Manual gate valves can feature different gate designs, each with its own characteristics and advantages.
The main types of gate designs used in manual gate valves include:
- Parallel Gate: Parallel gate valves have flat gates that travel parallel to the direction of flow when opening or closing. These gates typically have two sealing surfaces that make contact with the valve seats to achieve a tight seal. Parallel gate valves are well-suited for applications requiring tight shut-off and minimal flow restriction.
- Wedge Gate: Wedge gate valves have wedge-shaped gates that are tapered to a point at the bottom. The gate moves perpendicular to the direction of flow to open or close the valve. Wedge gate valves provide a tight seal by wedging the gate between the valve seats, exerting pressure to achieve a seal. They are commonly used in high-pressure and high-temperature applications due to their robust sealing mechanism.
- Split Wedge Gate: Split wedge gate valves feature a two-piece gate design with each half of the gate tapering towards the centerline of the valve. The two halves move independently to seal against the valve seats when the valve is closed. manual gate valve Split wedge gate valves provide improved sealing performance compared to solid wedge gate valves and are often used in applications with high-pressure differentials.
- Flexible Wedge Gate: Flexible wedge gate valves have a wedge-shaped gate with a flexible joint or hinge near the bottom. This design allows the gate to flex and adjust to variations in seat alignment, providing improved sealing performance on uneven surfaces. Flexible wedge gate valves are commonly used in applications where the seating surfaces may be misaligned or subject to movement.
- Knife Gate: Knife gate valves feature a sharp-edged gate that cuts through fluids and solids to provide a tight shut-off. These valves are commonly used in applications involving slurries, viscous fluids, or solids, where a clean cut-off is required to prevent leakage and minimize maintenance.
Each type of gate design offers unique advantages and is suited to specific applications based on factors such as pressure, temperature, fluid type, and sealing requirements. When selecting a manual gate valve, it’s essential to consider the gate design that best meets the needs of the application and ensures reliable and efficient operation.
