Designed for fully closed or fully open service, gate valves are installed as isolating valves in the pipes. Gate valves should not be used as a regulating valve or control valve.
Also known as knife valves, slide valves, sluice valves or linear motion valves, gate valves are used in industrial applications like water treatment, mining, oil and gas industry, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, power plants, offshore applications, automobile and marine. This is because of their ability to perform in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
So, what is a gate valve and how does it work?
Gate valves are the most commonly used valves, which are used to shut off the flow of fluid. This is done by inserting a rectangular gate into the path of the flowing fluid. Mostly used with larger pipe diameters, gate valves are used to prevent or permit the flow of liquids.
It generally comprises a gate-like disc, a screwed stem and hand-wheel. As the hand-wheel is rotated clockwise, the gate and the steam move down. Thus, it prevents any kind of leakage through the valve. When the valve is moved in anti-clockwise direction, the valve gets opened and the gate and steam move in upward direction across the fluid. Interestingly, the gate valve can be used in the semi-opened direction too. But it is not recommended as the erosion of the gate as fluid will strike.
History of gate valve
Did you know some of the first known gate valves were used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans when they were irrigating fields. However, in the 19th century, the development of gate valves happened quickly, thanks to their use in industry.
Applications of gate valves
The closing feature of gate valves is very good and the pressure loss is also minimum. Therefore, it’s an industry favourite. In fact, gate valves are ideal for irrigation purposes. This is because the speed of closing is not important as the strength supports a high flow rate. Gate valves are also commonly used in applications where liquids such as varnish, light grease, heavy oils, and other non-flammable liquids are used.
If you are looking for the most advanced gate valve designs in the UAE and GCC region, then there’s no better option than Dutco Tennant LLC. The industrial units and commercial establishments also trust the company for being the best gate valve supplier in UAE, courtesy the four-decade long experience as the engineering solution provider.
