In the world of industrial valves, gate valves have long been a trusted solution for robust on/off isolation. However, not all gate valves are created equal when it comes to their end connection style. While ordinary gate valves utilize threaded or weld ends, flanged gate valves provide some distinct advantages through their rigid flange-to-flange body design.
Whether you’re specifying a new flanged gate valve for a critical service or evaluating replacement options, it’s important to understand the key differences compared to ordinary threaded/weld end configurations. The enhanced safety, in-line maintainability and installation flexibility of flanged bodies can make them the optimal choice for many applications.
Flanged Gate Valves vs Ordinary Gate Valves – Key Differences
Here are a few key benefits of flanged gate valves compared to ordinary ones:
- Boosting Safety
One of the primary benefits of flanged gate valves is their increased safety factors versus ordinary valve body styles. The flanged, two-piece body construction creates an inherently stronger, blowout-proof design able to contain operating pressures.
Flanged bodies eliminate the potential for leaks at the body joints or separation found with screwed/union bonnet designs on ordinary valves. The raised-face flanges provide a continuous cavity to fully enclose the gates, seats and internal components.
This rigid body integrity translates into higher achievable pressure ratings up to class 2500# on premium flanged gate valves. Materials like cast steel, stainless steel, bronze and other alloys enable flanged valves to handle harsh service conditions and prevent catastrophic failures.
- Installation Flexibility and Removability
Another key advantage is the installation flexibility that flanged bodies provide. These valves are literally “sandwiched” between two mating pipe flanges using bolts and gaskets. This allows straight-run installations without obstructions and simplifies piping layouts, especially for confined areas or multi-plane configurations.
Several types of flange gate valve (raised face, ring-type joint, etc.) along with different ANSI, EN, DIN, JIS and other globally-accepted dimensional standards provide compatibility with existing piped systems.
- Component Maintenance and Versatility
The flanged, split-body design also allows easy access to internal valve components for repair and maintenance tasks:
- Gate inspection and lapping
- Seat refurbishment or replacement
- Packing and gasket changes
Moreover, flanged gate valves are nothing, if not versatile. There are various types available including:
- brass flanged gate valve
- bronze gate valve flanged
- cast iron flanged gate valve
- stainless steel flanged gate valve
- Component cleaning and refurbishment
On ordinary valve bodies, performing these routine maintenance items requires lengthy disassembly and removal of the valve bonnet. The open flanged body cavity simplifies access while keeping the valve inline.
The ability to quickly rebuild and replace internal parts maximizes the service life of flanged gate valves. New gates, seats, and stem packing can be installed to restore valve tightness and prevent leaks versus costly valve body replacements.
Phần kết luận
The versatility of flanged gate valves enables you to source valves precisely engineered for your operating conditions and piping code requirements. From economical cast iron flanged gate valves for basic utilities to severe-duty high alloy flanged valves for critical process control, the options are virtually limitless.
For top quality flanged gate valves built to global standards, look no further than Xintai Valve Company. Our extensive offering of flanged valves delivers optimal safety and long service life for reliable shut-off duty. Contact Tân Đài today on your next critical valve project.
