What is wedge gate valve
Wedge gate valve is a type of valve which is characterized by a wedge-shaped gate sealing surface, which makes a certain angle with the gate centre line. This design allows the wedge gate valve to form a forced seal when closed, especially for low pressure media. The standards for wedge gate valves include GB/T 12234-2019 'Steel gate valve with bolted bonnet for oil and gas industry' and GB/T12232-2005 'General valves Iron gate valve with flange connection'. In addition, API Standard 600-2015 also covers the relevant standards for wedge gate valves.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of wedge gate valve
Advantages
- Simple structure: the structural design of wedge gate valve is relatively simple, easy to manufacture and maintain.
- Reliable use: due to its structural stability, wedge gate valve shows good reliability under high pressure and high temperature conditions.
- Strong adaptability: wedge gate valve can adjust the angle of the sealing surface according to different working conditions to adapt to different media temperatures and pressures.
Disadvantages
- Temperature effect: In high temperature environment, the sealing surface of wedge gate valve may be stuck due to temperature change, which needs to be mitigated by adjusting the angle or using special materials.
- Processing difficulty: high precision requirements for the angle of the sealing surface, processing and maintenance is relatively difficult, especially in the case of large temperature changes.
- More parts: double gate type wedge gate valve contains more parts due to the more complex structure, may be easy to bond in viscous media, affecting the sealing effect.
- Rust and corrosion problem: the upper and lower baffles used for a long time may produce rust and corrosion, resulting in the gate being easily dislodged.
