a wide variety of applications both above and below ground. They are used when you need a free bore and minimum pressure loss. A fully open gate valve has no obstruction in the flow path, so you can use a pipe cleaning pig on it.

Gate valves may be used for all types of fluids, including water and gas. They may be used with potable water, wastewater, and neutral liquids between -20 and 70 degrees Celsius. They can also be used with gases between -20 and 60 degrees Celsius with a maximum of 20 m/s flow velocity.

Benefits

Because gate valves have no obstruction in the flow path, there is very low pressure loss. These are also multi-turn valves, where you must turn the valve multiple times to take it from open to closed. This slow opening and closing prevents water hammer effects.

Gate valves tend to be bidirectional, meaning they can sit on either side of the gate. This helps provide enough tightness for a good seal and prevents any solids from blocking the valve from sealing completely. They can also be fitted on the end of the line for a solid seal.

Choosing the Right One

There are a few different types of gate valves for you to choose from. The two main types are parallel vs. wedge-shaped valves.

Parallel valves use a flat gate between two parallel seats to provide a tight seal. They may have a sharp edge at the bottom of the gate; this kind is called a knife gate valve.

Wedge-shaped valves have a slightly mismatched inclined gate and two inclined seats. These are best used in moderate pressure-temperature applications to prevent the wedges from getting stuck due to metal expansion.

Learn More About Gate Valve Types

Gate valves are a popular option for a variety of different applications. Knowing your gate valve types will help you pick the best one for the job.

If you’d like to find the best valves for your jobs, check out the rest of our site at CPV Manufacturing. We have all varieties of valves and fittings for every application you need. Check out our product selection guide to find the perfect tools for the job.