Gate valves serve as efficient on-off valves with flow in either direction. In such a design, a wedge slides cross a general passageway in order to control fluid flow (like a sliding gate - hence, the name). One of the most significant characteristics of this type of valves is its straight-through, unobstructed passageway when set in the “full open” position. This is made possible by the wedge lifting entirely out of the passageway. As a result, gate valves are characterized by a minimum of turbulence and pressure drop in operation.

While gate valves are good for applications requiring these two factors, they are not recommended for installations in which throttling would be a function. They are designed for on/off service.