Difference Between Gate Valve and Globe Valve

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In this article from Linquip, we want to talk about the difference between gate valve and globe valve. These two valves are among popular valves that are used for many industrial and residential applications. They provide many useful services that differ from each other. While similar in appearance, they function differently. By comparing these two, you will be able to know these differences better.

Globe Valve vs. Gate Valve

If you want to know the difference between gate valve and globe valve, you should compare every little aspect of these two; from application to structure and function. Now, we’ll dive into comparing these two.

Application

Globe valves are used for applications where huge changes in pressure are not important. This is while gate valves are usually used where even low-pressure drops are very important. Another difference in the application between these two valves is that gate valves are multi-directional, while globe valves are unidirectional.

Structure

Another difference between gate valve and globe valve is in their structure. This is among the main differences between these two. While the gate valve has a simple construction, the globe valve is much more complex. Many of the internal components of a gate valve are located on the top of the body. They may have a rising or non-rising stem. When the valve is turned on, the body becomes hollow. This body structure is the reason that the pressure drop is low.
On the other hand, globe valves have a complex structure since their internal parts are inside the cavity. They have a rising stem. The main purpose of a globe valve is to provide positive shut-off and throttle. Globe valves can also change the flow direction and flow rate which causes high pressure drops.

Function

Another difference between gate valve and globe valve is in their function. As mentioned above, globe valves are capable of changing flow direction and flow rate. This is while the gate valve is not capable of controlling the flow. Gate valves are designed for media isolation purposes. The design of the gate valve is in a way that can’t handle the pressure of the media flowing in a semi-open position. Globe valves are better for this task and are more known to be operating as control valves.

Working Mechanism

The other difference between gate valve and globe valve is in their working mechanism. Gate valves provide full flow or full shut-off. The disc in the gate valve lodges between the seats. The movement of the disc is at the right angle in relation to the flow of the media. When the valve is in the open position, the cavity is almost empty, and the flow space is as big as this space. A little extra space is left for the stem and the seats.
On the other hand, the movement of the globe valve disc is parallel to the flow of the media. The disc only moves a bit from the seat which means it provides a full flow. Globe valve has been designed in a way that provides tight shut-off and throttling.

Price

Gate valves are usually cheaper than globe valves of the same size due to their easy construction.

The overall difference between gate valve and globe valve

Gate valves are linear valves and belong to the family of the shut-off valves. They have a wedge-like disc. Because of their ability to provide tight seal-off, they are usually used for isolating media. When there are thicker media involved, a special kind of gate valve known as a knife gate valve is used to provide tight sealing. The gate valve disc can be formed like a knife, wedge, or parallel. As mentioned above, they provide little pressure drop because the media flow comes across with no obstruction.
When the disc moves upward, the valve is in the open position and starts to operate. When the disc moves downward and reaches the seats, it is in the closed position and the flow stops.
Gate valves are usually not used for regulating the media flow. Because of its thin disc, the vibration of the media movement causes the disc to misalign from the seat which causes damage and constant needs of services.
Globe valves, as well, are among the linear motion valve family. They are used for stopping and starting the media flow. They can also regulate the media flow as well. They provide tight shut-off and a low chance of leakage. When safety and leaks are among the main concerns, globe valves should be your go-to.
Globe valve seats are parallel to the media flow and because of this movement, there is less seat erosion in the open position. They are also considered great throttling valves. As mentioned above, due to their design, they have high pressure drop which is considered as a down point.

Quick Comparison:

Globe valves are usually used for flow regulation, while gate valves are often used for on-off control.
Gate valves are cheaper than globe valves.
Gate valves have little pressure drop across the valve and provide little resistance to the media flow in the open position. Globe valves, on the other hand, provide substantial resistance to the flow of the fluid and have high pressure drops.
Gate valves have a simple design, whereas globe valves have a complex design.
Gate valves are unidirectional while glove valves are multi-directional.
Gate valves provide little fluid trapping in the line, but globe valves trap a larger amount because of their flow direction.

That was all there is to know about the difference between gate valve and globe valve. Although these two valves look somehow the same, we saw a huge difference in the function between the two. What do you think about these two? Which one do you think works best? Comment below and share your thoughts with us. Also don’t forget to signup on Linquip to ask our experts for help. We will answer all your questions in the blink of an eye.

FAQs about Difference Between Gate Valve and Globe Valve

What is the use of globe valve and gate valve?

Globe valves are frequently employed in plant plumbing and get their name from the shape of their exterior. Both manual and automated operation are acceptable for them. Globe valves, in contrast to gate valves, may be used to control flow or pressures as well as completely stop flow.

Why should a globe valve not be used for isolation purposes?

Due to wear on the plug or seat or because of their design, globe valves and butterfly valves might not be able to close tightly enough to offer adequate isolation.

What is the main disadvantage of the gate valve?

High friction and erosion: As gate valves are utilized over time, the sealing faces may erode or sustain other damage. High friction between the contact sealing faces during valve opening and closing results in erosion damage or scratches to these sealing surfaces.

Which is better globe or gate valve?

Even when the valve is fully open, they have a considerable pressure drop and provide an additional barrier to fluid flow. Globe valves often last longer and have a better seal than gate valves. They cost more than gate valves of comparable size, but in circumstances where throttling is required, they could be worth the extra cost.

Does globe valve reduce water pressure?

In contrast to gate valves, globe valves do not let fluids pass through completely. Instead, fluid passes through a globe valve in a non-linear manner, reducing the pressure of the fluid in the line as it does so. The majority of globe valves are designed to open at pressures lower than 300 psi.

Does gate valve reduce water pressure?

The water pressure gradually drops as the gate opens and shuts, preventing these pressure waves. Gate valves must only be used to start or stop the flow of fluids, just as ball valves.

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2 thoughts on “Difference Between Gate Valve and Globe Valve”

SAMUEL DUNCAN AMPAH
October 6, 2022 at 3:25 AM

I WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ON ALL THE TYPES OF VALVES USED IN THE OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY.

THANK YOU.

1. Linquip Team
  October 7, 2022 at 11:03 PM
  
  Thanks for visiting our website and leaving your comment, SAMUEL! We are working on the topic you have mentioned and we will publish a post ASAP. You are encouraged to visit Linquip Tech News, where you can find similar posts.