Gate valves are used to isolate parts of a vacuum extraction system, often in dust extraction systems in wood shops. They consist of a sliding or rotating plate and are manually or automatically operated. They maximize vacuum pressure and efficiency, and are simple in design. In complex systems, they may be remotely operated with a solenoid. Relief valves may be left open in large systems to prevent vacuum pressure from collapsing the vacuum lines.
A gate valve is a valve used to isolate separate parts of a vacuum extraction system. These valves are usually very simple and typically consist of a sliding or rotating plate which blocks the vacuum line. They are most commonly found in dust extraction systems installed in wood shops to keep all vacuum lines closed to unused machines to maximize vacuum pressure. Blast gates are typically mounted close to the vacuum point of the machine and are usually manually operated, although automated gates are available that open when the machine is turned on. In large systems with very powerful vacuum pumps, at least one or more gate valves are always left open to prevent the vacuum from collapsing the pipes.
Dust extraction in joineries and other dusty work environments is an essential part of any health and safety regime. Most commercial or hobby wood shops that have a centralized dust extraction system use a vacuum pump that draws dust from the machine’s source to a safe collection point through a series of hoses. These pumps are often not powerful enough to effectively induce negative pressure at all draw points simultaneously. Since all the machines served by the dust extraction system rarely work simultaneously, those that are not working are usually isolated from the extraction system by a gate valve. This maximizes the efficiency of the vacuum available at the machine workstations and ensures adequate dust extraction.
Gate valves do not have to provide a perfect hermetic seal and are usually very simple in design and operation. Most gate valves are of a slide design, consisting of an appropriately sized in-line pipe fitting fitted with a pair of slide grooves to accommodate a flat gate valve. To open the gate, the machine operator simply lifts the platen to open the tube and allow the vacuum to draw the dust out of the machine. Once the job is done, the plate is then lowered again to close the tube and re-isolate the extraction point.
In more complex systems, the penstock may be remotely operated and have a rotating circular penstock design. These valves use a spring loaded solenoid to open and close the gate to isolate the entry point. The solenoid will then draw its power from the machine switch; it opens automatically when the machine is started and closes when it is turned off. This system works particularly well in high demand environments and precludes the possibility of blast gates being inadvertently left open. In very large, high horsepower vacuum systems, some relief valves are left open at all times to prevent vacuum pressure from collapsing the vacuum lines.
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