A gate valve is the most common type of valve used in any process plant. It is a linear motion valve used to start or stop fluid flow. Gate valves are designed for fully-open or fully-closed service.
They are installed in pipelines as isolating valves and should not be used as control or regulating valves. Operation of a gate valve is performed doing an either clockwise to close (CTC) or clockwise to open (CTO) rotating motion of the stem. When operating the valve stem, the gate moves up or downwards on the threaded part of the stem.
Gate valves are used in almost all fluid services such as air, fuel gas, feedwater, steam, lube oil, hydrocarbon, and all most any services. Some special gate valve is used in slurry and powder product also such as knife gate valve.
In terms of applications, the advantages of gates valves involve slurries, as their “gates” can cut right through the slurry. They are also used in applications that involve viscous liquids such as heavy oils, light grease, varnish, molasses, honey, cream and other non-flammable viscous liquids.
These valves are available in large sizes to better handle thick flow. However, gate valves do have low-pressure limitations, and are not optimal in applications that require cleanliness or sanitary conditions. They are excellent for use anywhere a shutoff valve is needed. When needed, they can also be used where throttling capabilities are desired.
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