Heavy duty industrial globe valve with pneumatic actuator Masoneilan brand of GE |
When the process calls for controlling flow over a range of possible values, known as throttling, a globe valve may be a good candidate for the application.
Globe valves are characterized by the change in direction of fluid flow as it passes through the valve and the plug or disk positioned in an opening through which fluid must pass. The plug is connected to a stem extending to the exterior of the valve body through the bonnet. Movement of the stem will reposition the plug in relation to the opening, providing a successively larger or smaller opening area through which fluid can pass.
Simple globe valve diagram Courtesy Wikipedia |
What are some potential advantages of globe valves?
- Good throttling and shutoff capability
- Comparatively easy maintenance
- Comparatively short travel of plug from open to closed position
- Seats can usually be resurfaced when worn
What are some limiting factors for globe valves?
- Higher valve pressure drop than some other designs
- No straight through fluid path
- Comparatively higher actuator torque requirements to operate valve
When flow throttling capability is the overriding concern for an application, a globe valve could be a good candidate for consideration. Share your flow control challenges with product specialists. Combining your process knowledge with their product application expertise will produce effective solutions.