Which of the following describes a drawback of gate valves in terms of operation?

Gate valves are designed primarily for on/off service and operate by raising or lowering a gate within the valve body. One significant drawback related to their operation is the challenge of automation. Gate valves typically require a significant amount of time to fully open or close, making them less suitable for applications where quick, frequent adjustments to flow are needed.

Moreover, they are less responsive than other types of valves, such as ball or butterfly valves, which can be opened or closed much more quickly. Because of their operating mechanism, automating gate valves often involves using additional components, such as actuators, which can make the system more complex and costly. This complexity can lead to increased maintenance requirements and potential points of failure compared to automated systems involving other valve types.

In contrast, while some of the other choices may describe attributes that are generally true about gate valves or other valve types, they do not directly address the operational limitations associated with automation. For instance, the affordability comparison does not impact their operational efficiency, and the resistance to jamming is not the central focus regarding their operation in the context of automation.