Gate valves, also known as Slide or Knife Valves, are named after a wedge-shaped internal plastic barrier, called a gate which rises and falls inside the valve as a handle is turned. These are linear motion valves in a which a flat closure element slides into the flow stream to provide shut off and are designed to minimize pressure drop across the valve in the fully opened position and stop the flow of fluid completely.

Knife valves effectively regulate flow rates from zero to full flow, they work well with solids-laden water, and these valves can be serviced in place. Knife Gate valves work well in applications involving slurries as the 'gates' can cut through the slurry, also these valves are advantageous in applications involving viscous liquids such as heavy oils, varnish, molasses etc.

Types of Gate Valves