Gate Valves
Gate valves are a type of valve structured with a wedge-shaped valve element that slides like a gate to shut off the flow of a fluid. Since the valve element completely stops the flow of fluid, gate valves are known for creating little pressure loss and enabling the fluid to flow easily when the valve is opened fully. The flow of fluid is adjusted to fully open or fully closed by turning the valve element left or right, making gate valves suited for use with ON/OFF operations. Partially open use of a gate valve (with about half the valve element extended into the flow channel) is not a suitable use since it could cause the valve body to vibrate from the fluid. Gate valves made of materials such as bronze, brass, cast iron, resin and stainless steel are available, along with various models for different usage objectives, fluid types, fluid pressures and other parameters. Gate valves are also known for supporting channels of many different sizes, ranging from small to large diameters.