Gate valves are most commonly used to allow or prevent the flow of liquids when minimum restriction or straight line flow is preferred. Also, referred to as sluice valves, gate valves are most commonly made from cast iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, ductile iron, stainless steel, alloy steels, or forged steels.
The valves work by lifting from the path of fluid a gate, or wedge which opens up the flow path for fluid to travel. It is recommended that you either completely open, or completely close a gate valve as they are not intended to regulate the flow of liquid. Attempting to use a gate valve in a partially open/closed position creates a vibration that can ruin the disk and seal of the gate valve resulting in future leaks.
Often used in the oil industry, gate valves are able to “cut” through thicker liquids. For extremely thick fluids, you may have to use a specialty valve, or knife valve to properly cut through the liquid. To refrain from flow malfunctions, it is important to use the proper type of valve for the liquid being used, as well as the project at hand.
There are two different types of stems in which a gate valve may have. There are either rising or non rising stems. The difference between the two is, a rising stem will indicate the position of the valve, allowing you to view the valves position. A non rising stem, which is used for applications underground or for spaces where there is minimal space vertically. Non rising stems can also indicate position of the valve by using a pointer which is threaded on the stem.
To find out if gate valves are the proper valves for your job, contact Detroit Nipple Works today!