Differences Between Knife Gate Valves and Gate Valves
In the industrial fluid control field, gate valves are extremely common shutoff valves whose primary function is to connect or shut off media in a pipeline. However, within the gate valve family, knife gate valves, as a special type, differ significantly from what are commonly referred to as ordinary gate valves (or “slab gate valves”). Although both contain the word “gate valve,” their design concepts, applicable operating conditions, and performance characteristics differ significantly. A correct understanding of these differences is crucial for valve selection and ensuring safe and stable system operation. I. Fundamental Differences in Structure and Design Concept This is the core difference between the two valves, directly determining their different application areas. General Purpose Gate Valve Gate Structure: The gate is typically a solid wedge-shaped or parallel double-disc design. Wedge-shaped gates achieve a seal by wedging into the valve seat when closed; parallel gates achieve a seal by using medium pressure or spring action to press the gate against the valve seat. Valve Cavity Design: The valve body’s inner cavity typically features a clear guide track to ensure smooth gate movement. The flow path is typically full-bore or reduced-bore, providing minimal resistance to media flow....
