The main characteristics of gate valves include the following aspects:
Low fluid resistance: The internal medium channel of the gate valve is straight-through, and the medium does not change the flow direction when flowing through, so the fluid resistance is small.
Low opening and closing torque: The gate movement direction is perpendicular to the medium flow direction when the gate valve is opened and closed, which is more labor-saving than the stop valve.
Unrestricted medium flow direction: The medium can flow through the gate valve in any direction on both sides, which is suitable for pipelines where the medium flow direction may change.
Short structural length: Since the gate of the gate valve is placed vertically in the valve body, the structural length is shorter than that of the stop valve.
Good sealing performance: The sealing surface is less eroded when fully opened, and the sealing can be guaranteed by the medium pressure.
Disadvantages of gate valves include:
Easy to damage the sealing surface: There is relative friction between the sealing surfaces during opening and closing, which is easy to cause scratches and wear, affecting the sealing performance and service life.
Long opening and closing time: Since the gate valve needs to be fully opened or fully closed, the gate stroke is large, and it takes a certain amount of time and space to open.
Complex structure: There are many parts, which makes manufacturing and maintenance more difficult, and the cost is higher than that of the stop valve.