In industrial applications, globe valves are an extremely common type of valve used to control the flow of fluids. Below are a few common types of globe valves and their features for your better understanding and selection.
Straight-through Globe Valves
Straight-through globe valves are relatively simple and straightforward in design, with fluid flowing in a straight line within them. This type of valve is suitable for a variety of conventional application scenarios, providing reliable shutoff.
Direct Flow (Y-Shaped) Globe Valves
The flow path of a direct-flow or Y-shaped globe valve is designed in a diagonal line with the main flow path. This design reduces disruption of the fluid flow state, so there is relatively little pressure loss through the valve. This makes direct-flow globe valves particularly useful in applications where reduced pressure loss is required.
Angle Globe Valves
Angle globe valves are characterized by the fact that the fluid only needs to change direction once inside the valve. This design reduces the pressure drop as the fluid passes through the valve, making angle globe valves excellent in applications where reduced pressure loss is required.
Plunger Type Globe Valves
The plunger globe valve is a variation of the conventional globe valve. Its valve flap and seat are designed based on the plunger principle, with the valve flap ground into a plunger shape and attached to the valve stem. The sealing is achieved by two resilient seals on the plunger, which can be compressed by the load applied by the bonnet nut. Plunger-type globe valves are primarily used to open or close the flow of fluid, but the flow can also be regulated by means of a specially designed plunger or collar. The resilient seals are replaceable and can be made of a variety of materials to suit different operating environments.
Selection Guide for Globe Valves
The stem axis of a globe valve is perpendicular to the sealing surface of the valve seat, which makes the valve’s opening or closing stroke relatively short and provides a very reliable shut-off action. Therefore, the globe valve is very suitable for use as medium cut-off, regulation and throttling.
When the globe valve is in the open state, the valve seat and valve sealing surface is no longer in contact with each other, which reduces the mechanical wear of the sealing surface. In addition, most globe valve seat and valve flap is relatively easy to repair or replace the sealing element, without the entire valve from the pipeline to remove. This is especially true where the valve and pipeline are welded together as one unit.
It should be noted, however, that the direction of flow of the medium through a globe valve can change, which may result in a higher resistance to flow in a globe valve than in other types of valves. Therefore, when choosing a globe valve, you need to weigh the specific application scenarios and needs.
In summary, understanding the different types of globe valves and their characteristics will help you better select the type of valve that suits your needs. Whether it is a straight-through, direct-flow, angle or plunger type globe valve, they all play an important role in their respective application scenarios.