For which application should gate valves not be used?

Gate valves are primarily designed to be fully open or fully closed, functioning ideally for isolating flow rather than regulating it. Their construction features a large opening that allows for minimal flow resistance when fully opened, which makes them suitable for applications where a straight line of flow is desired without significant pressure drop.

Using gate valves for throttling flow is inappropriate because they are not designed to handle partial openings effectively. When a gate valve is partially opened, it can cause turbulence, vibration, and potential damage to both the valve and the connected piping. This can lead to inaccurate control of the flow rate and may result in excessive wear over time. Therefore, gate valves are not suitable for applications like throttling flow, which requires more precise control, typically achieved with valves such as globe valves or ball valves.