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What Are Cast Steel Gate Valves and Their Applications
Author: Release time:2026.01.16
Learn what cast steel gate valves are, their body materials, pressure class ratings, and industrial applications. Compare carbon steel and stainless steel gate valves designed to API 600 and API 6D standards.

What Are Cast Steel Gate Valves and Their Applications?


Cast steel gate valves are widely used industrial valves designed for reliable on-off control of fluid flow in pipelines. Known for their strength, durability, and stable sealing performance, cast steel gate valves are commonly installed in high-pressure and high-temperature systems where safety and long service life are required.

Manufactured in accordance with international standards such as API 600 and API 6D, cast steel gate valves are a dependable solution for critical process systems across multiple industries.


What Is a Cast Steel Gate Valve?

Cast Steel Gate Valve

A cast steel gate valve is a linear-motion valve that uses a gate (wedge or slab) to start or stop the flow of media. When fully open, the gate is completely lifted out of the flow path, resulting in minimal pressure loss. When fully closed, it provides tight shut-off, making it suitable for isolation applications.

Compared with ductile iron or forged valves, cast steel gate valves offer higher mechanical strength and better performance under demanding pressure class and temperature conditions.


Body Materials of Cast Steel Gate Valves

Cast steel gate valves are available in different body materials to suit various media and environments:

  • Carbon steel (such as WCB): suitable for general industrial applications, oil, gas, steam, and water
  • Stainless steel (such as CF8, CF8M): provides enhanced corrosion resistance for chemical, corrosive, or hygienic applications

The availability of both steel gate valves and stainless steel variants allows users to select the optimal body material based on operating conditions and media characteristics.


Types of Cast Steel Gate Valves


Wedge Gate Valves

Wedge gate valves are designed and manufactured according to API 600 and GB/T 12234 standards. They are widely used for isolation in pipelines where tight shut-off is required.

Key features include:

  • Pressure class: CL150, CL300, CL600, CL900, CL1500, CL2500 (PN16–PN420)
  • Operating temperature range: -29°C to 538°C
  • Optional design according to ASME B16.34 or GB/T 12224 for special requirements


Slab Gate Valves

Slab gate valves are designed according to API 6D and GB/T 19672, commonly used in oil and gas transmission pipelines.

Key features include:

  • Full-bore design for smooth flow
  • Suitable for pigging operations
  • Same pressure class and temperature range as wedge gate valves

Pressure Class and Performance

Cast steel gate valves are designed to handle a wide pressure class range, from low-pressure systems to ultra-high-pressure pipelines. Their cast steel construction ensures excellent resistance to deformation, making them reliable under fluctuating pressure and temperature conditions.


Applications of Cast Steel Gate Valves

Cast steel gate valves are commonly used in:

  • Oil and gas pipelines
  • Petrochemical and chemical processing plants
  • Power generation and steam systems
  • Refining and energy infrastructure
  • Industrial water and utility systems

Their robust structure, dependable shut-off performance, and wide material selection make them ideal for critical isolation applications.


Why Choose Cast Steel Gate Valves?

  • High mechanical strength and durability
  • Wide pressure class and temperature range
  • Available in carbon steel and stainless steel
  • Designed to international standards (API, ASME, GB/T)
  • Reliable shut-off for critical industrial services


Conclusion

Cast steel gate valves are an essential component in modern industrial piping systems. Whether manufactured in carbon steel for strength or stainless steel for corrosion resistance, these valves provide stable performance, long service life, and dependable isolation across diverse applications. With multiple body materials, pressure classes, and design standards available, cast steel gate valves remain a trusted choice for demanding industrial environments.