Gate Valves serve as efficient on-off valves with flow in either direction. In such a design, a wedge slides cross a general passage way in order to control fluid flow (like a sliding gate – hence, the name).
One of the most significant characteristics of this type of valves is its straight-through, unobstructed passageway when set in the “full open” position. This is made possible by the wedge lifting entirely out of the passage way. As a result, gate valves are characterized by a minimum of turbulence and pressure drop in operation.
While gate valves are good for applications requiring these two factors, they are not recommended for installations in which throttling would be a function. They are designed for on/off service
