What type of valve would you NOT use for directional control of fluid?

A gate valve is primarily designed to either fully open or close the flow of fluid, functioning as an on/off control rather than a valve for directing flow. Its operation involves lifting the gate out of the path of the fluid, which provides minimal resistance when fully opened. This design is not suitable for regulating flow direction because it does not allow for modulation of flow or redirection; it simply permits or restricts passage.

In contrast, check valves are specifically designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction and prevent backflow, making them ideal for directional control. Globe valves are versatile and can modulate flow and direct it through different paths, while ball valves, when opened or closed, can also control flow direction effectively. Each of these alternatives can manipulate fluid movement, unlike gate valves which only serve as a simple on/off device.