Valves are a vital element in plumbing. Without valves, plumbing is hard to crack. Gate valves are a type of plumbing valve that is pretty popular in industries and for heavy-duty purposes. Gate valves have different structural adaptations than small shutoff valves. Let’s discuss their details and get a thorough insight into them.

What is a Brass Gate Valve?

Gate valves work by sliding a blocking element. When it slides before the opening, it stops water or liquids from flowing. Gate valves work as regulatory valves. They either allow or block the liquid flow. These valves come with high-range specifications.   Preferably perfect for extreme conditions.

Brass Gate valves can endure high temperatures and high-pressure ranges. Due to their linear flow, we also term them linear valves. They are resistant to decaying elements. Therefore, it is best suitable for use in industries. Typically, they go for automotive industries, pharmaceuticals, oil, and marine operations.

Specifications of Gate Valves: 

Below are the specifications of the gate valves.

Types of Gate Valves:

Gate valves come in various types based on their structure and functions. Here are the top-in-use types of Gate valves.

• Flexible Wedge Gate Valve: The wedge is the disc that provides or blocks the fluid flow. Flexible wedge gate valves consist of a disc cut along its parameter and a single piece. The cut in its structure provides more reliable strength. Cut length directly affects the gate’s performance. The narrow cut gives more power by lowering the flexibility range. Yet, the deeper cuts on the wedge result in good flexibility but poor strength.

Flexible wedge gate valves have a leakproof structure. They are so good at it that they go best for steam operations. It has efficient endurance to deal with thermal explosions and blinding. However, the only problem with flexible wedges is that they get corrosion due to fluid collection in the disk.

• Solid Wedge Gate Valve: Solid wedge gates have a defining structure. They are the most common operational gate valves, and their popularity is due to their robust nature. The advantage of using this valve is that we can orient it in any position, as it works well in all directions. Also, it can endure a range of fluids, even in a turbulent flow.

A solid wedge has a fixed structure, so we cannot change its seat alignment under pressure loads, which can cause leaks in the valve. Solid wedge gate valves have a design that works under moderate pressure and temperature. Because high temperature can cause the metal stuck in the wedge to expand, we refer to this phenomenon as thermal locking.

• Split Wedge Gate Valve: Unlike the above two types, this type contains two disks parallel with a structure that holds them. The discs can be either parallel or wedge-type. Parallel discs give better sealing due to their connection with the seat through a spring. In contrast, split wedge-type gate valves can handle fluids at even high temperatures.

The disc’s alignment prevents thermal blinding, which happens when high-temperature media flows through the valve. High temperatures can cause the metal to expand, which can sometimes collapse, but this structure easily handles it.

• Rising Stem Gate Valve: This type follows the operational category of gate valve. When we open the valve, the stem in its structure goes upward. Similarly, in case of closing, the stem will move down. A portion of the stem is always in constant contact with flowing media. The opening of the valve forces the handwheel to rise with the branch.
• Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve: This type of valve has a disc with internal threading. There is no rising stem mechanism. When the stem is rotated, the disc moves alongside like a nut. Stem threads are in direct contact with the fluids flowing across.

A non-rising stem gate valve, also known as an inside screw valve, takes up less space for the disc’s movement. This structure is highly adaptive to prevent corrosion and wear.

From HardHat Engineer

How Does a Gate Valve Work?

We have discussed different types of gate valves above. There are various structural and operational types of gate valves. Yet, their working principle remains the same for every type. It follows a simple and easy method of working.

Brass Gate valves come with handwheels. To close the valve, we turn it clockwise until it is closed. It will result in lowering the stem at the seat along the valve. Now, the opening is blocked. There should be no liquid flowing across the valve. If you wish to save the gate valve from tearing, avoid putting unusual pressure when closing it.

Now, the opening of the valve follows the reverse process. One should rotate the handwheel in the anti-clockwise direction. Also, remember not to exert pressure, as excessive force can damage the internal structure of the gate valve.

The user should follow general prevention while operating the valve. This can help increase the valve’s life span, as mistakes can create trouble when opening and closing. If the valve feels pressure while operating, you can loosen the bolt on top of the body. This helps reduce stress. At the same time, it saves the stem and disc from damage. But it would help if you revise the nut to its old position once it is fully open.

 Gate valves generally work as shutoff valves, either fully open or closed. Therefore, keeping them in semi-open positions is not admirable. The water flow through the gate valve has maximum space, and slight pressure acts on it. In the case of throttling, the semi-open function can work. But on the other hand, it causes fluid backflow, which damages the quality of the valve. Hence, it is better to avoid this state.

We commonly operate brass gate valves using the following three methods.

• Manual Operation: This is the most traditional way of operating gate valves. A user actuates the valve using a handwheel at the top. It requires on-site operation manually to work. We occasionally use gate valves, so manual actuation is the most economical type.
• Electric Operation: These gate valves do not have a hand wheel. Instead, they have an electric motor instead of a wheel. The stem raises and lowers using the valve’s electrical power, which operates the valve. These do not require a user to actuate the valve; instead, electric power is enough.
•  Pneumatic Operation: Pneumatic valves use compressed air to actuate valves. In such cases, compressed air raises the stem to open the valve and vice versa. A pneumatic actuator lies in place of the handwheel or the electric motor. It does not require a user or electric power. Instead, it only needs a pneumatic system.

Applications of Gate Valves: 

Gate valves are more comprehensive and, therefore, available in ranges. They are good for controlling liquids and gases. They show acceptable performance when handling slurries, powders, and granules. Besides this, they can provide vacuum services.

Brass Gate valves have industrial applications. We use them in the oil, pharmaceutical, marine, manufacturing, and automobile industries. Gate valves are perfect for extreme conditions. They can endure high pressure and temperature, which is why industries are in high demand for this product.

Non-rising stem valves require less space to operate. They are often used in marine and underground applications. Power plants also use these valves due to their corrosion resistance and service quality. Due to their range of types, gate valves have hundreds of applications.

Parts of Gate Valves:

Every part of a gate valve is responsible for proper functioning. Let’s discuss the parts of the gate valves that make up its structure.

• Gate: The gate works by ensuring high-end sealing for leaks. Gates are mostly either wedge or similar types. A knife-type gate is also an example. These gates provide enough space for liquid to flow. When they are closed by turning the wheel, they block the liquid. Different structures of gates have other applications.
• Stem: The stem plays a central role in the gate valve operation. It contains a threaded system. We lower the gate valve by raising the stem. A manual wheel can help relocate the stem. A stem can be either rising or non-rising. Rising stems are good for manual handling, while non-rising stems are suitable for underground appliances.
• Bonnets: Bonnets in a gate valve are responsible for protection against leaks. We can remove and replace bonnets if they get out of order. They have different types.

Screw-in bonnets are widely used and the simplest in structure. They provide leakproof structures in relatively small valves. For high-pressure sealing in large valves, we use Bolt bonnets.

Some gate valves need regular maintenance. Union bonnets are best for such use. They have a union nut that holds the bonnet in place. It keeps bonnet quality up to the mark when frequently removed for inspection.

• Seat: The seat is another essential part of gate valves. It can be either fixed on the stem or ring-based. Seat rings are better for high-temperature conditions. Wedge-type gate valves have mostly metal seats. Resilient seats are also present, even better for tight closures.

Pros and Cons Of Gate Valves: 

Buy Premium Quality Gate Valves from Plumberstar.

Conclusion:

From the above details, it is evident that gate valves are versatile. They perform multiple roles with the best efficiency. They are a feast for industries that require stress-managing valves. Gate valves fit on such sites demanding high strength. Their simple structure makes them highly desirable for use.

The types and working mechanisms of gate valves are depicted in their performance graph. They are highly trusted and recommended by users. If you are planning to buy gate valves, check them out here.

Workingpressure:14MPa(2000Psi)~105Mpa(15000Psi)
NominalSize:46mm(113/16″)~103mm(41/16″)
WorkingTemperature:-29℃～121℃(PU)
AvailableMedium: oil, mud, gas and water
ProductSpecificationLevel: PSL1～PSL4
PerformanceRequirementsLevel: PR1～PR2
MaterialClass: AA～FF
EndConnections: flange, threaded, welding, clamp, union, etc. On-off mode: manual drive, hydraulic operated, etc.
Valve structure: rising stem,non-rising stem,