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A gate valve, which is also known as side valve or knife valve, is the most commonly used valve in industry and its main function is to stop or start the flow of water or other fluids like oil or grease. The valve consists of a flattened closure part that slides into place. The internal diameter of the valve is almost identical to that of attached pipes so that when a gate valve is fully open, there is only a slight drop in pressure of flow.
One very important fact to remember about gate valves is that it is only appropriate for cutting through thick liquids and their functionality is not for high-pressure applications. This is the reason why you will not always find their pressure ratings very easily. However, there are many manufacturers and sellers of industrial gate valves, which is why it is important to compare the prices of various sellers. Do this only after you understand fully the working and operation of the valve as well as the adequate materials that make a strong gate valve.
Types of Gate Valves
- Parallel Gate Valve: A flat disk divides two parallel sheets.
- Double Parallel Valve: There are two parallel seats among which two disks with inclined planes are present and as soon as the disks are down, they are pressed against the seat for shut-off.
- Wedge-Shaped Valve: Two seats are inclined and for higher sealing pressure, the disc is mismatched.
Choosing a Gate Valve
As mentioned earlier, you need to be careful when selecting a gate valve because if you need a full range of flow regulation, then you might be better off with some other kind of check valve or device. In the gate valve, the disc of the valve will vibrate with the flow of the liquid and this motion will eventually erode the disc as well as the seat. Nevertheless, in many industrial applications knife valves or gate valves come in quite handy especially where you require infrequent throttling.
When you are out looking for good quality gate valves, look for suppliers that carry heavy-duty knife valves.
Sometimes the points where the inlet pipe and outlet pipe are connected can require some repair. This is especially true if there has been some blockage in the pipe and also during the winter season when the pipes can freeze. Silicone plumber’s tape or Teflon tape can be very effective for this, especially to wrap the threads once a year or so. Sometimes the lubrication can be lacking if the valve takes too much effort to open or close, especially in the winter months. Moreover, check your Gate Valve regularly for leaks or corrosion because regular maintenance and repair can help last your valve longer and function efficiently.
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