Where do you use a gate valve?

Gate valves are primarily used in applications where a straight-line flow of fluid and minimum restriction is desired. They are ideal for on/off service rather than flow regulation. You will commonly find them in municipal water supply systems, oil and gas pipelines, and power generation plants where large volumes of liquid or gas need to be isolated completely. In residential settings, they were historically used as main shut-off valves for water lines, although they are increasingly being replaced by ball valves due to reliability issues. They are also used in fire protection systems, irrigation networks, and wastewater treatment facilities. Because they provide a tight seal when fully closed and offer low pressure drop when fully open, they are suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature environments. However, they should not be used for throttling or regulating flow, as this can cause vibration and damage to the gate and seats, leading to premature failure.