Globe valves and gate valves are two of the most common valves in industrial plants. Both are designed to keep systems running as efficiently and safely as possible. However, contrary to popular belief, these valves aren’t the same.
These valves have similar bodies, but they feature their own unique designs and have their own applications. To help you understand the differences between globe valve vs gate valve, read the guide below.
Globe Valves
Globe Valve vs Gate ValveGlobe valves vs gate valves are designed for many applications in several fields, including the oil and gas industry. However, each valve doesn’t serve the same function.
Globe valves are generally used to stop, start, and regulate flow within a pipe. They’re made with a spherical body and a disc. The disc within the globe valve is designed to move up and down from the seat. These vertical movements allow the space between the disc and the seat to change slowly when the valve starts to close. This gives the valve good throttling ability and allows it to regulate flow within a pipeline.
The flow rate of a globe valve depends on the space between the disc and the seat. The further apart they are, the more liquid that will flow through the valve.
Globe valves are also designed with a stem connected to the bonnet right above the disc to maintain a tight seal when the valve is fully closed. Because of that, globe valves are less likely to experience seat leakage compared to other valves.
These valves can double as control valves and are commonly used for corrosive, highly viscous media as well as high-pressure and high-temperature systems.
Gate Valves
Gate valves are used in plants in the oil and gas industry as well. However, they’re designed only to start and stop flow within a piping system. They, unfortunately, won’t regulate flow.
Gate valves are also designed differently than globe valves. Instead of a disc, these valves have gate faces that are parallel or wedge shaped, and they’re designed with a rising or a non-rising stem. This helps workers understand when the valve is fully open or fully closed.
These valves are also known to have lower pressure drops and offer little resistance to fluid flow, especially in the fully open position. Most importantly, gate valves can be set in any directional flow. Globe valves, on the other hand, can’t.
