Shut-off Valve Installation Direction Guide: Low in, High out vs High in, Low out

Globe Valve, as a representative of forced sealing valve, its installation direction directly affects the performance and life. According to China’s valve standardization regulations, more than 90% of the globe valve using “low into the high out” design, but in specific scenarios also need to “high into the low out” installation. In this article, we will analyze the application of the two installation methods in detail.
First, why do most globe valves choose low inlet and high outlet?
Reduce flow resistance
The medium enters the valve from below, and the spool does not need to fight against high pressure when opening, so the operation is more labor-saving.
Extend sealing life
Closed state, the media pressure is concentrated in the spool below, reducing the stem packing and gasket long-term pressure, reducing the risk of leakage.
Easy maintenance
When the valve is closed, the packing can be replaced directly without emptying the pipeline, saving downtime costs.
Second, which cases need to be installed high into the low out?
Large diameter high-pressure globe valve (diameter>100mm)
Large size valve sealing difficulty, high into the low out design can be used to use the media pressure to press the valve spool on the valve seat to enhance the sealing.
Tandem globe valve second valve
Two tandem globe valves are often installed in industrial pipelines (e.g. boiler systems). The second valve adopts a high inlet and low outlet, which ensures that both valves are closed at the same time during maintenance to avoid media leakage.
Boiler Exhaust / Venting Globe Valves
These valves open and close infrequently, but poor sealing can lead to wasted mass. High inlet and low outlet design through the media pressure to assist in sealing, reducing the probability of leakage.
Third, installation considerations
Check the valve marking: the valve body is usually labeled with flow arrows, need to be strictly in accordance with the instructions for installation.
Special scenarios consult the manufacturer: high pressure, high temperature or corrosive media valves, it is recommended that professional engineers to confirm the installation program.
Regular maintenance: regardless of the installation direction, need to regularly check the packing and sealing status.
Summarize
Correct choice of globe valve installation direction can improve system efficiency and reduce failure. Most scenarios are suitable for low inlet and high outlet, but high inlet and low outlet can provide more reliable sealing performance under high pressure, large diameter or special functional requirements. For customized solutions, contact a specialist valve supplier for technical support.