Globe Valves
A globe valve is a linear motion valve used to start, stop, and, most importantly, regulate the flow of fluid in a pipeline. Its name comes from the spherical body shape of older designs, although many modern globe valves don't have this distinct shape.
How it works:
Inside a globe valve, a baffle separates two halves of the valve body. A movable disk or plug, connected to a stem, can be raised or lowered to control the flow.
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When the valve is open, the disk is lifted away from a stationary ring seat, allowing fluid to flow through.
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When you turn the handwheel or actuator, the stem lowers the disk, gradually reducing the opening. This is called throttling, and it allows for precise control over the flow rate.
- When the disk is fully seated, it creates a tight seal against the seat, completely blocking the fluid.
Globe valves are a great choice when precise flow control is needed. Unlike a gate valve, which is designed for on/off operation, the globe valve excels at throttling.
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Cooling Water Systems: Regulating flow to maintain a specific temperature.
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Fuel Oil and Chemical Feed Systems: Controlling the rate of fluid delivery.
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Boiler and Main Steam Vents/Drains: Handling high-temperature, high-pressure steam.
While globe valves offer excellent control and good sealing capabilities, their design causes a significant pressure drop because the fluid must change direction inside the valve. This pressure drop is a key consideration when designing a system.