Industrial gate valves with rubber-lined wedges are designed to provide reliable sealing and resistance to abrasion in applications where conventional metal-to-metal seating may not be sufficient. Here’s an overview of these valves:

1. Design: Gate valves with rubber-lined wedges feature a gate or wedge that is coated or lined with rubber or elastomeric materials. This rubber lining provides a tight seal against the valve seat, preventing leakage and ensuring reliable shut-off. The rubber-lined wedge design is particularly suitable for handling abrasive or corrosive fluids, slurries, or other challenging media.

2. Rubber Lining: The rubber lining on the gate or wedge of the valve serves as a sealing surface that comes into contact with the valve seat when the valve is closed. The rubber material used for lining is selected based on its compatibility with the fluid being handled, temperature, pressure, and abrasion resistance requirements. Common rubber materials used for lining include EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber), and Viton® (fluoroelastomer).

3. Gate/Wedge Construction: The gate or wedge of the valve is typically made of a sturdy metal such as carbon steel or stainless steel. The rubber lining is bonded or vulcanized onto the surface of the gate to provide a durable and resilient sealing surface. The design of the gate may vary depending on the valve size, pressure rating, and application requirements.

4. Valve Body and Bonnet: The valve body and bonnet of gate valves with rubber-lined wedges are usually made of materials such as cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel, or stainless steel, depending on the application requirements. The bonnet may be bolted or threaded to the valve body to provide access to the internals for maintenance or repair.

5. Actuation: These valves can be operated manually using a handwheel or lever, or they can be equipped with pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuators for automated operation. Actuators allow for remote control and integration with process automation systems, enhancing efficiency and control.

6. Pressure Rating and Size Range: Gate valves with rubber-lined wedges are available in various pressure ratings and sizes to accommodate different pipeline diameters and operating conditions. They can range from small sizes suitable for laboratory or pilot-scale applications to large sizes used in heavy-duty industrial processes. Pressure ratings typically range from PN6 to PN25 or ANSI Class 150 to Class 300.

7. Applications: These valves are commonly used in industries such as mining, pulp and paper, wastewater treatment, chemical processing, power generation, and bulk handling. They are ideal for applications involving slurries, abrasive fluids, solids, and other challenging media where conventional valves may be prone to erosion, corrosion, or damage.

8. Maintenance: Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the reliable operation and longevity of gate valves with rubber-lined wedges. This may include regular inspection, cleaning of the rubber lining, lubrication of moving parts, and replacement of worn or damaged components. Proper maintenance practices help minimize downtime and extend the service life of the valve.

In summary, industrial gate valves with rubber-lined wedges are specialized valves designed to provide reliable sealing and resistance to abrasion in demanding applications. Their robust construction, resilient rubber lining, and compatibility with various operating conditions make them well-suited for handling abrasive or corrosive fluids, slurries, and other challenging media in industrial processes. Proper selection, installation, operation, and maintenance are essential to maximize the performance and efficiency of these valves in industrial applications.