In which application is a knife gate valve likely to be used?

A knife gate valve is specifically designed for applications that require a full flow through the valve, particularly in systems where there is a need to control or isolate thick fluids, slurries, or waste materials. The unique design of the knife gate valve allows it to effectively cut through the material, ensuring a tight seal when closed and minimizing the risk of clogging, which is common in challenging media such as slurries.

In applications involving pure water distribution, gases, or high-pressure steam, other types of valves such as globe, ball, or gate valves are more commonly used due to their design specifics suited to handle those conditions without the risk of contamination or inconsistent flow that may arise with a knife gate valve. The construction of a knife gate valve includes a sharp blade that can slice through materials, making it ideal for handling the heavy, viscous flows characteristic of slurry or waste applications.