Gate Valve
One of the substantial challenges faced by the water and wastewater industries is the excessive inflow of water into tanks and reservoirs, which can result in needless water waste. To address this issue, gate valves are installed at the entry of every treatment plant to adjust the quantity of water entering the facility. These valves can be operated either manually or by a motorized mechanism.
Gate valves are crucial for controlling or reducing the flow of water in treatment plants, as they allow for maintenance and repairs in other areas of the facility without requiring a complete shutdown of the plant.
Types of Gate Valves
Gate valves are available in three-sided and four-sided designs, with the following specific types:
Three-Sided Sealing Gate Valve
This valve is sealed on three sides, preventing fluids such as water and wastewater from passing through. It stops or controls the flow of water in a channel or between two tanks when installed in a channel or at the edge of a reservoir.
Four-Sided Sealing Gate Valve
These valves are used for draining large tanks and reservoirs and for cutting off wastewater flow in municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants. They are also utilized in road and highway drainage systems, as well as in fish farming ponds.
Overflow Gate Valve
These valves are typically used for the quick discharge of tanks and lagoons[1]. They can measure the water level and flow rate in channels and tanks.
Sliding Gate Valve
Sliding gate valves are used to control water flow and are often found in water and wastewater treatment plants, mines, dams, rice fields, and other locations requiring flow control. These valves are usually made of steel and move vertically along a frame to open or close, allowing water to pass through or be retained in a space, which is why they are also called gate valves.
However, the design of sliding gate valves is not limited to a vertical sliding system. Some valves operate like a lifting lid, moving due to pressure differences on either side of the valve.
Applications of Gate Valves
Gate valves can be used in various environments for different purposes, including:
Measuring water level and flow rate in tanks and water reservoirs.
Using four-sided sealing gate valves as drain valves for large tanks.
Controlling the flow and direction of water entering channels in agricultural systems, trash screens, etc.
Installing at the entrance of water and wastewater channels.
Using mechanical four-sided sealing gate valves in the pipes of pumping stations.
