What is the purpose of the gate valve in a boiler system?

The purpose of the gate valve in a boiler system primarily revolves around its function to isolate sections of the system. These valves are designed to provide a tight seal when closed, effectively preventing the flow of water or steam through the pipeline. This isolation capability is crucial when maintenance needs to be performed or when a particular segment of the system must be taken offline without affecting the overall operation of the boiler.

Gate valves are not typically used for flow regulation or pressure control, as they are not designed for throttling; instead, they are fully open or fully closed. While they can provide some level of backflow prevention when closed, their primary role is to isolate. Thus, their ability to securely segment different areas of the boiler system makes them essential for safe and efficient operation during maintenance and repairs.