The origin of Knife Gate Valves can be traced back to the pulp and paper industries. The ability of these valves being able to shear through a static column of material made their use expand greatly into many processes in a short period of time. A Knife Gate Valve can be found today in most all types of processing plants. Whether they were chosen to be placed in a Bulk Solids Pneumatic Convey System, a wastewater treatment plant, or the pulp and paper industry the benefits of these valves are quickly realized by those who use them.

Some of those benefits include:

• Cost is relatively inexpensive due to less machining required

• In most applications these valves are self cleaning

• Operational with a full column load

• Thin face to face profile

• Weigh less compared to other style valves (Less Pipe Strain)

• Repair/maintenance friendly compared to other valves

• One valve type and style could cover many different applications that may be required in plant processes.

As always, when you properly prepare prior to making any valve inquiry the quote process will be smooth and swift for all parties involved. The following are common questions that will usually need answered to guide you to a proper valve selection for your application.

• What valve size is required? This will be determined by the pipe or tube size, and vessel or flange connection(s).

• What product or gas is being processed through the valve?

• What pressure(s) will the valve be exposed to and need to handle? Please provide the pressures realized on both sides of the valve.

• Will the valve be mounted vertically or horizontally?

• Are there any special materials of construction required for your application? Traditional Knife Gates are constructed using Ductile Iron or Cast Stainless Steel bodies.

• Knife Gate Valves can be manufactured as a Semi-Lug or Full Lug Style valve, the most common is a Full Lug Style. Both style valves are manufactured to mate ANSI 150lb, or DIN flange patterns.

• Is there a preference on the Knife and Seat construction? Or are you looking for our recommendation for your application?

• What temperature(s) will the valve be exposed to? This will help us determine if high temperature seats and seals are required.

• Manual, Pneumatic, Electric and Hydraulic actuation is available. Manual and Pneumatic actuation is the most common and least expensive. An Electric actuator may be used when a compressed air supply is either unavailable, or not cost effective for the installation location. Hydraulic actuators are the least common.

• On Pneumatic Actuated Valves, we generally supply the solenoid for the air cylinder control and actuation. What is your preferred voltage requirement for solenoids and switches? This will usually be 110 VAC or 24 VDC.

• Will the valve need to be equipped with "Limit" or "Position" switches?

• What is the Area Electrical Classification for the installation location? What NEMA Rating must the electrical components meet? The more common is NEMA 4. NEMA 4X would be required if the valve is located in a "Caustic Wash Down" area. NEMA 7/9 rated components will be required if the valve will be installed in an area where "Explosive" dust or gas is a hazard.

• Are any mating flanges or transitions required? IAC has many resources and cost effective ways to assist you with trouble-free valve installation(s).

For any additional questions or concerns you may have regarding Knife Gate Valves and their applications, please contact your IAC Sales Engineer. IAC welcomes all inquiries, and will respond promptly with any quote you may require.