Wedge gate valves

A wedge gate valve is a locking device for pipelines through which a medium of various types (from gaseous to liquid and bulk) moves. The special shutter is characterized by high parameters of functionality and efficiency. There are two phases of operation of the mechanism: open/closed. The device has a low hydraulic resistance, has a simple design, which makes it maintainable and workable in various conditions.

Types and principle of operation of wedge valves

Depending on the type of gate, the wedge gate valve is classified into:

• rigid version (has an elastic additional seal); The rigid wedge ensures reliable tightness of the locking body, but this requires increased processing accuracy to match the angle of the wedge with the angle between the body seats. The disadvantage of a rigid wedge is the danger of jamming the gate and the inability or difficulty of opening the valve as a result of fluctuations in the temperature of the working medium, wear or corrosion of sealing surfaces.
• elastic appearance (represents discs in an elastic joint); This is a modification of a two-disc wedge, the discs of which are interconnected by an elastic element capable of bending, ensuring tight contact between the sealing surfaces in the "closed" position. In this gate, the possibilities of self-installation of disks are reduced compared to two-disc ones, although the ability to compensate for some deformations of the housing from pipeline loads and temperature fluctuations remains. The advantages of an elastic wedge are that it does not require a laborious fit of the shutter over the body (as for a rigid wedge) and the design is simpler than that of a two—disc one.
• two-disc version (characterized by high wear resistance, low probability of jamming). Such a wedge is formed by two disks located at an angle to each other and rigidly fastened together. In it, the discs have the ability to self-install relative to the housing saddles, so some errors allowed in the manufacture of housing saddles do not affect the tightness in the "closed" position. A two—disc wedge gate significantly reduces the possibility of jamming, which is characteristic of a rigid wedge, and, despite some complication of the design, has a number of other advantages - low wear of the sealing surfaces, high tightness of the locking body, less force required for closing.

Wedge double-disc valves included in ship fittings are also called wedge valves.

According to the type of drive, the devices are divided into: manual, electric, pneumatic and hydraulic.

The principle of operation is simple: the passage of the working medium is regulated by means of a shutter moving between the seats. By changing the position of the gate due to the threaded pair, the user moves the gate wedge to the "open" or "closed" state.

Manufacturing options

On the SALUTECH website, the catalog contains many options for wedge valves:

• In terms of diameters, the choice of devices varies from 15 mm to 250 mm.
• According to the type of connection: flanged or welded.
• According to the materials of the case, the mechanisms are: steel, cast iron, brass and non-ferrous metals. The online store also has valves with a rubberized wedge.
• Operating pressure options: 10 or 16 bar.
• According to the production technology, there are: cast and combined products.

The brands presented in the catalog

Pipeline fittings on the SALUTECH website are presented with goods from the best manufacturers in the industry:

• Zetkama is the largest concern in the central-eastern part of Europe, located in Poland. The company's assortment includes over 2 thousand rebar products, which it sells in 70 countries around the world. The online store has a price list where you can view the technical specifications and prices for wedge valves from this manufacturer.
• Genebre – high-quality components from a Spanish manufacturer. The concern has been among the leaders in this market segment for almost 40 years, adequately holding the leading positions.
• END is a reliable product, shipped from two warehouses: in Europe and in China.
• Rushwork is a Russian brand that specializes in the development of equipment for pipelines. The concern produces a wedge gate valve based on the best international and domestic technologies. This is a reliable and affordable industrial valve.

Areas of application

Due to the special design of the device, it is used not only to block the water flow, but also other working media: liquid hydrocarbons, oil, seawater, compressed air, gas, steam, bulk substances, etc. A wedge-shaped valve is installed on both metal and plastic pipelines. Application is possible in pipelines with a pipeline diameter of more than 50 mm.