A gate valve is a mechanical device that controls flow by lifting a gate (also called a wedge) perpendicular to the pipeline. When the gate is fully raised, fluid passes through an unobstructed bore; when lowered, the path is sealed off tightly. It’s ideal for applications that need a full open/close rather than throttling.
Imagine a gate valve as a simple on-off switch for pipes. Its job is to either fully open the path for flow or completely close it off. When fully open, a “gate” inside the valve lifts entirely out of the way, allowing fluids to move with very little resistance. This makes them perfect for situations where you just need to turn a flow on or off, rather than carefully control its speed.
Gate valve installation in Malaysia
| Spec | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Definition | Gate valve is a shut-off gate that lifts up or down to start/stop water pipeline flow. |
| Application | Gate valve is best for large pipes that stay mostly open; minimal pressure loss. |
| Common Type | Two main seatings: Resilient (rubber-coated, water-tight) vs Metal (high-temperature, industrial). |
| Nominal diameters | 15 mm – 1 200 mm |
| Pressure classes | PN10, PN16, PN25 |
| Working temperature | –10 °C – 120 °C (metal-seated up to 425 °C) |
| Body materials | Ductile iron, cast iron, brass, stainless steel |
| Local standards | BS 5163, MS 1058 and JKR specs |
| Compliance | SPAN (Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara) |
The working principle of a gate valve involves a gate that moves vertically within the valve body. When the valve is opened, the gate retracts into the upper part of the valve, providing a clear, unobstructed path for the fluid. When closed, the gate fully blocks the path, preventing fluid flow.
| Parts | Description | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Hand-Wheel / Actuator |
The lever, wheel, motor, or air-powered unit you turn or power-on. | Applies the turning force that starts everything. |
| Stem | A long threaded rod. | Converts that turning force into a straight push or pull. |
| Gate (Wedge) | A disc shaped like a sliding door. | Physically blocks or clears the pipeline. |
| Seat Rings | Highly-machined sealing surfaces inside the body. | Where the gate presses to form a leak-tight seal. |
| Bonnet | The bolt-on cover at the top. |
Lets you remove the stem/gate assembly for maintenance. |
| Packing | Rings of graphite or PTFE around the stem. |
Stops fluid escaping along the stem when it’s turning. |
Understanding how a gate valve works is quite simple, as its design is based on a very straightforward idea: it uses a barrier that moves up and down to either allow or stop the flow of fluid.
Turning the hand-wheel (or energising an electric / pneumatic / hydraulic actuator) spins the stem threads.
The stem threads drive the gate upward (opening) or downward (closing). Think of a screw-jack lifting a car.
When the gate is fully up, the bore is totally clear—resulting in minimal pressure loss compared to valves with 90-degree flow paths.
When fully down, the gate presses on the seat rings with high force, achieving a leak-free seal even at high pressure.
Many bonnet designs include a back-seat: once fully open the stem seals against a shoulder, so you can repack the gland without draining the line—a lifesaver on fire-protection systems.
Gate valves in Malaysia are available in various types to meet the diverse needs of water supply, wastewater treatment, and industrial operations. Each type of gate valve is designed with specific features that make it suitable for certain applications, environmental conditions, and installation requirements.
Resilient Seated Gate Valve (RSV):
This is the most widely used type of gate valve in Malaysia, especially in water distribution networks. The wedge or disc is coated with resilient rubber material, typically EPDM, which ensures a bubble-tight shut-off when closed. These valves are corrosion-resistant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for use in potable water systems, municipal pipelines, and housing developments. RSVs are often SPAN-approved for compliance with Malaysian water infrastructure standards.
Metal Seated Gate Valve:
Unlike RSVs, metal seated gate valves feature a metal-to-metal sealing surface, which offers high durability under extreme pressure and temperature conditions. They are commonly used in steam systems, oil refineries, industrial process lines, and high-temperature fluid applications. Though not as leak-tight as resilient seated valves, they are preferred in situations where rubber seals may degrade over time due to heat or chemical exposure.
Rising Stem Gate Valve:
In this design, the valve stem physically rises above the valve body as the valve opens. This provides a clear visual indicator of the valve’s position, which is useful for monitoring and manual operation. Rising stem gate valves are typically installed in locations where space allows for vertical clearance, such as above-ground installations, pump stations, and industrial facilities. The threaded stem is isolated from the fluid, reducing wear and extending service life.
Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve:
Commonly used in underground or space-restricted applications, the non-rising stem gate valve keeps the stem stationary while the gate moves internally. These are compact, economical, and suitable for buried installations such as valve chambers, water mains, and fire hydrant networks. However, since the stem does not indicate open or closed position, external indicators may be required for precise monitoring.
Knife Gate Valve:
Knife gate valves are specialized valves designed to cut through viscous or solid-laden fluids such as slurry, wastewater, pulp, and sewage. They are often used in industrial sectors like palm oil, mining, and paper manufacturing. The thin, sharpened gate slides through thick media with minimal resistance, ensuring smooth operation even under challenging flow conditions. These valves are not suitable for high-pressure or clean water systems but are essential in handling heavy, abrasive fluids.
Flanged Gate Valve:
Flanged gate valves are designed with flanged ends that bolt directly to the pipe flanges. This provides a secure, leak-resistant connection, making them ideal for high-pressure environments and systems that require regular maintenance or disassembly. These valves are commonly seen in industrial plants, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects where safety and accessibility are priorities.
A Duvalco Gate Valve is a robust, high-performance shut-off valve designed for a full range of water, wastewater, and industrial applications. Known for its resilient seated design, this valve ensures a bubble-tight shutoff, minimal pressure loss, and long service life—making it ideal for use in critical infrastructure, municipal water systems, and industrial facilities across Malaysia.
Duvalco, a trusted European brand, delivers top-quality valves built for reliability, safety, and ease of use. Here’s why Duvalco gate valves are trusted by engineers and contractors worldwide:
WRAS Approved & Fully Tested
Robust Ductile Iron Body
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy Coated (FBE) Internals
Resilient NBR-Rubber Encapsulated Wedge
Corrosion-Resistant, Maintenance-Friendly Design
Easy Operation with Low Torque Requirements
Duvalco gate valves meet the highest international standards including:
WRAS Certification for potable water use
ISO 9001 Quality Management
EN 1074 compliance for valve performance
Every valve undergoes rigorous pressure and quality testing before shipment.
What is a gate valve used for?
A gate valve is used to start or stop the flow of fluid in a pipeline. It is commonly installed in water, oil, and gas systems where a straight-line flow with minimal restriction is needed. Gate valves are ideal for applications requiring a full open or full close operation.
What are the types of gate valve in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, the most common types of gate valves include resilient seated gate valves for water supply systems, metal seated gate valves for high-temperature or industrial use, rising stem and non-rising stem models depending on space constraints, and knife gate valves for handling slurry or wastewater in industrial settings.
Why use a gate valve instead of a ball valve?
A gate valve is generally preferred over a ball valve in systems with large-diameter pipelines due to its lower cost and better flow efficiency when fully opened. While ball valves offer quicker shut-off and are more suitable for frequent operation, gate valves are better for applications that require infrequent use and minimal pressure drop.
What materials are gate valves made from?
Gate valves are typically manufactured using materials such as cast iron or ductile iron for the body, stainless steel or bronze for the internal components like the wedge and stem, and EPDM or NBR rubber for sealing elements, especially in valves used for potable water applications.
What is the difference between gate valve, stopcock, and ball valve?
A gate valve controls flow by lifting or lowering a gate inside the valve body and is used mainly for full open or closed operation. A stopcock is usually found in residential plumbing and is used to regulate or shut off water supply to a household. A ball valve, on the other hand, uses a rotating ball to control flow and is known for its quick shut-off capability and ease of use.
Is gate valve accredited under SPAN in Malaysia?
Yes, many gate valves available in Malaysia are accredited under SPAN (Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara), meaning they meet the required standards for use in public water supply systems and are approved for compliance with Malaysian water quality and safety regulations.
What are reliable gate valve brands in Malaysia?
Reliable gate valve brands commonly available in Malaysia include DUVALCO, AVK, VAG, Tozen, and various JIS-compliant manufacturers from Japan, Korea, and China. These brands are known for their performance, durability, and SPAN-approved quality for use in water and industrial applications.
Who are gate valve suppliers in Malaysia?
Several trusted gate valve suppliers operate in Malaysia, including Heap Wah Barakah Sdn Bhd. They offer a wide range of gate valve products for residential, commercial, and industrial needs and have been in the Gate Valve supplies industry for over 50 years in Malaysia and South East Asia.
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
ABOUT HEAP WAH BARAKAH
Heap Wah Enterprise Sdn Bhd (formerly known as Syarikat Heap Wah Enterprise, registered in 1978 as a partnership concern) was formally converted to a private limited company on 22nd June 1984. Its initial capital of RM20,000.00 has now grown over the years to RM1,000,000.00 with a net worth of over RM50,000,000.00 as at to date.
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