Gate valves’ main purpose is to stop, allow or control the flow of fluids. They come in different shapes and sizes. Also, due to their versatile designs, they can be used for various applications. Applications include cooking units, food, pharmaceutical services, and oil and gas sectors. Below are the four main gate valve designs.
Gate designs and segments
There are different designs of gate valves. But there are four main gate valves common for many applications. They include:
Expanding gate valves: it comprises two units: a gate and a segment unit. The two crumble against each other for travel and split when the valve is fully opened or closed to make a mechanical seal.
Slab gate valve: has one gate unit that lifts and drops between two seat rings and is mainly used to transport crude oil and NGLS.
Wedge gate valves: made out of the tapered gate with metal to metal sealing. When you compare it to slab or expanding gate valves, it’s not piggable because of the hole left at the lower of the valve when it opens. In addition, the valve lacks a bore through the gate. Instead, the gate retracts into the valve body when open, saving height space.
Knife gate valves: used to cut very thick fluids and dry bulk solids. Its design allows the valve to self-clean. The knife clears abrasives with each stroke when passing the seat rings and skirts. Its gate unit is thin compared to other gate valves and is directed into place by the water body that sandwiches the gate.
Various types of valves are used for diverse applications. Each of the designs has its perks and cons. However, they get work done when used appropriately and in the right applications. Before buying one for your application, know what suits your needs.
