What type of valve is typically used with a bypass?

The configuration of systems involving bypass operations generally employs gate valves due to their design and functionality. Gate valves are ideal for situations where the flow needs to be turned on or off without significantly restricting the flow path. They provide a straight-through passage when fully opened, allowing for a minimal pressure drop, which is essential in a bypass setup that is intended to maintain efficiency in flow management.

In bypass applications, the goal is often to redirect flow without interrupting the main system's operation. Gate valves achieve this efficiently, making them preferred for isolating sections of a system rather than for throttling or adjusting flow rates, which is better served by other valve types. Their structure enables smooth flow with very little resistance when fully opened, aligning perfectly with the requirements of bypass systems, where maintaining flow characteristics is crucial.

Other valves like ball valves, check valves, and butterfly valves serve different functions and are generally employed in applications focusing on specific flow control, backflow prevention, or throttling behavior, thus making them less suited for typical bypass situations where full flow capability is desired.