What type of valves are most commonly used for linear stroke applications?

Gate valves are most commonly used for linear stroke applications because they are designed to provide a straight-line flow of fluid with minimal resistance. When the gate valve is fully open, it allows for unrestricted flow, making it ideal for applications where the fluid needs to be turned on or off rather than controlled.

The mechanism of a gate valve involves a wedge-shaped gate that moves vertically within the valve body. When the gate is lifted, the flow path is fully open, and when it is lowered, the flow is completely stopped. This makes gate valves particularly suitable for applications involving large volumes of fluids, such as in water supply, sewage treatment, and other utility systems where full flow control rather than throttling is required.

In contrast, other types of valves may serve specific functions, such as regulating flow, preventing backflow, or isolating sections of piping, but they do not provide the same linear stroke advantage as gate valves. For instance, ball valves are more commonly used for applications requiring quick shut-off but may not be suitable for linear stroke applications due to their design, which focuses more on rotating motion rather than linear movement.