Why is a gate valve not suitable for throttling flow?

A gate valve is primarily designed to either fully open or fully close the flow in a pipeline, rather than to control or throttle flow effectively. When partially opened, the flow velocity through the valve can increase significantly. This increase in velocity can lead to vibrations and turbulence, which can potentially damage both the valve and the connected piping.

The design of a gate valve does not provide the necessary characteristics to regulate flow adequately, as the flow may generate forces that destabilize it, especially when the valve is not fully open or closed. This is why using a gate valve for throttling can be problematic, leading to potential failures or reduced lifespan of the equipment.

In contrast to other types of valves, such as globe valves or ball valves, which are engineered to manage and regulate flow more effectively, a gate valve's operational characteristics do not favor throttling applications well.