Knife Gate Valves Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The Knife Gate Valves Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.57% from US$983.42 billion in 2022 to US$1,638.50 billion in 2029.

A knife gate valve is a specialized tool engineered to effectively eliminate blockages caused by viscous fluids, utilizing a sharp-edged blade to cleanly slice through obstructions. Serving various end-users such as industrial, chemical, mining, and water treatment sectors, the knife gate valve market plays a crucial role in fluid control and isolation processes.

Industries rely on knife gate valves to streamline fluid management and ensure operational efficiency. Sectors like wastewater management and mining are witnessing significant growth, acting as key drivers for the knife gate valve market expansion.

These valves are essential for controlling the flow and handling various types of waste, including heavy liquids and sludge. Their capability to manage high-viscosity fluids and combat clogging makes them indispensable in waste treatment facilities, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmental concerns and sustainable practices.

Knife gate valves are purpose-built to handle viscous, slurry, abrasive, and corrosive materials. They effectively cut through such substances to facilitate smooth flow control and mitigate clogging issues. They boast a simple yet reliable design for on/off flow control, offering lightweight construction compared to alternative valves while demanding minimal maintenance.

Rising environmental regulations and the imperative for efficient wastewater treatment are fueling the demand for knife gate valves. These valves play a pivotal role in regulating flow within wastewater treatment plants, adept at managing the harsh and abrasive materials prevalent in wastewater streams. Additionally, the integration of automation systems in industrial processes is poised to drive the demand for automated knife gate valves in the market.

Market Drivers:

Increasing oil production drives the knife gate valve market expansion

Knife gate valves play a vital role in regulating oil flow and preventing leaks or interruptions in pipelines and storage facilities. Their sturdy construction, capability to withstand high-pressure environments, and dependable shut-off features make them indispensable elements within the oil production sector. The surge in global energy demand, exploration efforts for new oil reservoirs, advancements in extraction technologies, and geopolitical dynamics have all contributed to the expansion of oil production.

According to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, global liquid fuel production surged from 95.69 million barrels per day in 2021 to 101.37 million barrels per day in 2023. Projections suggest a further increase to 102.69 million barrels per day by 2024.

Technological advancements support the knife valve market growth

The knife gate valve market faces potential growth constraints due to the continuous advancements in valve technology and the introduction of alternative valve types. For instance, the ongoing development of high-performance butterfly valves and ball valves with superior sealing capabilities presents viable alternatives to knife gate valves, particularly in specific applications.

These innovative valve options provide enhanced performance, increased efficiency, and improved reliability, making them increasingly attractive options compared to traditional knife gate valves.

Efficient design and application

Knife gate valves are characterized by their straightforward and sturdy design, making them well-suited for managing a wide range of fluids, slurries, and even dry materials. Their efficient closing mechanism guarantees dependable shut-off, even when dealing with viscous or chunky media.

This design feature ensures that knife gate valves are highly reliable in diverse applications. They offer seamless operation and effective containment of the substances being handled. Whether handling fluids, slurries, or dry materials, knife gate valves provide a robust solution for fluid control, ensuring efficiency and reliability in various industrial settings.

Demand due to developing economies

The rapid industrialization witnessed in developing nations like China and India has spurred a significant rise in demand for Knife Gate Valves across a wide array of industries. These valves play an essential role in meeting the needs of expanding sectors such as chemical production, power generation, and mining and mineral processing.

In India, the Indices of Industrial Production for the Mining, Manufacturing, and Electricity sectors stood at 127.4, 141.8, and 203.8, respectively, in October 2023. Meanwhile, in China, the value-added industrial output, a crucial economic indicator, increased by 4.6 percent year on year in 2023, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). Notably, in December alone, this figure experienced a 6.8 percent growth compared to the previous year and a 0.52 percent increase from November.

Market Restraint:

High initial cost

The initial expenses associated with the development and installation of knife gate valves, particularly for extensive projects, can present a substantial financial hurdle. This may pose a challenge for companies considering the adoption of this technology, especially in scenarios where budget constraints are a primary concern.

Knife gate valve market  segmentation by type into conventional knife gate valve, through gate valve, lined knife gate valve, and others

The knife gate valves market is segmented by type into conventional knife gate valves, through gate valves, lined knife gate valves, and others. Conventional knife gate valves are well-suited for handling slurries, viscous liquids, and abrasive materials in various industries.

Gate valves are favored for applications requiring minimal flow restriction, such as food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical production, water treatment plants, and chemical processing.

Lined knife gate valves are used in applications involving highly corrosive or abrasive materials, including chemical processing, mining operations, and flue gas desulfurization systems.

 Others in this segment serve purposes such as isolation and vent/drain port for enhanced safety and maintenance, high-temperature applications with robust materials and construction, and combining the on/off functionality of a knife gate valve with a check valve mechanism to prevent backflow.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the knife gate valve market

North America is experiencing high growth in the knife gate valve market owing to the bolstering growth in oil and gas, chemical, and water treatment sectors in the region, which is driving knife gate valve demand. According to the Energy Information Administration, in 2022, the United States experienced a notable increase in its crude oil production, with a growth rate of 5.6%.

Additionally, in June 2023, both Canada and British Columbia made a joint investment aimed at enhancing the wastewater treatment infrastructure in various communities across British Columbia. This significant investment will primarily focus on upgrading the existing infrastructure to support the separation of combined sewers.

Market Developments:

• February 2023- VAG Group, a prominent company in the valve and water control systems industry, expanded its presence in Brazil through the acquisition of FKB Equipamentos Industriais Ltda. VAG Group has not only strengthened its presence in the important Brazilian market but has also expanded its portfolio and capabilities in the realm of customized penstocks and knife gate valves.
• December 2022- ORBINOX unveiled a state-of-the-art high-pressure model bi-directional knife gate valve, meticulously crafted to address the requirements of industrial and water treatment applications. This cutting-edge valve has been specifically tailored to excel in water treatment processes and meet the demands of general industrial operations that necessitate outstanding performance and reliability in high-pressure environments.

Market Segmentation:

By Type

• Conventional Knife Gate Valve
• Through Gate Valve
• Lined Knife Gate Valve
• Others

By Material

• Stainless Steel
• Aluminium
• Bronze

By Seating Type

• Uni-Directional
• Bi-Directional

By End-User

• Industrial
• Chemical
• Mining
• Water Treatment
• Others

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Australia
• Others