Gate valve (What is a gate valve? And how should it be used appropriately?
Gate valves are one of the most widely used valves in various industries. Their main function is to open or close the flow of liquids or gases within the pipe system. They are characterized by their ability to control flow by fully opening or completely closing, which effectively reduces the resistance of the fluid in the pipe.
What is a gate valve ?
A gate valve is a type of valve that works by using a baffle (gate) to move up and down to control the flow of fluid. This type of valve is often used in systems that require full on-off control of the fluid without the need for periodic adjustments to reduce the flow, making the control of the flow system easy and efficient.
Main structure of gate valve
- The valve body is the external structure of the valve and is made of cast iron, stainless steel, or brass.
- A gate or wedge is a device that closes or opens the flow of fluid within a pipe.
- The stem is used to control the up-down movement of the baffle.
- Seals ( Seat & Gasket) help prevent fluid leakage.
- Handwheel is used to control valve operation. Manual models may be available only .
Types of gate valves
There are many types of gate valves, each designed to support specific applications. Each type has different components to facilitate use and help ensure maximum efficiency. Gate valves can be divided into four types:
- Parallel Gate Valve : Uses baffle plates with parallel surfaces, suitable for low pressure fluids.
- Wedge Gate Valve: It has a wedge-shaped baffle to help seal more tightly. It is suitable for use with high pressure fluids.
- Rising Stem Gate Valve : It has a rotating shaft that lifts up and down when opening and closing the valve, allowing the user to easily check the valve position.
- Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve : The operation of the rotating shaft does not move up and down outside. It is mostly suitable for use in limited spaces.
Proper use of gate valves
Selecting a gate valve for maximum efficiency requires selecting one that is appropriate for the application. Gate valves are generally suitable for the following applications:
- Systems requiring full flow or complete flow interruption
- Used in piping systems where liquids or gases flow through, such as water supply systems, chemical industries, and power plants.
- Low resistance system (when fully open, fluid can flow through without obstruction)
However, many people still choose gate valves that are not suitable for their operation, causing damage. Gate valves are not suitable for
- Systems that require detailed flow rate control require frequent opening and closing because this can cause the baffle plates to wear out quickly.
- Use with fluids with high sediment content may cause valve clogging.
Gate valves are suitable for controlling flow in either fully open or completely closed positions. They are not suitable for fine adjustment of flow rate. Therefore, for efficient use, the type of gate valve should be selected to suit the required system and maintained regularly.
And this is information about gate valves that will help make your decision easier. If you are looking for a high-quality gate valve, you should choose from a reliable brand and consider the materials that are suitable for the environment of use, such as quality gate valves from leading brands that Asia Pacific imports specifically. We can also provide advice, product recommendations, and services from experts with over 29 years of experience.