What are the structures of gate valves?

In industrial pipeline systems, gate valves are a type of valve that is used very frequently, mainly used to achieve full open or full closed control of the medium in the pipeline. Compared with other types of valves, gate valves have advantages such as small flow resistance, good sealing performance, and long service life. For engineering designers and purchasing managers, understanding the main structural components of gate valves will help to select and evaluate product performance more accurately.

Below, we will analyze the key components of a standard gate valve from a structural perspective.

1. Valve body

The valve body is the main structure of the gate valve, which is used to withstand the medium pressure and connect the upstream and downstream pipelines. According to different working conditions, the common materials of the valve body include cast iron, cast steel, stainless steel, etc. Its design structure determines the pressure bearing capacity and corrosion resistance of the valve.

2. Valve cover

The valve cover is installed above the valve body, mainly to seal and protect the internal structure. In order to facilitate inspection and maintenance, the valve cover of some large gate valves adopts a bolted connection design and is equipped with sealing gaskets or metal rings for sealing.

3. gate

The gate is the core component to achieve the switch action. It cuts off or connects the fluid by moving up and down. There are many forms of gates, such as single gate, double gate, wedge gate, parallel gate, etc. Different structures are suitable for different pressures and working conditions. Wedge gates are often used in high-pressure environments to enhance the sealing effect.

4. valve stem

The valve stem connects the handwheel or actuator with the gate, and is a key component for transmitting the opening and closing force. According to the different structural forms, the valve stem is divided into two types: rising stem type and non-rising stem type. The opening and closing status of the rising stem valve is clear at a glance, which is convenient for observation and maintenance; the non-rising stem structure is more suitable for installation environments with small spaces.

5.stuffing box

The stuffing box is used to prevent the medium from leaking along the valve stem. It is usually filled with graphite, PTFE or other sealing materials, and the seal is formed by pressing the gland. Under high temperature and high pressure conditions, the choice of packing has a greater impact on the overall sealing performance, which is an important part of the procurement process that cannot be ignored.

6, handwheel or drive device

The handwheel is a common driving method for manual gate valves and is easy to operate. For large-caliber or high-pressure gate valves, electric, pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are usually equipped to achieve remote control or automatic control functions. The choice of driving mode should be determined according to the actual engineering requirements.

7. Sealing pair

The sealing pair consists of the gate and the valve seat, which is the key area to ensure the sealing performance of the valve. High-performance sealing pairs can withstand frequent opening and closing actions, and maintain stable sealing in harsh environments such as high pressure and corrosion. High-quality products are usually made of cemented carbide or wear-resistant alloy materials.

8. Guide structure

In order to ensure the stable operation of the gate during the opening and closing process, some gate valves are equipped with guide grooves or guide pins. This structural design can effectively prevent the gate from deflecting or getting stuck, and is particularly suitable for working environments with high flow rates or solid particles.

Understanding the structure of the gate valve not only helps to choose the right model, but also improves efficiency and reduces failure rate in later maintenance and overhaul. For purchasers, purchases cannot be made based on price alone, and materials, structure, sealing performance and supplier technical capabilities should be considered comprehensively.

Our company has been focusing on industrial valve manufacturing for many years, providing gate valve products of various structural types, supporting non-standard customization and technical guidance services. If you have any questions about the selection, please feel free to contact us.