A gate valve is an airlock system that controls the gas or liquid flow between two chambers. API 6A gate valves are used to allow or prevent the flow of liquids or gases. It is integral to many industries, including upstream oil and gas, midstream and power transmission, geothermal, and power generation.
API 6A gate valves are commonly used in plumbing systems to control the flow of liquids and gases. FC-style gate valves and FLS-style gate valves are two standard gate valves. They are precisely manufactured, engineered, and designed as reliable gate valves that comply with the API 6A requirements.
FC-style gate valves are commonly used in industrial applications where they are exposed to high temperatures and pressures. These valves are designed to withstand extreme conditions and have a long service life. High-pressure gate valves are commonly used in industrial applications where high pressures are involved.
These types of valves have a higher tolerance for wear than their counterparts. They are often used in chemical processing, power generation, and oil refining.
FLS-style gate valves are often used in low-pressure applications. They operate at lower temperatures and pressures than their FC counterparts. Low-pressure gate valves are designed to handle lower pressures and are used in many industries. They are commonly used in water treatment, food processing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
How FC-style gate valves differ from FLS-style gate valves
The difference between FC-style and FLS-style gate valves is pretty simple. In short, they both have a flapper valve that opens and closes based on pressure. However, they differ in how the flapper moves. The seat seals of the FLS gate valve were updated to non-elastomeric, pressure-energized, and spring-loaded lip seals between the body and seat.
FC-style gate valves use a ball-and-seat design where the ball sits inside a hole in the seat. The ball pushes out of the hole and opens the flow path when the pressure increases. As soon as the pressure decreases, the ball returns back to its original position and seals off the flow path.
FLS-style gate valves use a poppet valve design where the poppet valve sits outside the seat. When the fluid pressure increases, the poppet valve lifts away from the seat and opens the flow path, and when the pressure decreases, the poppet valve drops back down and seals off the flow.
FLS-style gate valves are designed to seal off high-pressure wells. These valves are commonly used in the oil and gas industry. In order to function properly, they require a certain amount of lubrication. However, if not maintained correctly, these valves may fail. To purchase a valve for use in the oil and gas drilling industry, you should consider purchasing a full-length seal-style valve.
FC-style gate valves control flow rates in pipelines. They have a flapper that opens and closes to allow fluid to pass. FC-style gate valves are often used in conjunction with check valves to ensure that fluids do not cause backflow. If you’d like to purchase a valve for oil and gas applications, you should purchase an FC-style valve.
Fls-style gate valves are designed to operate under high-pressure conditions. These valves are commonly used in oilfield applications where they are exposed to abrasive fluids at elevated temperatures. Fls style gate valve features include:
- A flanged design that provides superior sealing performance
- An internal seal ring that prevents leakage between the body and the stem
- A durable stainless steel construction
- A wide range of operating pressures
FC-style gate valves are designed for use in low-pressure applications. These valves are commonly found in water systems and are often used in fluid distribution systems. FC style gate valves feature include:
- A flat face design that provides the superior sealing capability
- A rubber O-ring seal that prevents leakage between the stem and the body
- A durable stainless steel construction
- A wide variety of operating pressures
The Bottom Line
While API 6A gate valve shopping, you will come across various gate valve choices. Make a choice as per your requirement. Ensure that it is from a reputed manufacturer and durable with less wear and tear.