Gate valves are used when a straight-line flow of fluid and minimum flow restriction are needed. Gate valves are so-named because the part that either stops or allows flow through the valve acts somewhat like a gate. The gate is usually wedge-shaped. When the valve is wide open the gate is fully drawn up into the valve bonnet. This leaves an opening for flow through the valve the same size as the pipe in which the valve is installed (fig. 6-4). Therefore, there is little pressure drop or flow restriction through the valve.

Gate valves are not suitable for throttling purposes. The control of flow is difficult because of the valve