In a wedge gate valve, the gate sealing surfaces are wedge-shaped, forming a specific angle relative to the gate centerline. The gate is driven downward by the valve stem to achieve closure. As the stem thrust increases, the normal force acting on the wedge-shaped sealing surfaces also increases, creating a forced sealing effect. This design significantly improves sealing performance under low-pressure conditions.   During opening, the gate sealing surfaces disengage from the seat immediately, which helps reduce wear on the sealing faces and extends the service life of the valve.   Applicable Standards for Wedge Gate Valves   Wedge gate valves are commonly manufactured in accordance with the following standards: ● GB/T 12234-2019 – Steel gate valves with bolted bonnet for petroleum and natural gas industries ● GB/T 12232-2005 – General-purpose flanged cast iron gate valves ● API Standard 600 (2015) – Steel gate valves for petroleum and natural gas industries   Types of Wedge Gate Valve Gates   Wedge gate valves are typically available in three gate configurations:Solid wedge gate, Flexible wedge gate, Double wedge gate.   The flexible wedge gate and double wedge gate rely on controlled deformation of the sealing surfaces to achieve improved contact with the valve seat. This design enhances sealing reliability and effectively prevents gate binding or jamming caused by temperature variations, ensuring smooth operation even under fluctuating thermal conditions.     Parallel Slide Gate Valve Design and Sealing Principle   In a parallel slide gate valve, the sealing surfaces at both the inlet and outlet ends of the gate are parallel to the gate centerline. For single-gate configurations, sealing is primarily achieved by the medium pushing a floating gate or floating seat into position. In double-gate configurations, sealing can be accomplished through springs or an expansion mechanism between the gates. Throughout the opening and closing process, the gate and seat sealing surfaces remain in constant contact, ensuring reliable sealing.   Applicable Standards for Parallel Slide Gate Valves   Common standards for parallel slide gate valves include: ● GB/T 23300-2009 – Parallel slide gate valves ● JB/T 5298-2016 – Steel parallel slide gate valves for pipelines ● API 6D – Pipeline valves for petroleum and natural gas industries   Types and Features of Parallel Slide Gate Valves   Parallel slide gate valves are available in single-gate and double-gate configurations. ● Gates may include flow-through holes or be solid. Gates with flow-through holes match the seat inner diameter, facilitating cleaning and drainage of the pipeline. ● Sealing can be configured at the inlet end, outlet end, or at both ends, depending on application requirements.   This design ensures flexibility in sealing arrangements while maintaining reliable oper...

Damage to valve sealing surfaces is typically the result of multiple contributing factors, including material selection, operating conditions, operating practices, and maintenance. The following is a categorized summary of the most common causes:   1. Mechanical Damage ●  Wear: Solid particles in the medium (such as sand or welding slag) erode the sealing surface, resulting in scratches or grooves. ●  Abrasive scuffing: Frictional wear caused by relative movement of the sealing surfaces during valve opening and closing, particularly in metal-to-metal sealing pairs. ●  Impact damage: Deformation of the sealing surface caused by high-velocity fluid impingement or rapid valve opening and closing, leading to impact loading.   2. Chemical Corrosion ● Media corrosion: Acidic, alkaline, or oxidizing media directly attack the sealing surface material, such as metal corrosion caused by H₂S or chloride ions. ● Electrochemical corrosion: When sealing pairs made of dissimilar metals are exposed to an electrolyte, galvanic corrosion may occur due to electrochemical cell formation. ● Erosion–corrosion: The combined effect of corrosive media and high-velocity flow accelerates material loss on the sealing surface.   3. Thermal Damage ●Thermal fatigue:Frequent temperature fluctuations cause repeated thermal expansion and contraction of the sealing surface, leading to cracking or deformation. ●High-temperature oxidation:At elevated temperatures, the sealing surface may undergo oxidation, hardening, or burn-off, as commonly observed in steam valve applications. ●Thermal shock:Sudden exposure to high- or low-temperature media can cause cracking of the sealing surface, such as during rapid condensation or cold media ingress.   4. Improper Installation and Operation ●Installation misalignment: Incorrect valve installation or excessive piping stress can result in uneven loading on the sealing surfaces. ●Over-tightening: Excessive preload applied to the valve stem or bolting may crush or deform the sealing surface, particularly in soft-seated valves or soft sealing gaskets. ●Rough operation: Rapid opening and closing or excessive operating force can cause impact damage to the sealing surfaces.   5. Material Defects ●Improper material selection: The sealing surface material lacks sufficient resistance to process media, high temperature, or wear, such as the use of carbon steel in acidic service. ●Manufacturing defects: Defects in the hardfacing or overlay layer, including porosity, slag inclusions, or improper heat treatment, reduce wear resistance and overall sealing performance.   6. Abnormal Operating Conditions ●Cavitation / flashing: Pressure fluctuations in the fluid generate vapor bubbles that collapse and impact the sealing surface, a phenomenon commonly observed in valves installed downstream of pumps. ●Scaling / deposition: Impurities in the medium accumulate on the sealing surface, impairing tight shutoff, suc...

In 2025, Dervos organized its annual team trip, a five-day journey to Chongzuo, Weizhou Island, and Nanning in Guangxi Province. The trip aimed to provide relaxation and strengthen team communication, offering a well-paced and content-rich experience that combined natural landscapes with local cultural immersion. In Chongzuo, the team focused on nature sightseeing. Bamboo rafting tours allowed close observation of the local ecology and offered opportunities to see rare species such as the white-headed leaf monkey. The group also visited Detian Waterfall, experiencing its scale and flow firsthand. The overall itinerary was designed with a relaxed pace, providing ample time for rest and team bonding. Next, the team traveled to Weizhou Island. The volcanic landforms and coastal scenery added a unique visual dimension to the journey. Beyond sightseeing, participants engaged in local agricultural activities, including dragon fruit picking and banana harvesting, gaining insight into local lifestyles. The team also visited several beaches, fully appreciating the island environment. The final stop was Nanning. Team members explored the night market, sampled local specialties, and experienced the city’s daily life, bringing the Guangxi trip to a relaxed conclusion. This annual trip allowed the Dervos team to foster more natural communication and connection outside of work, recharging energy for the months ahead. Dervos remains committed to its guiding principle: I come, I see, I conquer!