What are the different types of gate valves and what do they do?
What Are the Different Types of Gate Valves and What Do They Do?
Gate valves are essential for controlling the flow of liquids and gases within a pipeline. Designed to fully open or close flow paths, they are vital for process safety and system efficiency. Although they may seem like a simple component, gate valves come in several different forms — each engineered for specific applications and environments.
At BM Engineering Supplies, we supply a wide range of high-quality industrial gate valves from trusted manufacturers, ensuring effective performance across industries like oil & gas, water treatment, chemical processing, and more.
Let’s explore the key types of gate valves and what they are used for:
1. Wedge Gate Valves
Wedge gate valves feature a gate that forms a wedge shape, providing a tight seal when closed. This design is ideal for on-off services and is often used in:
- Municipal water distribution systems
- Chemical plants
- General industrial applications
These valves are known for their reliability and straightforward operation in systems that don’t require frequent opening and closing.
Key benefits: Simple design, tight sealing, minimal maintenance
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2. Parallel Slide Gate Valves
Parallel slide gate valves (also known as split gate valves) use two parallel gates with a spring or wedge mechanism to maintain sealing. This design ensures a tight shut-off with minimal pressure drop, making them suitable for:
- Steam systems
- High-temperature pipelines
- Power generation
Their sliding action reduces seat wear, making them ideal for applications requiring longevity.
Key benefits: Low-pressure drop, long service life
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3. Slab Gate Valves
Slab gate valves feature a solid, single-piece gate that slides between two seats to provide a full-bore flow path. These valves are commonly found in the oil and gas industry due to their:
- Low pressure loss
- High reliability in upstream and midstream operations
- Effective sealing in high-pressure pipelines
They are ideal for applications requiring pigging or unimpeded flow.
Key benefits: Leak resistance, minimal maintenance, full-bore flow
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4. Knife Gate Valves
Knife gate valves are specifically designed for handling thick, viscous, and abrasive media, thanks to a sharp-edged gate that can cut through slurries and semi-solids. These valves are widely used in:
- Wastewater treatment
- Mining and minerals
- Paper and pulp processing
At BM Engineering, we offer knife gate valves suited to both standard and severe service applications.
Key benefits: Cost-effective, easy to actuate, low-pressure drop
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5. Parallel Expanding Gate Valves
Expanding gate valves use two gates that move outward during closing to create a mechanical seal. This ensures zero leakage and is ideal for:
- High-pressure natural gas pipelines
- Refined product pipelines
- Hazardous fluid containment
These valves are engineered for high-integrity sealing, often used in critical process systems where safety is non-negotiable.
Key benefits: Bubble-tight seal, high temperature and pressure resistance
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Why Choose BM Engineering for Gate Valves?
With over 60 years of combined industry experience, BM Engineering Supplies is a trusted partner for valve selection, automation, and technical support. We stock and source gate valves from global manufacturers, including Orbinox, offering robust solutions tailored to your industry needs.
Whether you require a manual valve or a fully actuated solution, our team can guide you to the best fit for your application.
📞 Call us on 0141 762 0657
📧 Email us at sales@bmengineering.co.uk
🔗 Or explore all gate valves online
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