Gate valves operate just as the name indicates. A barrier blocks all flow when activated and as the “gate” is lifted, flow is restored. I tend to think about barbarians storming a medieval castle when referring to gate valves. As the barbarians are riding through the outskirts unimpeded, they reach the castle where the knights drop the iron gate just in time.
The above diagram shows an open gate valve. These valves are typically efficient at blocking all flow but excel at allowing maximum flow with little resistance compared to other valves. One disadvantage with these valves is that they close much more slowly than the quarter-turn valves like the ball valve or butterfly valve.
One positive of the slow closing gear system is that they help prevent pipe hammers which can be harmful to pipe systems. These valves are found in larger flowing systems and are considered a very strong design for valves. Leakage is more common in these valves compared to ball and butterfly valves.
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