What type of valve allows for a full flow with minimal resistance?

The gate valve is designed to provide an unrestricted flow of fluid through a piping system when it is fully opened. This is achieved through a wedge-shaped gate that lifts out of the way, allowing for a straight-through path with minimal turbulence and resistance. This feature is particularly beneficial in applications where maintaining high flow rates is crucial, such as in refrigeration systems.

In contrast, the butterfly valve, while capable of offering a large flow area, may introduce some flow resistance due to the disc that rotates within the flow path. The globe valve is primarily used for throttling and has significant resistance to flow, making it less ideal for applications requiring full flow. The check valve, designed to prevent backflow, does not facilitate full flow since it relies on the direction and pressure of the flowing liquid to function. Therefore, the gate valve stands out for its ability to allow full flow with minimal resistance in a refrigeration setup.