Gate valve i first came across gate valves while studying basic piping systems and later saw them used in actual installations. they are not complicated devices and honestly they are not meant to be. their job is simple and that is why they are trusted in many places.
a gate valve is mainly used when flow has to be completely allowed or completely stopped. it is not used for controlling flow slowly. when people try to use it that way, problems usually start appearing after some time.
inside the valve there is a solid metal gate. this gate moves upward and downward. when the valve is opened fully, the gate goes up and the fluid moves straight through. when the valve is closed, the gate comes down and blocks the path. there is no turning or bending of flow inside the valve, so pressure loss is usually very low.
in real systems, gate valves are not operated every day. many of them stay in one position for months. this is common in water pipelines, fire lines, and industrial plants. i have seen valves that were installed years ago and were still working fine because they were not disturbed often.
people still use gate valves because they are predictable. once installed correctly, they do what is expected. they can handle pressure and temperature changes without creating sudden issues. in large pipelines, they are often easier to use compared to other valve types.
there are different types used depending on space and application. some valves show clearly whether they are open or closed because the stem rises. others keep the stem inside the body, which helps in tight locations. knife gate valves are mostly used where thick or dirty fluids are involved.
gate valves are commonly found in water supply systems, pumping stations, factories, power plants, and oil facilities. in most of these places, the valve is expected to work quietly without attention. if it does that, it is considered reliable.
most problems happen due to incorrect use. keeping a gate valve partially open damages the seating surfaces over time. proper opening, proper closing, and basic inspection are usually enough for maintenance.
gate valves are not modern or advanced, but they still solve a basic problem in a simple way. that is the reason they are still being used.
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