Compact slab gate valve systems and method of use

A gate valve system, comprising:

• a body including:
• a downstream end;
• an upstream end;
• and
• a flow path extending through the downstream end and the upstream end;
• a gate extending within the body with a downstream surface facing the downstream end and an upstream surface facing the upstream end;
• a stem secured to the gate and configured to actuate the gate between a first position in which a flow of fluid is permitted between the downstream end and the upstream end and a second position in which the flow of fluid is prevented between the downstream end and the upstream end, wherein an entire flow path at the downstream end is in fluid communication with the entire flow path at the upstream end in the first position;
• and
• a downstream seat assembly contacting the downstream surface and an upstream seat assembly contacting the upstream surface at and between the first position and the second position;
• wherein the gate only partially surrounds the flow path in the first position, and wherein a distance from an outer circumference of the flow path to a bottom surface of the body is less than a radial distance defined by a center of the flow path to the outer circumference of the flow path.

A method of assembling a gate valve system, the method comprising:

• forming a body including a downstream end, an upstream end, and a flow path extending through the downstream end and the upstream end;
• placing a gate within the body, the gate having;
• a downstream surface facing the downstream end;
• an upstream surface facing the upstream end;
• coupling a stem to the gate, the stem being configured to actuate the gate between a first position in which a flow of fluid is permitted between the downstream end and the upstream end and a second position in which the flow of fluid is prevented between the downstream end and the upstream end;
• and
• forming a downstream seat assembly contacting the downstream surface and an upstream seat assembly contacting the upstream surface, wherein each of the downstream seat assembly and the upstream seat assembly includes a wave spring, and
• wherein a distance from an outer circumference of the flow path to a bottom surface of the body is less than a radial distance defined by a center of the flow path to the outer circumference of the flow path.