A gate valve is a type of control valve. A gate valve is utilized when a straight-line fluid flow and minimum flow restriction are required. There are two classifications of gate valves, and both are specific to the needs of water volume.
Gate valves use a sliding plate in the valve body to stop, slow or permit the entire flow through the valves.
Non-rising Stem Valves
The main difference between the two classifications of valves is the stem. In a non-rising stem valve, the stem is outside of the fixture. This is called the rotary stem gate valve or blind stem wedge plate valve.
A non-rising stem valve features a stem that turns to open the gate, but the stem itself does not move. The non-rising stem is more or less an opening and closing mechanism, related to the fluid flow only in that it operates the gate.
Rising Stem Valves
Rising stem valves feature a nut at the top of the stem and the stem itself rising as the gate opens. Rising stem valves are easy to open and close and there is less resistance and pressure reduction.
When to Use Gate Valves
Gate valves are primarily used when an economic shut-off is needed. A non-rising stem gate valve is the best decision if space is tight. Gate valves are also used in the following situations:
- Gate valves can be used wherever you need to throttle
- Irrigation systems are a perfect use for gate valves as there is a high flow of fluid volume
- Gate valves are perfect anywhere you need a controlled flow of fluid.
