Are globe valves expensive?

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Ball Valves vs. Globe Valves

Valves are mechanical or electro-mechanical devices commonly found in a myriad of industrial processes, manufacturing, and maintenance operations.   These devices regulate the movement of fluids (liquid, air, gas, etc) via pipes and/or tubes, as well as from tanks or other containers. Moreover, these devices are primarily classified according to their function, design, and size.

Among all types of valves, the ball valve and globe valve are two of the most used valves in the industrial industry.  In this article, we will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of both the ball valve and globe valve, as well as a comparison between the two types of valves.

Ball Valve Advantages and Disadvantages

The ball valve provides a quarter-turn operation to open or close. This conventional type of valve consists of a hollow rotary ball or disk, usually the size of the pipe, and a stem that connects it to the lever. The hollow ball and the lever of the valve rotate similarly and are parallel to each other, allowing the flow of fluids in the inlet and outlet in the valve body. Ball valves are used in any industrial applications that require fluid flow shut off.

Advantages

Generally, ball valves operate with efficiency and a great deal of durability. As such, they tend to be cost-effective, low maintenance, and usually a durable choice for the savvy operator.

With the hollow rotary ball mechanism, the ball valve provides low-pressure drop and high flow capacity. Disturbances in the flow of fluids such as turbulence and resistance are minimal. Aside from that, ball valves also provide a bubble-tight seal with little torque and lack the need for routine lubrication.

Generally, ball valves provide high durability. They can provide ten-plus years of reliable use when fit to the right application. Moreover, materials selection in manufacturing ball valves enables them to withstand high pressure and lessens the wear due to environmental conditions such as corrosion and temperature.

Compared to the cost of ball valves vs a globe valves, it is extremely affordable. In addition, ball valves are a cost-effective option due to their lower maintenance requirements. This mainly derives from the quarter-turn mechanism of the ball valve. This mechanism makes it less prone to wear and tear. Another reason is that the use of a pivot concentrates all friction forces to one part of the valve, thus conserving the other parts. Moreover, ball valves typically weigh comparably little and take up a small footprint vs. globe valves.

Disadvantages

The ball valve’s propensity to blockage, poor throttling capacity and space considerations are reasons that an engineer might wish to specify another valve.

It is not recommended to use ball valves on thick fluids such as slurries. Any thick fluid that passes through the ball valves may solidify, clog the flow and pile up in the cavities of the valve. This requires more maintenance and in the worst case scenario may render the valve inoperable and require replacement.

Ball valves should only be utilized in either a completely open or fully closed state and should not be used for long-term throttling. The partially exposed seat of the ball valve may be vulnerable to degradation and deformation in a throttling position due to high-velocity flows.   For this reason, continuous throttling applications should never rely on a ball valve.

Since the mechanism involves a quarter-turn handle, engineers should consider available space prior to specifying a ball valve. An exposed handle in an area of egress or in the path of other equipment may create a hazard or operability issue.

Globe Valve Advantages and Disadvantages

The globe valve provides a multi-turn valve design starts, stops, and regulates the flow of fluids. The design is based on a disk, also called the plug, which lowers onto a seat, gradually restricting the flow as the valve closes. Globe valves are primarily used in industrial applications that require fluid throttling vs ball valves that are not generally recommended for throlling. One important feature is the valve seat orients parallel to the direction of flow.

Advantages

Globe valves provide good shutoff capability, good throttling capability, high reliability, and a variety of flow configurations.

The globe valve’s plug or disc adjusts from fully open to fully closed to match the needed flow rate for a specific application, making them a great choice for precise regulation control. The flow restriction through the valve increases with the distance between the plug and the seat in the body.           

Since globe valves find service in partially open configurations, they provide ideal throttling capabilities. Moreover, these valves are easy to maintain and resurface the seats and are specifically designed for throttling operation.

Globe valves travel a short distance during operation. Thus, fewer turns are required to fully open and close the plug or the disc. This saves time and wear on the valve parts. In a well-designed globe valve, high reliability ensues.

The glove valve provides three primary body designs (Tee, Angle, and Wye). Each body design provides a different flow path.

Tee is the most common type of globe valve. Angle globe valves can handle the “slugging effect” with its inlet and outlet at a 90° angle allowing fluid to flow in a single 90° turn. Wye valves have a 45° angle between the seat and stem providing a straighter flow path when fully open. This straight flow path translates into the lowest flow resistance among the three designs. 

Disadvantages

Some disadvantages that the engineers must consider when specifying a globe valve are the uni-directional requirement, high-pressure drop, and heavy weight.

The unidirectional requirement of globe valves means they can only start, stop and regulate the fluid flow in one direction.

Using globe valves in industry applications often results in high-pressure drops. Globe valves are specifically designed to change of direction of flowing fluid, thus increasing pressure drop. This pressure drops further increases during throttling applications.

Compared to other valve types, globe valves usually provide heavier weight and bulk. Subsequently, this requires greater force or a larger actuator to operate its mechanism.

Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve

After extensively discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using Ball and Globe valves in industrial processes, let’s consider these factors and visit the table that compares key selection parameters.

ParameterBall ValveGlobe ValveMain FunctionDesigned primarily for shut-off and commodity-type flow applications.Designed for throttling action, such as regulating the flow of fluid.Operating MechanismBidirectional. The stem connects to a lever which is easier to operate with its 90° quarter-turn mechanism.Unidirectional. The stem connects to an external handwheel which moves the plug for fluid flow regulation.Visual DetectionThe position of the lever allows for the visual detection of the open or closed condition. The hollow ball and lever move in a parallel fashion.Despite being unidirectional, it is tough to detect the flow regulation and its open and closed state.DurabilityBall valves are generally more durable and less susceptible to damage.Globe valves are generally less durable and more prone to leakage and cavitation.CostWith its basic mechanism, it is typically less expensive than a globe valve.With its body design and bulkiness, it is usually more expensive than a ball valve.Common Industrial ApplicationsPotable water systems, Oil and gas, Flow regulation, Manufacturing processesCooling water systems, Fuel oil systems, Feedwater, Chemical feed systems, Steam vents and drainsBall Valve vs. Globe Valve Overview

A ball valve and a globe valve both control fluid flow, but their distinct designs suit various uses. Ball valves are simple to operate and inexpensive, and they provide an easy way to identify the valve’s opening status. Despite its excellent shut-off mechanism, it regulates flow poorly.

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On the other hand, globe valves may precisely control the flow and have great flow regulation capabilities yet are less convenient to use than other types of valves.

Which is best? There’s no right answer to this question. The answer to the ball valve vs. globe valve debate depends on its intended use. It is crucial to select the most suitable type of valve for the application to optimize performance and reliability.

Globe valves and ball valves are two types of valves commonly used in various applications. Both types of valves are used in a variety of industries and applications. So, how can one know which type of valve is right for the needs? It’s essential to choose the right valve for the job. In this blog, we’ll compare globe valve vs ball valve, highlighting the critical difference between ball and globe valve.

What Is Globe Valve?

Globe valves are one of the most common valves used in industrial applications. They are classified as linear motion valves, which means that a moving plug perpendicularly accomplishes the valve’s closing and opening to the fluid flow. Globe valves are named for their spherical shape and are used to regulate flow in various applications. 

Globe valves are well-suited for regulating flow in high-pressure applications and are often used in power plants and other industrial settings. They are also used in home applications, such as central heating systems. Globe valves are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of different applications. They can be manufactured from various materials, such as brass, bronze, cast iron, and stainless steel. 

There are two main types of china actuated globe valve: stop valves and regulating valves. Stop valves are used to shut off fluid flow in a pipeline while regulating valves control fluid flow through a pipeline. Globe valves are an excellent choice for industrial piping systems requiring high pressure and low leakage chances.

What Is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve has a spherical disc that controls the flow of fluids (liquids, gasses, slurries) by opening, closing, or partially opening the valve. Ball valves are quarter-turn valves, requiring only a 90-degree turn to open or close. The industrial ball valve is open when the handle is aligned with the pipeline and closed when it is perpendicular to the pipeline.

The ball valve is one of the most widely used in residential and commercial applications because it is easy to operate and maintain. It is also a very versatile valve that can be used for various applications, such as controlling water flow in a plumbing system or regulating oil flow in an oil refinery.

Ball valves are classified according to how they are operated. Manual ball valves are used by hand, while an actuator operates automatic ball valves. Automatic ball valves are further classified into two types: pneumatically-actuated and electrically-actuated.

Pneumatically-actuated ball valves are operated by air pressure, while an electric current operates electrically-actuated ball valves. Automatic ball valves are more expensive than manual ball valves, but they offer the advantage of being able to be operated remotely. Ball valves are available in a variety of sizes and materials.

Globe Valve Vs Ball Valve

There is a massive difference between globe valve and ball valve. These two components of the linear valve group would be found in the pipe systems. What would do with these two? Take a look at the globe vs ball valve.

Structure

The main difference between the globe and gate valves is their appearance. The construction of the gate valve is more straightforward. The valve body’s top is where most of its internal parts are located. It becomes hollowed when turned on. There is a slight pressure drop because of this. It may find a rising stem or a non-rising one on the gate valve.

Many globe valve parts can be found within the cavity. Because its primary function is to throttle and deliver favorable shutdown, the design permits obstructions that help the globe valve achieve this goal. This design allows for flow changes that can contribute to high-pressure drops. The stem of the globe is rising.

Applications

Ball valves are characterized by a spherical-shaped closure element that seals against a seat in the valve’s body. On the other hand, Globe valves have a closure element that is disk-shaped and seals against a seat in the valve’s body. Due to the difference in their design, ball valves are better suited for use in applications where a quick shut-off is needed, such as in emergency shutdown situations. On the other hand, Globe valves are better suited for use in applications where a throttling action is required, such as in regulating the flow of a process fluid.

Working

Ball valves use a ball-shaped disk to control the flow of fluids. The ball has a hole in the center that aligns with the flow of the fluid when the valve is open. When the valve is closed, the ball is rotated to block the hole, stopping fluid flow.

Globe valves, on the other hand, use a disk that is attached to a stem. The disk is perforated, allowing fluid to flow when the valve opens. When the valve is closed, the disk is turned to block the opening, stopping fluid flow.

Function

The gate valve is not intended to control flow; it is designed for media isolation. The gate valve is not intended to handle the force of media flowing in partially open positions. The globe valve has a high capacity for controlling media flow.

Are Ball Valves Better Than Glove Valves?

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The debate over which type of valve is better – ball valves or globe valves – has been ongoing for years. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no clear consensus on which is better. 

Ball valves are known for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain. However, they are not as easy to control as glove valves, and they can be rather loud when in use.

Globe valves, on the other hand, are known for their precision and easy control. They are also much quieter than ball valves and can be used in various applications. However, they are not as durable as ball valves and can be more challenging to install and maintain.

Globe valves are typically used for applications where a tight seal is needed, such as in pipelines carrying hazardous materials. They are also well-suited for high-pressure applications. On the other hand, ball valves are often used when a quick, easy shut-off is needed, such as in a water line. Ball valves are also less likely to leak than glove valves. So, which type of valve is better? It depends on the specific application.

How To Choose Between Globe Valve vs Ball Valve

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a globe valve versus ball valve. Here are five essential points to keep in mind:

• Flow characteristics: Globe valves have a linear flow path and can reasonably control the flow rate. Ball valves have a more abrupt flow path and can be used for high-flow applications.
• Valve size: Globe valves are available in larger sizes than ball valves.
• Pressure drop: Globe valves have a higher pressure drop than ball valves.
• Temperature: Globe valves can withstand higher temperatures than ball valves.
• Cost: Globe valves are typically more expensive than ball valves.

Ultimately, the decision between a globe valve and a ball valve will come down to the specific needs and requirements. But keeping these five points in mind will help make the best decision for application.

Bottomline

Valve choice is an essential factor in the design of any piping system. Globe and ball valves are two of the most common valves used in the oil and gas industry. While both have benefits, globe valves are well suited for applications requiring a tight seal, such as in high-pressure systems. Ball valves are better for applications where a quick shut-off is needed, such as emergency shutdown systems. When looking for a valve for commercial uses, choose a trusted industrial valve manufacturer and do proper research before making any final decision.

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