If you are looking for an economical and efficient way of controlling the amount of water entering a plant or other irrigation system, the gate valve will prove beneficial. Its basic principle is to change the flow of water by opening and closing a specific valve, thereby reducing the amount of water that travels through the valve.
Gate valves are available in various designs and different types of materials to suit the varying requirements of the industry. In addition to their unique characteristics, gate valves also provide several other benefits that make them the first choice for control systems.
Over symmetric opening, gate valve access is equally symmetrical on both sides with no gate valve “over bleed”. Slim, compact design, good valve functionality, smooth annular channel, minimum flow resistance, sealed annular core, smooth and sturdy sealing surface, PTFE/PTFE stuffing, durable sealing, light and versatile operation, low maintenance, low cost, low voltage operation, and eco-friendly. Disc type is best in controlling the amount of water coming into the disc from a well.
Gate valves can be grouped into several types according to their appearance. They are generally classified as straight, semi-round, or elliptic. Each one has its unique advantages and disadvantages. For example, straight types are economically more reliable than wedge-shaped and more reliable than disc-type. Elliptical gate valves are economical but not as strong as the wedge or disc types.
With the advancements in technology and the demand for effective infrastructures, we have seen a drastic change in how we use water. The use of gate valves has started to gain momentum as it is considered to be an effective and efficient system. This can be attributed to the benefits such as pressure reduction, no flooding, and able to control water flow rate.
Benefits of Using gate valve:
Pressure reduction: Water is pumped through a pipe before it enters a building. If there is a blockage in the pipe, this creates pressure which pushes the water back due to friction.
No flooding: Gate valves regulate water flow rate which helps avoid floods or overflowing of rivers or streams during heavy rainfall
Controllable amount of water: Gate Valve can be adjusted according to demand with an accurate range.
The gate valves’ advantages over other commonly used control valves are mainly due to their unique external design. These valves do not need an internal sleeve or stem and they feature a key ring that prevents inadvertent stoppage of flow. Also, it allows the flow of a high volume of fluid with a low-pressure drop through its needle port. Its needle port does not restrict the fluid’s flow at any point along its length. Its unique external design allows this gate valve to be placed practically anywhere.
However, these advantages come with certain disadvantages. It cannot be placed in all locations because there is no hole for a sleeve and stem. Additionally, the operation of gate valves open and closed by hand cannot be reversed by the use of a wrench or a manual lever.
Bonnets are generally made of flexible wire wrapped around a metal sleeve or stem. This sleeve or stem is then fastened to the valve via a threaded fastener. A bonnet has the opposite flange as that of the stem. This design of the gate valve allows for the gate to open and close as per the changing pressure of the liquid.