Gate & Sluice Valves

Product Details

Gate valves are some of the most common valves currently employed. A gate valve is a type of isolation valve used to control the flow of fluids in an industrial system. Sluice valves or industrial gate valves are mainly used for industrial purposes. Its easy and simple mechanics make it one of the most-used valves across various industries. The valve operates by simply moving or lifting up the barrier in the path of flowing liquids.OperationAlthough a gate valve or sluice valve is easy to operate, it consists of numerous components fixed together for it to function efficiently. This type of valve consists of the body, a gate, a seat, a bonnet, and in some cases, an actuator which automates the flow. Gate valves can be manufactured using various materials; however, stainless steel is the most preferred since the material is more resistant to changes in temperature or pressure. The various parts of a gate valve are detailed out below.The GateAvailable in a variety of designs, the gate is the main part of a gate valve. The main design aspect of it is its sealing capacity for specific applications. A gate valve can be classified as a parallel or wedge-shaped valve based on the gate type. The former can further be divided into slab gates, parallel slide gates, and parallel expanding gates.SeatsA gate valve has two seats that ensure sealing along with the gate. These seats can be integrated within the valve body, or they can be present in the form of a seat ring. The latter is threaded or pressed into its position and then sealed and welded to the valve body. In situations where the valve is subject to higher temperatures, seat rings are preferred, as they allow for more variation in design.The StemThe gate in a gate valve is lowered or raised when it spins on a threaded system. This can take place via a manual wheel or an actuator. An actuated gate valve can be controlled remotely. Depending on the type of step, the gate valve can be categorized into rising stem and non-rising stem valves. The former is fixed to the gate, whereas the latter is fixed to the actuator and threaded into the gate.BonnetsBonnets are valve components that ensure the safe sealing of the passage. It is either bolted or screwed to the valve body so that it can be removed for replacement or maintenance. Based on application, various types of valve bonnets include bolt bonnets, screw-in bonnets, union bonnets, and pressure seal bonnets.ApplicationsGate valves or sluice valves have numerous applications in various industries and have diverse uses in controlling liquid, gas, and even airflow. In environmentally harsh conditions such as high-temperature or high-pressure areas in petrochemical industries, gate valves are the go-to instrument. In such conditions, the material and type of valve play an important role in the performance and efficiency of the valve. Gate valves also find their use in fire safety systems, where a flanged gate valve is commonly used. Non-rising stem gate valves are used in ships or underground at places where vertical space is limited.