31.07.2026 08:42
Gate valves are isolation valves designed primarily to fully open or completely shut off the flow in a pipeline. They operate by moving a gate vertically, perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow.
Gate valves can be classified according to their gate design, stem configuration, sealing system, body construction, end connection, material and actuation method.
1. Resilient Seated Gate Valve
A resilient seated gate valve uses a gate coated with EPDM or another suitable elastomer. When fully closed, the resilient coating provides excellent contact with the valve seating area.
Main advantages
Excellent sealing performance
Low operating torque
Good corrosion resistance
Long service life in water applications
Low maintenance requirements
Low pressure loss when fully open
Applications
Potable water networks
Municipal water systems
Irrigation
Fire protection systems
Industrial water systems
Pumping stations
Resilient seated gate valves are among the most commonly used gate valves for clean-water infrastructure.
2. Metal Seated Gate Valve
Metal seated gate valves use metallic contact surfaces between the gate and valve seats.
They are suitable for more demanding operating conditions involving elevated temperatures, pressures or industrial service.
Applications
Steam lines
Power plants
Petrochemical plants
Refineries
Industrial process systems
High-temperature services
3. Wedge Gate Valve
A wedge gate valve uses a wedge-shaped closure element that moves into the seating surfaces as the valve closes.
Common designs include:
Solid Wedge
A single rigid wedge provides a simple and robust construction.
Flexible Wedge
The wedge is designed to accommodate small amounts of deformation, which can help compensate for thermal effects and seat alignment.
Split Wedge
The gate consists of multiple sections designed to improve seating under certain pressure and temperature conditions.
4. Parallel Slide Gate Valve
Parallel slide gate valves use parallel seating surfaces rather than wedge-shaped seating geometry.
They are frequently used in demanding steam, power and high-pressure applications.
Applications
Power generation
Steam systems
High-pressure process plants
Oil and gas facilities
Gate Valves by Stem Design
5. Rising Stem Gate Valve – OS&Y
In a rising stem gate valve, the stem moves upward as the valve opens.
OS&Y means Outside Screw and Yoke.
Advantages
Valve position can be visually identified
Stem threads can be isolated from the flowing medium
Easier inspection and maintenance
Suitable for industrial and fire protection applications
Applications
Fire protection systems
Industrial plants
Power facilities
Petrochemical installations
Process pipelines
6. Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve
In a non-rising stem design, the stem does not move vertically outside the valve. Instead, the gate travels along the threaded stem.
Advantages
Compact installation
Requires less vertical space
Suitable for underground applications
Widely used in municipal water networks
Special Gate Designs
7. Knife Gate Valve
A knife gate valve uses a relatively thin gate with an edge designed to move through media containing fibers, slurry or suspended solids.
Applications
Wastewater
Pulp and paper
Mining
Slurry systems
Biomass
Processes containing suspended solids
8. Slab Gate Valve
A slab gate valve uses a flat gate design and is widely associated with oil and gas transmission services.
Features
Full-bore configurations available
Low pressure drop
Pig-compatible designs can be manufactured
Suitable for high-pressure pipeline applications
Applications
Oil pipelines
Natural gas pipelines
Refineries
Terminals
Energy facilities
9. Expanding Gate Valve
An expanding gate mechanism expands against the valve seats during closure.
This design is particularly useful in applications where high sealing performance is required.
Typical applications
Oil and gas
Pipeline systems
High-integrity isolation services
Gate Valves by Connection Type
10. Flanged Gate Valve
Flanged gate valves are connected to the pipeline using bolted flanges.
Advantages
Easy installation and removal
Suitable for large diameters
Convenient maintenance
Common in water and industrial systems
11. Threaded Gate Valve
Threaded gate valves are mainly used in smaller diameter pipelines and utility systems.
12. Welded Gate Valve
Welded-end gate valves are permanently welded into the pipeline.
Advantages
Strong pipeline connection
Reduced number of potential flange leakage points
Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications
Gate Valves by Actuation
13. Handwheel Operated Gate Valve
The valve is manually opened or closed using a handwheel.
14. Gear Operated Gate Valve
A gearbox reduces the operating force required, particularly on larger valves.
15. Electric Actuated Gate Valve
An electric actuator provides remote or automated opening and closing.
Typical applications include:
SCADA systems
Pumping stations
Water treatment plants
Industrial automation
Process systems
16. Pneumatic Gate Valve
The valve is operated using compressed air and can be used where rapid automated operation is required.
17. Hydraulic Gate Valve
Hydraulic actuators are commonly used where very high operating torque is required.
Gate Valves by Body Material
Common body materials include:
Ductile Iron
Frequently used in water, irrigation, infrastructure and fire protection systems.
Cast Iron
Used in various low and medium duty applications.
Carbon Steel
Common in oil, gas, power and industrial process applications.
Stainless Steel
Preferred in applications requiring high corrosion resistance, including chemical, food processing and marine environments.
How to Select a Gate Valve
Important selection criteria include:
Nominal diameter – DN
Pressure rating – PN/Class
Fluid type
Operating pressure
Operating temperature
Body material
Gate and seat materials
Stem design
Connection type
Required sealing performance
Manual or automated operation
Applicable standards
Corrosion conditions
Installation environment
Gate valves are principally designed for fully open or fully closed operation. Continuous throttling can result in turbulence, vibration and erosion of the gate and seating surfaces.
Conclusion
Different gate valve designs provide solutions for different pipeline conditions. Resilient seated gate valves are widely used in water infrastructure, OS&Y gate valves in industrial and fire protection systems, knife gate valves in slurry and solids-containing applications, and slab or specialized high-pressure gate valves in oil and gas pipelines.
Correct valve selection contributes directly to system reliability, sealing performance, energy efficiency and long service life.
