How do they work?
Knife gate valves are specifically designed to handle tough, thick, and viscous fluids, slurries, and powders. They operate by using a sharp-edged blade (the "knife") that cuts through the media and seals against the valve seat to either stop or allow flow.
When the valve is in the open position, the gate (blade) is lifted completely out of the flow path, allowing an unobstructed passage. When it’s time to stop the flow, the actuator or handwheel drives the gate downward. The sharp edge slices through any material in the pipeline and presses down into a soft or metal seat, forming a tight seal. Because the gate moves vertically in a straight line, these valves are simple and highly effective for on/off control but are not ideal for throttling.
Knife gate valves are often used in industries like mining, wastewater, pulp and paper, and chemical processing, where heavy or abrasive media can clog or damage other types of valves.
Industries That Use Knife Gate Valves
Knife gate valves are essential in industries where thick, abrasive, or solid-laden media are common. Their ability to cut through tough materials makes them a reliable choice for challenging applications. Typical industries that use knife gate valves include:
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Mining and Mineral Processing: Handling slurries, tailings, and abrasive mixtures.
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Wastewater Treatment: Managing sludge, grit, and thick waste streams.
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Pulp and Paper: Controlling pulp stock, recycled paper, and fibrous materials.
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Chemical Processing: Managing viscous or corrosive fluids and powders.
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Power Generation: Ash handling and slurry transportation systems.
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Food and Beverage: Handling bulk solids, powders, and viscous food products.
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Cement and Bulk Material Handling: Managing dry powders, aggregates, and dense materials.