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Gate valves

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What are gate valves

Gate valves are essential components for completely shutting off liquid or gas flows in a wide range of water, utility and industrial applications. Due to their simple and effective design, broad range of material options and robust sealing, they are the standard choice for isolating pipelines in water utilities, heating systems, chemical plants, oil & gas industry and the process industry.

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Construction and Material Options
  • Body and bonnet:
    Gate valves are manufactured from various materials, selected according to the application and the medium:

    • Brass: Widely used in water distribution and general utility applications thanks to excellent corrosion resistance and long service life.
    • Ductile iron: Ideal for large-scale water distribution, water treatment and heating systems; provides mechanical strength and resilience for higher pressures.
    • Carbon steel: Favoured in industrial and energy sectors (steam, hydrocarbons, process fluids) due to its strength, pressure and temperature resistance and suitability for aggressive media.
    • Stainless steel: Essential in chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries and in aggressive processes, offering maximum corrosion resistance and high temperature capability.

  • Seat and wedge:
    Gate valves are available with metal or resilient (soft) seats:

    • Metal-to-metal (bronze, stainless steel, steel): Suitable for higher temperatures and applications requiring long service life.

    • Resilient seat (EPDM, NBR): Commonly used in drinking water networks and systems requiring zero leakage.

  • Stem and stem sealing:
    Available with rising or non-rising stems, depending on installation conditions. Sealing is achieved with O-rings or packings (EPDM, PTFE, graphite, NBR), selected according to medium and temperature.

  • Connections:
    • Threaded (BSP/NPT): For small diameters.

    • Flanged (PN10, PN16, Class 150, 300, …): For larger diameters.

  • Full-bore design:
    Most gate valves feature a full-bore construction, resulting in minimal flow resistance and pressure drop. Ideal for systems where efficient fluid transport is required.
  • Tight sealing:
    The design guarantees reliable sealing, even at high pressure. Resilient-seated types are popular in drinking water systems due to their strong sealing capability.
  • Fire-safe & ATEX options:
    For critical industry and petrochemistry, fire-safe designs (API 6FA) and variants suitable for explosive atmospheres (ATEX) are available, equipped with robust graphite stem and bonnet packings.
  • Stem sealing and serviceability:
    High-quality packings, such as multilayer O-rings or graphite/PTFE packings ensure low emissions and allow maintenance under pressure in certain designs.
  • Standards and certification:
    Gate valves are manufactured and tested according to international standards (including TA-LUFT, EN 1074, DIN 3202, ASME B16.34, API 6FA, PED, ATEX, ACS for drinking water), ensuring guaranteed quality and universal applicability.
  • Water distribution and treatment:
    Widely used for isolating drinking water, irrigation and wastewater systems due to reliable sealing and corrosion resistance.
  • Heating and cooling systems:
    Brass and ductile iron versions are suitable for HVAC and process water systems.
  • Process industry:
    Carbon steel and stainless-steel valves are used in chemical, petrochemical, steam, and process pipelines, often at high temperatures or with aggressive media.
  • Utility and building installations:
    Used for isolating pipelines in residential buildings, commercial facilities and public utilities.

Conclusion

Gate valves, available in various materials and seat designs, offer a robust, durable, and reliable shut-off solution for a wide range of water, industrial, and process applications. Thanks to their versatility, low flow resistance, and dependable sealing, they are universally applicable, while compliance with international standards ensures safe and efficient operation. Thoughtful selection based on medium, pressure, and temperature ensures maximum service life and minimal maintenance.

Why choose V.C.T.?

At Valve & Connector Technology N.V. you will find a wide range of high-quality industrial valves and quick couplings from leading brands such as EBRO ARMATUREN, STAFSJÖ VALVES, Walther-Präzision and more.

Contact us

Are you looking for top-quality industrial valves, quick couplings, or automation solutions? Contact V.C.T. and discover how we can optimize your processes with our products and expertise.

V.C.T. – Your partner for customized industrial solutions

Why Choose V.C.T?

Personalized Advice

V.C.T. is also happy to advise and assist you with the right selection, automation possibilities, the preparation of technical files, and is furthermore always ready to provide after-sales service.

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We distinguish ourselves through our knowledge and experience, problem-solving thinking and the production of quality products with excellent durability.

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V.C.T. - Valve & Connector Technology N.V. is the exclusive distributor of leading brands in Belgium