Globe Valve vs A Gate Valve
Wondering what the difference between a globe valve and a gate valve is?
Want to make sure you choose the right one for your application?
If you’re in the market for a high-quality machined valve for an engineering project, you need to make sure you choose the right type to use. There are many types of valves available but not all of them work the same way or are correct for every application.
Two of the most popular types of valves are globe valves and gate valves. While many people believe these are the same, they have several significant differences. Each type of valve is ideal for different applications, so it’s important that you understand the pros and cons of each one.
Luckily, we’re here to help. Below we’ll tell you about the major differences between globe valves and gate valves.
1. Basic Design
Valves are devices that are used to direct fluid flow or regulation. They do this by obstructing passageways within them.
Gate valves have a simple on/off design and function by lifting or lowering a gate. This blocks or releases fluid in a straight line.
Globe valves do similar tasks. However, these valves make use of a movable disk instead that can be lifted and lowered to varying degrees.
2. Flow Regulation Capabilities
One of the biggest differences between globe and gate valves is that gate valves feature on/off controls
Ideal for isolation applications, gate valves will only be able to be open or closed completely, one way or the other. Gate valves are not suitable for throttling and if kept partially open, gate valves can experience damage and corrosion.
Globe valves, on the other hand, are better suited for applications in which some middle ground is needed. These valves can be used for isolation as well as for throttling services. Globe valves can be on or off but can also be used to regulate flow in a pipeline as well. If left partially open, globe valves won’t experience damage like a gate valve will.
3. Drops in Pressure
Because of the design of gate valves, there is only a minimal amount of pressure drop or fluid trapping when opened completely. These valves also completely stop fluid flow when closed.
Globe valves are different in this way. A significant drop in pressure is to be expected when a globe valve is fully opened. Because the passageway of globe valves are S-shaped, there is significant resistance to the flow of the fluid compared to gate valves.
4. Direction of Flow
One reason that gate valves are sometimes preferred over other options is that they are bi-directional. In applications which require a bi-directional flow and a minimal loss of pressure, gate valves are the superior choice.
Globe valves, on the other hand, have specific flow directions. They are unidirectional instead, meaning that fluid can’t flow through them in both ways as it could in a gate valve.
Choosing Between a Gate Valve and a Globe Valve
If you’re trying to decide whether a globe valve or gate valve is the best choice for your application you should consider the differences above carefully. Each type of valve works in varying ways to provide for the needs of industrial piping applications. However, it’s important that you take time to make the correct decision.
Globe valves will typically be the better choice where more flow regulation is needed while gate valves are great for applications that require a bi-directional flow and minimum loss of pressure.
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