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Gate Valve vs Wedge Gate Valve – What’s the difference?

Gate Valve vs Wedge Gate Valve

In many industries, such as water treatment, chemical processing and power generation, gate valves are essential components of fluid systems. But when selecting a type of gate valve for your system, there are several factors to consider. Two popular valves are the parallel slide gate valve and the wedge gate valve. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of valves and how they differ.

Parallel Slide Gate Valve

Parallel slide gate valves are designed with a shutter mechanism that slides up or down parallel to the flow to regulate or stop the liquid flow within a pipeline. This type of valve is ideal for applications with minimal pressure drop due to its low-friction design and for applications where tight shutoff is not required. It’s also great for applications involving slurries or other debris that can get trapped in other types of valves.

Wedge Gate Valve

A wedge gate valve is designed with two wedges that move up and down perpendicular to the flow to control or stop liquid within a pipeline. This type of valve provides superior shutoff capabilities compared to other valves, making it ideal for applications where a tight seal is desired. The wedge gate valve has excellent resistance against high pressures and temperatures, making it suitable for various industrial applications such as oil & gas production and petrochemical processing plants.

Difference Between Parallel Slide Gate Valve and Wedge Gate Valve

  • Parallel slide gate valves have a flat, rectangular closure element that slides horizontally in a parallel fashion to open and close the valve. Wedge gate valves have a triangular-shaped closure element that opens and closes the valve by moving up and down in a wedging motion.
  • Parallel slide gate valves are typically used for applications where a large volume of fluid needs to be shut off quickly, such as in irrigation systems. Wedge gate valves are usually used for applications where precise flow control is required, such as in the chemical industry.
  • Parallel slide gate valves are less likely to leak than wedge gate valves because the flat closure element creates a tight seal when the valve is closed. Wedge gate valves are more likely to spread because the triangular closure element can allow fluid to pass through even when the valve is closed if it is not installed correctly.
  • Parallel slide gate valves are more expensive than wedge gate valves because they require more material and labour. Wedge gate valves are less expensive than parallel slide gate valves because they require less manufacturing material and labour.
  • Both valves have advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to select the right type of valve for the specific application.

Conclusion: 

When selecting the correct type of gate valve for your system, you need to consider several factors, such as pressure drop, shutoff requirements and operating temperature/pressure requirements. Both parallel slide gate valves and wedge gate valves can be reliable options depending on your needs; however, they have some distinct differences, such as their design, leakage characteristics and resistance against pressure/temperature changes. Ultimately you should weigh all these factors when deciding which type of valve best suits your application needs.

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