Gate Valves for Water, Steam, Oil, and Gas

Wedge Gate Valves in Industry: Robust Valve Solutions for Water, Oil, and Gas

Industrial gate valves play a key role in controlling fluid flow and providing reliable shut-off. The wedge gate valve moves between the seats to achieve a tight seal, making it ideal for high-pressure and high-temperature applications due to minimal leakage and efficient operation. The flat wedge design ensures low wear on sealing surfaces. These valves are commonly used in pipelines and water distribution systems where long-lasting performance and tight sealing are required.

Our flat wedge valves VA430 and VA450 with bolted OS&Y bonnet are suitable for high-temperature applications. The VA200 model is also available as a potable water gate valve with DVGW certification. Wedge oval valves provide improved sealing under fluctuating pressures. FERGO offers the VA201 with various wedge options for water, gas, and even wastewater applications.

Gate Valve Seals and Applications

There are several sealing options for wedge gate valves, each suited for different industrial purposes. The type of seal affects performance, particularly under pressure and temperature variations. Choosing the correct seal ensures long-term reliability and optimal valve performance.

Metal-Seated Gate Valves

Metal-seated valves have fully metallic seals, making them extremely resistant to high temperatures and pressures. They are commonly used in steam systems, power plants, oil and gas, and chemical processing. Metal seats are robust but require more frequent maintenance over time, especially in abrasive or corrosive media. FERGO offers VA100 threaded valves with metal seats for water applications, as well as stainless steel VA450 and steel VA430 valves for high-temperature applications.

Soft-Seated Gate Valves

Soft-seated gate valves use elastomeric materials such as EPDM or NBR to achieve tight sealing. They are ideal for low-pressure and moderate-temperature applications, such as water supply, wastewater treatment, and irrigation. Soft seals provide excellent leak prevention with minimal maintenance. FERGO’s popular VA200 (EN 558-1 Series 14) and VA201 (EN 558-1 Series 15) wedge valves are available with EPDM seals, DVGW-certified. NBR-sealed models are primarily used for gas applications.

Spindle Types and Operation

Gate valves are available with different spindle types and actuations. Each type offers advantages depending on the application, affecting valve robustness, ease of operation, and suitability for the installation environment.

Rising Stem Gate Valves

Rising stem valves indicate the open/closed position by the visible stem movement. They are widely used in above-ground water supply, industrial piping, and fire protection systems where visual inspection is important. Rising stem valves require sufficient space. FERGO’s VA206, VA430, and VA450 are popular flat wedge valves with rising stems, available from stock.

Non-Rising Stem Gate Valves

Non-rising stem valves have a fixed spindle with internal up/down motion of the gate. They are ideal for underground or confined spaces such as buried pipelines, oil and gas lines, and wastewater treatment, where space is limited. Non-rising valves reduce contact with dirt or corrosive substances. FERGO’s VA210 non-rising wedge gate valve is optimized for quality and performance in tight installations.