Gate valves can be classified into several types according to their structure, including straight-through gate valves, angle gate valves, three-way gate valves, direct-flow gate valves, and plunger gate valves. Straight-through gate valves are suitable for general applications with vertical flow. Angle gate valves feature an inclined valve body design, suitable for applications with limited space or horizontal flow. The flow path of a direct-flow gate valve is oblique to the main flow path, resulting in less flow disruption than conventional gate valves and consequently reduced pressure loss. Plunger gate valves are a variation of conventional gate valves, with a valve disc polished into a plunger connected to the valve stem. Sealing is achieved by two elastic sealing rings fitted onto the plunger. These rings are replaceable and can be made of various materials. While primarily used for opening or closing, specially designed plungers or special rings can also be used for flow regulation.
Gate valves can also be classified according to the position of the valve stem thread into external thread gate valves and internal thread gate valves; according to the direction of medium flow into straight-through gate valves, direct-flow gate valves, and angle gate valves; and according to the sealing method into packing seal gate valves and bellows seal gate valves.
