Which type of valve is primarily used to isolate a pump on the suction side?

The gate valve is primarily used to isolate a pump on the suction side due to its ability to provide a full flow path when fully opened and effectively block the flow when closed. This design makes it especially suitable for applications where a complete shut-off is necessary. When maintaining or servicing a pump, isolating the pump from the rest of the system prevents water from flowing back into the pump, allowing for safe and effective work.

Moreover, gate valves are generally more efficient in terms of flow resistance when fully opened, as they create minimal turbulence, which is particularly important in pump suction situations to prevent cavitation. This characteristic ensures that the pump can operate under optimal conditions when the valve is opened.

Other valve types serve different functions; for instance, a ball valve is more suited for areas requiring rapid shut-off and can introduce more resistance to flow if not fully opened. Check valves prevent backflow and are not designed for complete isolation but rather to allow flow in one direction. Butterfly valves are typically used for throttling and do not perform as effectively for complete isolation in high-pressure systems or where user safety is a concern.