Here are some of the key advantages of using water works gate valves:
Tight Shutoff
Gate valves provide a complete seal when fully closed, preventing any fluid from passing through. This allows sections of pipe to be isolated.
Full Flow
When fully open, gate valves have minimal resistance to fluid flow, unlike globe or ball valves. This is important for water transmission.
Low Pressure Drop
The straight-through design results in very little pressure loss as water flows through the valve. Critical for maintaining pressure in water lines.
Works in Any Orientation
Gate valves function properly whether installed vertically or horizontally. Installation flexibility is a plus.
Low Maintenance
Gate valves are internally simple with few moving parts. They require very little maintenance over decades of use.
Resilient Discs
Discs faced with resilient rubber can achieve tight shutoff even in dirty water with debris that would damage metal seats.
Cavitation Resistance
The disc design is resistant to cavitation damage that can occur in zones of high-pressure drops.
Easy Actuation
Large handwheels make gate valves easy to operate manually. They can also accommodate actuator automation.
Overall, gate valves are reliable, durable, and efficient at controlling water flow while maintaining line pressure. This makes them well-suited for use in water transmission and distribution systems.