What role does a gate valve serve in piping systems?

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The gate valve is primarily used in piping systems to either stop or allow the flow of fluid. This type of valve operates by raising or lowering a gate within the valve body, meaning it is either fully open, allowing unrestricted flow, or fully closed, effectively stopping the flow. This on/off functionality makes gate valves particularly useful in applications where a complete isolation of the flow is required.

Unlike other types of valves designed for flow regulation or directional changes, the gate valve is not suitable for throttling applications because partially opening the valve can lead to turbulence and wear. Also, while some valves do prevent backflow, such as check valves, that is not the primary function of a gate valve. In summary, the fundamental purpose of a gate valve is to control fluid flow in a binary manner, ensuring that it can be completely stopped or fully opened.

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