Globe Valve vs Gate Valve

Globe Valve vs Gate Valve

Figure 1: Globe valve (left) and gate valve (right)

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Despite their similarities at first inspection, globe and gate valves have significant differences that make each suitable for their applications. When choosing between these two valves for an application, understanding the application's pressure, sealing, and flow requirements can ensure the correct valve is selected. This article discusses the differences between globe and gate valves to allow an educated decision before choosing between the two valves.

Table of contents

Globe Valve vs Gate Valve Comparison

Globe valves and gate valves are multi-turn, linear motion valves, meaning both valves require multiple turns to open or close. The closing mechanism moves up and down in a straight line to turn open or close the valve. At this point, similarities between the valves begin to diminish.

The globe valve differs from most valves because its name derives from its body shape (rounded) rather than its disc, which is the gate valve's convention. Its disc moves up and down to allow or block the flow, similar to a gate. Read more on globe valves and gate valves to get a comprehensive understanding of both.

Flow Properties: Key Differences

As seen in Figure 2, a gate valve is a straight-through, bi-directional valve, meaning its design permits flow directly through it in both directions. The only change to the flow occurs when the gate valve is closed, and the flow stops.

Figure 2: A gate valve flow properties when it is closed (left) and open (right).

A globe valve, on the other hand, has more turns for the flow path. As seen in Figure 3, the flow can take a z-shaped path (T- or Z-valve), an oblique path (Y-valve), or a 90° turn path (angle valve).

Because a globe valve diverts flow in a specific way, it has an inlet and an outlet port. Typically, an arrow on the outside of the valve's body will indicate the valve's flow direction. Also, the flow diversion causes a significant pressure drop through the globe valve. In contrast, a gate valve's pressure drop is nearly non-existent.

Figure 3: Globe valves' flow paths: T- or Z-valve (left), angle valve (center), and Y-valve (right)

Valve Functions: Usability and Performance

Both gate valves and globe valves can operate as on/off valves. A gate valve is not meant to be used to throttle flow, but a globe valve can. Flow diverts within the globe valve and becomes parallel to the valve seat. This design makes globe valves efficient flow throttlers. Globe valves become unsuitable for throttling flow at larger diameters (above DN 150). Gate and globe valves can be operated mechanically, pneumatically, or electrically.

Note: With other factors equal, Y-valves are the least efficient at throttling flow because the valve seat is not parallel to the flow direction. However, this also means that Y-valves have the smallest pressure drop.

Visual Identification: How to Distinguish

At a quick glance, gate valves and globe valves are not easy to tell apart. The following traits are what to look for to tell the difference:

• Body Design: Gate valves usually have a rectangular or wedge-shaped body. Whereas the body of a globe valve is rounder, especially at its bottom.
• Height Consideration: Gate valves usually are higher when opened than globe valves.
• Flow Direction Indicator: Gate valves are bi-directional, whereas globe valves are unidirectional. A marker on the valve, such as an arrow, indicates the flow direction and that it's a globe valve.

Advantages and Disadvantages Chart

Globe and gate valves may have similar or different materials for their housing and seals. Read our chemical resistance guide to learn more about the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials. See the following chart to learn about more advantages and disadvantages.

Table 1: Globe valve and gate valve advantages and disadvantages chart

Globe Valve Gate Valve Application Used for flow regulation (e.g., cooling water systems and fuel oil systems) More suitable for slurry due to less space in the valve's body for sediment to get stuck and build up Flow Control Can be used or on/off control and can throttle flow Can be used for on/off control and cannot regulate the flow Flow Capacity Lower Higher Flow Direction Unidirectional Bi-directional Flow Restriction/Pressure Drop Flow diversion within the valve's body creates significant pressure drop Full-bore valve, meaning there is no reduction to flow and pressure drop is insignificant Power Requirement Needs a large amount of force or an actuator to close under high pressure Needs less power to close under high pressure Operating Conditions Can operate at higher temperatures Can operate at higher pressures Cost More expensive than a gate valve due to its complicated structure Cheaper Leakage More effective sealing because force is applied to the disc when closed Good sealing properties Installation Space Takes up less vertical space, but requires more horizontal space If a rising-stem style, needs more vertical space, but less horizontal space Weight Heavier Lighter Ports Can have a 3-port configuration for straight-through flow Two ports

Selecting the Ideal Valve for Your Needs

Gate valves and globe valves are both excellent shut-off valves. However, when choosing between them, neither valve will outperform the other in every single application. Consider the following factors:

• Flow Control: Select a globe valve if an application requires flow modulation.
• Flow Capacity: Choose a gate valve if an application demands high flow.
• Flow Direction: Choose a gate valve if an application requires bi-directional flow.
• Pressure Drop: Select a gate valve if a minimal pressure drop is necessary.
• Sealing: If an application demands excellent sealing, select a globe valve.
• Contaminated Media: Choose a gate valve if an application has slurry or other contaminated media.

The above variables are typically the most important when selecting a shut-off valve. Refer to Table 1 for further information.

Example Applications for Globe and Gate Valves

Globe Valves in Action

• Cooling Water Systems: Globe valves operate in cooling water systems by controlling the water flow to maintain a desired temperature.
• Chemical Injection Systems: Globe valves work well in industrial systems that need control over chemicals into reaction vessels or process streams.

Gate Valves at Work

• Bulk Material Handling Systems: Heavy-duty processes (e.g., mining, agriculture, and construction) use gate valves to control the flow of bulk materials such as grains, coal, and aggregate.
• Water Distribution Systems: Many components of a water distribution system do not require precise flow control. Therefore, gate valves are suitable because they either block or allow flow.

FAQs

Which is better? A gate valve or a globe valve?

Globe valves have better sealing than gate valves and last longer. However, gate valves have significantly lower pressure drop.

What is the advantage of gate valves over globe valves?

One significant advantage of gate valves over globe valves is that they require significantly less power to close since they close perpendicular to flow rather than parallel as globe valves do.

Differences between Gate Valve & Globe Valve

What is the difference between a gate valve and a globe valve?

Globe valves and gate valves are popular components for flow applications in a wide range of industries. Despite working in similar processes, and helping with the control of fluids, these valves have major differences. If you’d like to read more about the difference between gate and globe valves, continue reading this handy guide from BM Engineering.

What is a Globe Valve?

A globe valve, also known as a throttle valve, is used to regulate the flow of media through the use of a moveable plug and stationery seat which separate two internal chambers. The plug can be screwed in to close the valve against the seat.

Globe valves are used to control or stop the flow of liquid or gas through a pipe. Globe valves get their name because of the spherical shape of their body. Two halves of the body are separated by an internal baffle.

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While globe valves do exhibit higher pressure drops than other valves, they are often used where the pressure drop through the valve is not a controlling factor.

What is a Gate Valve?

A gate valve is a control valve that allows or stops liquids and gases from flowing through an application. Gate valves feature a clear passageway that induces minimal pressure loss over the valve. For this reason, gate valves are a popular choice for many fluid applications.

Despite their popularity, gate valves are slower than quarter-turn valves. As such, they should only be used in the fully open or closed position, and not to regulate flow.

Globe Valves vs Gate Valves: Comprehensive Analysis

So, what’s the difference between gate and globe valves? Regarding application, globe valves are used for applications where large changes in pressure aren’t important. Gate valves tend to be used where low-pressure drops are important.

Another difference between gate valves and globe valves is that the latter are unidirectional whereas gate valves are multi-directional.

In terms of structure, a gate valve’s construction is simple compared to the more complex globe valve. Many of the internal components of a gate valve are found on top of the body, while the components of a globe valve are found within the structure.

Globe valves operate differently to gate valves too. They’re capable of changing flow direction and flow rate, while gate valves are only capable of a complete on/off function. They should not be used to control the flow because it leads to a degradation of components.

The gate valve’s design is not suited for handling the pressure of media through a semi-open position. Globe valves are much better for this type of task and are known to be operated more often as control valves.

There is also a difference between gate valves and globe valves in terms of the price. Due to their more simplistic structure and design, gate valves are cheaper than globe valves. However, the decision to purchase a gate or globe valve doesn’t really come down to price; it’s about their use within your system.

Globe and Gate Valves at BM Engineering

At BM Engineering, you can find a wide range of globe valves and gate valves. We supply big-name brand globe valves at BME, including models from Valsteam and Bürkert. There are various selections available to choose from when picking a globe valve too, including 2/2-way and two-way body valves.

In terms of gate valves, there is also a great selection available. If you’d like to know more about the gate valves and globe valves available at BM Engineering, speak to an experienced and knowledgeable sales advisor today.

Contact us on 0141 762 0657 or email sales@bmengineering.co.uk for more information.

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