What Is an OS & Y Gate Valve?

What Is an OS & Y Gate Valve?
Written By
Andrea Stein
Andrea Stein
Published: Nov 17, 2010
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

O S & Y Valve

O S & Y (outside stem and yoke) gate valves operate by opening and closing via a gate, which lowers into or raises out of the valve. Lowering the gate prevents water from entering and flowing through the casing of the valve.

Elements

O S & Y valves contain a screw nut held by a yolk, or beam, on the exterior of the valve. A wheel in the valve attaches to the nut, which turns via external screw threads, allowing the shaft to rise from or lower into the valve body. This shaft action either pushes or pulls the valve disc, enabling the valve to open or close.

Valve Operator

Operators can control the action of some O S & Y valves via a handle. In such cases, the valve gate attaches to a threaded stem with a handle that connects to the yoke element. As the operator rotates the handle counterclockwise, the stem lifts out of the handle, opening the gate. A clockwise rotation of the gate moves the stem back into the gate and closes the valve.

The Drip Cap

  • Gate valves operate by opening or closing a passageway to manage fluid flow.
  • O S & Y (outside stem and yoke) gate valves operate by opening and closing via a gate, which lowers into or raises out of the valve.
  • Lowering the gate prevents water from entering and flowing through the casing of the valve.

Photo Credits

old valve image by Vonora from Fotolia.com

old valve image by Vonora from Fotolia.com

Andrea Stein

Andrea Stein has been writing since 2004. She was a features editor for "Hallmark Magazine" and has served as newsletter editor for several nonprofit organizations. Stein has also worked in public relations, marketing and administration.…

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