What is the primary purpose of a solid wedge disk gate valve?

The primary purpose of a solid wedge disk gate valve is to completely stop or allow flow in a pipeline. This type of valve is designed for on/off service, meaning it either fully opens to allow fluid to flow through or fully closes to prevent any flow. The solid wedge design provides a tight seal when the gate is closed, ensuring that there is minimal leakage, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the system. In applications where complete shut-off is necessary, such as in water supply or wastewater systems, the gate valve is preferred due to its ability to create a reliable barrier against flow.

Throttling functionality, which involves partially opening a valve to control flow rate, is not a feature of gate valves, as they are not designed for that purpose. Instead, other types of valves, like globe valves, are better suited for throttling. Similarly, functions such as relieving pressure in a closed system or filtering out impurities are outside the intended use of a gate valve, which focuses on flow control rather than system pressure management or fluid filtration.