One of the most critical elements for the longevity of wedge gate valves is the precision in the matching between the wedge and seat rings. At Babcock Valves, we place strong emphasis on this aspect during manufacturing to ensure long-term sealing performance.
Achieving long-term durability in wedge gate valves, often expected to operate for 35 to 40 years, depends heavily on the correct machining and adjustment of the sealing components.
Among these, one of the most essential factors is the optimization of the wedge angle, which typically varies between 3° and 5° depending on the manufacturer’s design. Once this angle is selected and the wedge is machined accordingly, a crucial phase follows: the matching between the wedge and the seat rings.
This contact must be perfectly distributed along the entire circumference of the sealing surfaces. More importantly, initial contact must occur at the lowest point of the wedge surface. This approach is critical because, over the life of the valve, gradual wear is inevitable. Factors such as the characteristics of the fluid, the number of open-close cycles, the friction of the sealing surfaces, and the thrust exerted by the actuator all contribute to wear.
When proper matching is achieved, the valve can tolerate erosions of up to 0.5 mm/year in the sealing surface distance without losing contact around the full circumference. This tolerance significantly extends the functional lifespan of the valve and ensures consistent sealing even under aggressive operating conditions.
The example shown in the image illustrates a 42” Class 600 wedge, machined in ASTM A182 Grade F6A, with optimized contact pattern — a reflection of our dedication to performance and engineering integrity.
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