A gate valve (also known as a slide gate valve or shut-off valve) is an industrial valve used to open or close fluid flow by raising or lowering a valve disc perpendicular to the direction of flow. Gate valves are designed only for fully open or fully closed operation and should never be used for flow regulation. When partially opened, the flow can cause wear and vibration of the valve disc, which can accelerate damage to other valve components.
Basic Structure of a Gate Valve
A gate valve basically consists of the following 5 main components:
| Component | Function |
| Valve Body | Withstands fluid pressure and protects the internal components |
| Valve Disc (Wedge) | Moves up and down to block or allow fluid flow |
| Valve Stem | Transmits movement from the handwheel to the valve disc |
| Valve Bonnet | Seals the valve body and can be removed for maintenance |
| Sealing Gasket | Prevents leakage at connection points |
3 Gate Valve Classifications to Know Before Buying
Classification by Valve Stem Type
| Type | How to Identify | Suitable For |
| Rising Stem | The stem rises when the valve is opened, allowing the valve position to be visually identified | Open spaces where quick status inspection is required |
| Non-Rising Stem | The stem rotates in place without changing its height | Underground installations, valve chambers, and areas with limited vertical space |
Classification by Valve Disc Design
| Type | Features | Applications |
| Wedge Disc | Uses an inclined wedge-shaped disc that presses tightly into the seat when closing | Most common type, providing high sealing performance and stable operation |
| Parallel Disc | Uses two flat discs pressed against each other | Suitable for quick opening/closing and medium-pressure applications |
Classification by Sealing Material
| Type | Features | Notes |
| Resilient Seat | The valve disc is coated with EPDM/NBR rubber | Commonly used in clean water supply systems and less prone to sediment accumulation |
| Metal Seat | Both the valve disc and valve seat are made of metal | Suitable for high-temperature environments and fluids containing impurities |
In addition to the three criteria above, gate valves can also be classified by operating method (handwheel/electric/pneumatic/electrical signal), valve body material (cast iron/steel/stainless steel/brass), and connection type (flanged/threaded/welded).
What Types of Projects Are Gate Valves Commonly Used In?
Gate valves are widely used in various industrial projects, including:
- Urban water supply and drainage systems
- Fire protection systems
- Wastewater treatment systems
- Water supply systems in power plants, manufacturing plants, and other industrial facilities
They are also commonly used in main pipeline systems for residential buildings, office buildings, commercial centers, hospitals, hotels, and other civil construction projects.
Can Gate Valves Be Used for Flow Regulation?
Gate valves should not be used as flow control valves. If the valve is not fully opened or fully closed, fluid flowing through the narrow gap between the valve disc and valve seat can create turbulence, causing vibration and cavitation (the formation and collapse of bubbles that can erode metal surfaces). Over time, the valve disc and valve seat may wear unevenly, resulting in leakage even when the valve is fully closed. If continuous flow regulation is required, a butterfly valve or globe valve would be more suitable.
Why Buy Gate Valves from An Phú Thành?
An Phú Thành has been operating in the industrial valve sector since 2009 and is currently a trusted supplier of valves, pipe fittings, and fire protection products in Ho Chi Minh City. An Phú Thành is also the official owner and authorized distributor of the YDK valve brand. YDK is a range of OEM valves manufactured in South Korea according to international standards.
- Complete sizes from DN50 – DN1200, with a wide range of materials and operating methods
- Products come with complete CO/CQ certificates and clear warranty policies
- Technical specialists provide valve selection advice based on the specific requirements of each project
- Competitive pricing with discounts available for large-volume orders
If you need advice on selecting the right gate valve for your project, contact An Phú Thành via Hotline: 0946 729 913. The APT team is always ready to assist you!