Globe Valves vs. Gate Valves. What are the Potential Differences?

In this blog post, you’ll read:The globe and gate valves are significant industrial valves. They both carry out tons of jobs with their compatible structures. Despite ruling the industry for decades, they are mistaken for each other. Their appearance makes them look alike, but they have differences in working. Here are the differences between globe and gate valves to better understand them.
Table of Contents

The globe and gate valves are significant industrial valves. They both carry out tons of jobs with their compatible structures. Despite ruling the industry for decades, they are mistaken for each other. Their appearance makes them look alike, but they have differences in working. Here are the differences between globe and gate valves to better understand them.

Globe Valves:

Globe valves are linear-flow valves, and their structure makes them appear as a globe. They have to regulate flow by stopping or allowing fluid motion. The valve often comes with an actuator or handle at the top. These are throttling valves with higher pressure at one end and lower at the other.

globe valves and gate valve
Globe valves and gate valve

The flow of media in globe valves is parallel to the seat component. This structure enables a powerful and effective seal against leakages. They are also less prone to seat erosion in the valve’s open condition. They undergo high-pressure drops. Because of these properties and many more, globe valves work in heavy-duty applications.

Product Name Brass Globe Valve
Materials H58-3, CW617N
Size 1, 1/2, 3/4,1-1/4″,1-/12″,2″
Media Water, steam
Thread Connection NPT, BST
Temperature -10°C to 120°C
Working Pressure 16 Bar
Applications As selector valves, throttling valves, and fluid regulation valves.
Globe valve details

Globe valves are best for high-pressure, temperature, and abrasive media systems. These valves are efficient in dealing with corrosion and have excellent leak control. Globe valve body has such a design that enables a change in flow direction within the body. This change can lead to turbulence and pressure drop. Thus, avoiding them where pressure drop and flow resistance are undesirable is better.

Gate Valves:

The gate valves work by placing a wedge or rectangular-shaped gate to encounter fluid. The wedge disc can be either solid or flexible. A threaded stem generally operates the valve connecting the stem to the actuator. Rising and non-rising stem gate valves are the most applicable gate valves. The rising stem shows the valve’s status to the viewer by its rising structure.

Gate valves are usually non-regulatory valves; they stop or allow fluid passage. The partial opening of the gate valve can lead to excessive wear. They are efficient for both above and underground applications. They are ideal for providing a leak-proof, tight seal. Unlike globe valves, these are unsuitable for throttling, as they can damage the valve.  

Product Name Heavy Duty Bronze Gate Valve
Materials Bronze with sand-blasted finishing
Size 1-1/2, 1-1/4, 1, 1/2, 2, 3, 3/4, 4, 5, 6.
Media Gas and Liquid
Thread Connection NPT, BST
Temperature Range 210°C to 180°C
Working Pressure 0 to 20 bar
Applications Applicable for handling a wide range of gases and liquids.
Gate valve details
Plumbing water gate valves
Plumbing water gate valves

These valves provide a smooth linear flow of fluids with minor flow restrictions. This property makes them the best choice to avoid pressure loss. They need many turns to open or close due to their construction. They perform well in petrochemicals with high-temperature and low-pressure media.

Globe Valve vs. Gate Valve: Differences.

The globe and gate valves differ in almost every aspect. Here are the globe valves vs. gate valves differences.

Structure:

The most evident difference between globe valves and gate valves is their structure. Globe valve has most of the components hidden in the body, giving it a complex system. This design is the one that enables throttling. It also helps fluid change its flow direction.

globe valve 200wog
Globe valve 200wog

Gate valves, on the other hand, consist of a fundamental structure. They have all their parts in the upper valve body. Their stem can be rising or non-rising. Their height is usually more than globe valves in the open position.

Working:

Globe valves offer a linear flow mechanism for fluid regulation. On turning the valve stem, the disc lowers or raises. It modulates the flow by adjusting the position of the disc relative to the seat. Globe valves are ideal for flow modulation as their design enables precise flow. They also have excellent shut-off capabilities upon closure.

gate valves
Gate valves

Gate valves have a wedge or gate to carry out a fluid control mechanism. Yet, they cannot regulate media flow but only allow flow path or shut off. In open conditions, the gate lifts completely for media to pass. While in a close position, the gave lowers down to block the fluid passage. They offer the least flow resistance, which results in a shallow pressure drop. These valves can serve tight seals and less pressure drop applications but not the flow regulation. Thus, the differences in gate valve vs. globe valve working are inevitable.

Design Variations:

Globe valves usually come with two design patterns. The first is a tee pattern that gives a straight path for flow in open conditions. It has an inlet and outlets aligning in a T shape. This design of globe valves serves a range of applications. The second design is in an angle pattern with inlets and outlets at 90 degrees. This one has improved flow characteristics with less pressure drop than the tee type.

parts of the gate valve
Parts of the gate valve

Gate valves come in different designs, including flexible, solid, and split wedges. A flexible wedge has a gate of two or more pieces, giving an adjustable mechanism. It is best for applications with temperature variations as it can contract and expand. A solid wedge is a single-piece solid wedge and can provide a tight seal. A split wedge has a gate in two halves. It is best to deal with high-pressure applications.

Sealing Properties:

Sealing marks another difference between globe vs. gate valves. In globe valves, a ring-shaped seat serves as a sealing element. The disc presses against this seat in the closed position, creating a tight seal. It makes globe valves an excellent choice to avoid leakages and produce strong seals. Thus, they are best for applications that need precise control with the minimum leakage risk.

The gate valves, on the other hand, have varying sealing properties. A gate or flat wedge brings in the sealing by connecting with the valve body. The gate connects with the seat, closing the valve and creating a tight seal. It results in an efficient shut-off property by providing complete isolation. But they are unable to regulate flow like globe valves.

Pressure Drop:

Due to their internal components and design, Globe valves offer more pressure drop. This is because the flow path in globe valves can be curvy, and the movement of the disc resists flow. They control flow rates well but can trade a slightly higher pressure drop. The gate valves differ from globe valves in pressure drop quality.

The gate valves offer opposite features in terms of pressure drop. Their design is such that it results in the most minor pressure drop within the valve. This is because the internal parts of the gate valve tend to create very low resistance against flow. But at the same time, they cannot suit applications that require good flow regulation. Hence, pressure drop should be considered while choosing between globe vs. gate valve.

Applications:

To understand the differences between the two, it is essential to list globe valves vs. gate valve applications. Globe valves are suitable for getting precise flow control. They are efficient in flow regulation applications. Globe valves are applicable in HVAC systems that regulate hot and cold water flow. In steam applications, they control steam distribution and regulate chemicals in chemical processes. They also perform well in accurately controlling chemical dosing during water treatment.

gate valves and globe valve applications
Gate valves and globe valve applications

Gate valves perform distinctive functions than globe valves and thus differ in applications. They are best for flow isolation and low-pressure drop applications. In wastewater treatment plants, gate valves stop the water flow without offering resistance. In oil and gas industries, they can shut off flow between different sections of pipelines. They are also applicable in petrochemicals for entire shutoff and high-pressure controls.

General Differences Between Globe Valve and Gate Valve:

Below are listed several general differences between the globe and gate valves.

Property Globe Valve Gate Valve
Function Throttling and precise flow control. Not for flow control, it provides flow isolation.
Flow Control Excellent for flow control. Not suitable for flow control.
Closure Element A disc or a plug. Flat gate or a wedge-shaped gate.
Pressure Drop Moderate to high-pressure drop in the partially closed position. Low-pressure drop in open conditions.
Shut-Off Capability Excellent when fully closed. Excellent when fully closed.
Leakage Prevention It is effective for leakage prevention but can be prone to leakage sometimes. It is very effective and can achieve zero leakage.
Flow Isolation Less efficient than gate valves. Ideal for complete flow isolation.
Globe Valve and Gate Valve specs

How to Choose Between Globe vs. Gate Valve?

The gate vs. globe valve comparison indicates several plus points in both valves. To choose one of them, consider the valve’s features that suit your application. You can rely on the factors below to learn how to choose between globe vs. gate valve.

Globe Valve:
●Precise Flow Control: Globe valves are excellent throttling valves and offer precise flow control. They are also famous for their flow regulation property.
●Shut Off: Globe valves perform well when applied in sensitive environments due to reliable shut-off. They prevent leakages by giving a tight seal.
●High-Pressure Drop: These valves may not be suitable for applications with strict pressure loss constraints. This is because the design of globe valves offers high-pressure drops.
Gate Valve:
●Flow Isolation: Gate valves are perfect to provide complete flow isolation. They also offer negligible resistance to the flowing media.
●Low-Pressure Drop: These valves are desirable in applications where maintaining high flow pressure is mandatory. The structure of the valve trades low-pressure drops while in open condition.
●No Flow Regulation: Gate valves are not throttling valves and thus are not meant for flow regulation. Using them for flow modulation can lead to valve damage.
These are a few points of comparison that can help you choose between globs vs gate valves.

Globe vs Gate Valves: Frequently Asked Questions.

Can I use a globe valve for isolation purposes?

Because of their design and construction, globe valves are inefficient for isolation. It is better to use them for the regulation of flow.

Are gate valves applicable for corrosive fluids?

Special gate valves can be applicable for corrosive media. For this purpose, the gate valve construction includes resistive materials that can handle such fluids.

Do gate valves reduce the pressure of the fluids?

Gate valves prevent the pressure waves and drop the pressure while opening and closing. Thus, gate valves should be applied for the shut-off mechanism, not for media modulation.

The Bottom Line:

Globe and gate valve comparison indicates the differences in their performance and structure. Both have specific properties that can be reliable in relative applications. Determine your application’s needs and preferences before choosing between globe vs gate valve. Select from the best and most reliable wholesale plumbing suppliers to get more from these products.

Solutions For Waterworks Plumbing

Get quote Now

Free Sample with OEM