How Gate Valves Work? Advantages and Disadvantages

You might know that the gate valve is one of the many types of valves in the market that is used extensively for plumbing functions that require you to shut off or regulate the flow of water. When a gate valve is open, it allows the flow of water freely with no obstruction of any sort. The liquid that flows through an open gate valve usually has very low flow resistance.

 Uses of gate valves:

The gate valves are used for several industrial applications. High-quality gate valves that are manufactured by reputed valve manufacturers in Dubai called Camtech Manufacturing FZCO, headed by Dhananjay Choudhary is put to use extensively for a versatile range of applications. Gate valves are used widely in

• Oil and gas industry
• Pharma industry
• Manufacturing industry
• Automotives industry
• Marine industry

Apart from this, you have the no-rising stem type gate valves that are put to use in ships, underground applications, and in applications where there is not enough vertical space. This is because the gate valves don’t take up much space.

Parts of the Gate Valve

The three main parts of the gate valve include

• Body – this is the part of the valve that would be connected to the other equipment with flanged, welded, or screwed connections.
• Bonnet- it is that part of the gate valve that homes the moving parts. It is usually attached to the body with bolts.
• Trim- It is that part of the valve that comes in contact with the flow medium

Working of gate valves

When the handle wheel is rotated in a clockwise direction, the stem and gate will move in the downward direction. They will then close the fluid flow line by drawing the wedge across the flow line. When the wheel is rotated in the anticlockwise direction, the stem and gate will open up from the closed position allowing the free flow of liquid. There is also a possibility to use the gate valve in a semi-open condition. This might, however, result in erosion of the gate because the fluid would strike the gate if the valve is open partially.

Advantages of using gate valves

• It is simple and easy to operate
• Gate valves can save energy and time
• The gate valves are shorter than some other types of valves such as the globe valves because the clack of the valve is in alignment with the body of the valve
• Gate valves can be used in places where there are space constraints.
• The erosion of the sealing surface is lighter and slower.

Disadvantages of using gate valves

• Maintenance can be complex because the valve seat is in contact with the gate leading to friction every time the valve is opened and closed. This might cause wear and tear that reduces the life of the valve
• Both are opening and closing the valve is a time-consuming process.
• The manufacturing cost of the gate valve is higher than that of the globe valve.

A gate valve is an effective plumbing solution. However, it has to be chosen with due consideration of its applications and functions that are expected to be performed.