News/Blog
News/Blog
01, 1970
Both gate valves and ball valves are on/off valves available in various sizes, materials, and temperature and pressure ratings. While they can be used in similar environments, significant structural and operational differences exist between the two.
Gate valves stop or start fluid flow in a pipeline by lifting or lowering a rectangular gate. They consist of a valve body, seat, disc, spindle, gland, and actuator.
Gate valves are not intended for flow regulation — they are designed to be fully open or fully closed. Compared to quarter-turn valves like ball valves, gate valves are slower, requiring more than a 360° turn to operate, while ball valves need only a 90° turn to transition between open and closed positions. Because of this, gate valves may not be the best choice for applications that require frequent operation or fast cycle times. Gate valves are most commonly controlled by a manual handwheel, but electric and pneumatic actuation options are also available.
Unlike a gate valve, which uses a solid rectangular gate to control flow, a ball valve uses a pivoting ball with a bore (or hole) through which the media passes. The position of the ball determines whether the valve is open or closed.
Ball valves can have multiple openings, known as ports. Two-way ball valves, with two ports, are used for basic on/off control, while multi-port valves are suitable for diverting media in different directions or managing multiple media sources.
Requiring only a 90° turn to operate, ball valves provide faster on/off control compared to gate valves. They are available with either manual or automated actuation options.
Ball valves operate by rotating a ball 90°, while gate valves function by moving a gate up or down. Due to their design, ball valves enable almost immediate shutoff, making them more suitable for applications requiring fast cycle speeds.
The 90° operation of ball valves allows for quicker cycling, whether manually or with an actuator. While generally advantageous, this speed can cause water hammer in high-pressure applications. If the pressure is too high, it may weaken or damage the pipe. To prevent water hammer, users of manual ball valves should turn the levers slowly.
Gate Valve Uses | Ball Valve Uses |
Shutoff and isolation service for: · Wastewater Plants · Power Plants · Mining · Process Plants · Large Water Supply Lines Gate valves are commonly found in older home plumbing systems. | On/off control for specialized industries including: · Oil & Gas · Food & Beverage Equipment · Automotive · Vehicle Wash Systems · Power Processing · Pharmaceutical · Chemical Admixtures & Treatment · Irrigation & Water Treatment Equipment · Manufacturing Facilities Ball valves are also found in newer home plumbing systems. |
In the gate valve vs. ball valve comparison, cost is a key differentiator. Gate valves have a lower initial cost but are more prone to corrosion, leading to more frequent repairs or replacements. Ball valves, while more expensive upfront, offer greater durability and better sealing performance, making them a longer-lasting option.
Gate valves are generally less durable than ball valves and require regular maintenance or replacement in moderate to high cycle applications. Most ball valves are maintenance-free and are typically replaced rather than repaired. However, three-piece ball valves are designed for easy replacement of seats and seals without removing the valve from service. These are often used in high cycle or high-pressure applications where seal failure occurs more quickly. Despite their advantages, three-piece ball valves are typically more expensive than one-piece or two-piece designs.
The choice between a gate valve and a ball valve ultimately depends on the application. Gate valves are better suited for infrequent operation and compact installation spaces, while ball valves are ideal for fast cycling, multiple ports, tight seals, and frequent operation.
Ball valves provide reliable, tight seals and are suitable for both liquids and gases. Gate valves, prone to leakage, are better for thick liquids like oil.
While ball valves are smaller than gate valves, they require more space for operation due to the 90° lever movement. Gate valves, with small handwheels, are more space-efficient. For tight spaces, ball valves with compact handles (e.g., wing or round-style) can be used, though these may lack sufficient leverage for larger sizes.
Gate valves are recommended for liquid media in applications with infrequent operation. Ball valves, by contrast, are widely used across industries requiring fast, active flow control.
Gate valves are typically limited to two ports, whereas ball valves are available in multi-port configurations, making them more versatile for applications requiring complex flow patterns.
