Which Gate Valve Is Best For Today's Waterworks Systems?

By Derek B. Scott and John R. Helf, PE, AMERICAN

The gate valve is the most common valve used in a waterworks utility system. Today, most utilities specify C515 gate valves. However, outdated specifications can result in confusion regarding which gate valves should be used. More problematic are specifications that require contradictory criteria from multiple standards, which can require a valve that may not exist. 

In order to understand the source of the confusion, one must first look at how the standards have evolved and why. In this article, learn more about how staying up to date on product development and the latest available technologies will always be in the best interest of the engineer, owner, and end user.