A gate valve shuts off the flow by lifting a flat or wedge-shaped disc out of the flow path using a threaded spindle. The valve is primarily designed for full opening or full closing and is not suitable for regulation or throttling, as partial opening causes vibrations and increases wear on the seat. In versions with a rising stem, the valve position is visually apparent, as the stem rises when the valve is opened. The gate valve is used as an isolation valve in supply lines, steam systems and water treatment systems. It is not preferred in hygiene-critical pharmaceutical and food processing plants, as the design makes complete CIP cleaning difficult, and the choice of materials and surface treatment do not typically meet hygiene standards such as EHEDG or 3A.