Globe valves and ball valves are two common types of industrial valves. However, the specific characteristics of the two types of valves are not the same, and improper selection can cause incalculable losses to the pipeline system. What are the specific differences between those two types of valves and how should we choose them?

The main feature of a globe valve is throttling, which controls the flow velocity of the fluid and plays a role in controlling pressure drop. Ball valves are commonly used for complete opening and closing. For different purposes in water treatment systems or other industrial systems. Choosing the right valve also requires understanding its pressure, size, material, and specific purpose.

What Is the Main Difference Between a Globe Valve and a Ball Valve?

The main difference between the two is the different opening and closing methods and functions.

Globe valves are mainly used for flow control. Control the size of the opening by adjusting the angle of the valve disc or plug. In the use of globe valves, throttling can be achieved while better reducing pressure drop.

Ball valves belong to the category of quarter valves and are mainly used for controlling system switches. Not used for flow control. Because if it is frequently opened, it can cause damage to the seal.

How Does a Globe Valve Work?

The working principle of a globe valve is to control the flow rate by adjusting the angle of movement of the valve disc, valve plug, or piston. When the handwheel or actuator moves the valve stem downwards, the angle of flow decreases, resulting in a decrease in flow rate. When the valve stem is raised, the flow port will become larger, thereby increasing the flow rate.

Globe valves can precisely control flow. And ensure its sealing and pressure drop.

Of course, the S-shape or Z-shape in the internal structure of the globe valve will create some resistance to the flow of its fluid. For some systems that require high flow rates, careful selection is necessary.

How Does a Ball Valve Work?

To understand the working principle of a ball valve, one must first understand its components. The composition of the ball valve includes a hollow ball, a valve stem, a valve seat, and a valve body.

Move the handle 90 degrees to control the switch. Of course, different ball valves have different switch controls. The switch has pneumatic or electric actuators.

Ball valves are also available in two types: full bore and reduced bore. Full bore refers to the hole being closer to the inner diameter of the pipeline, which can reduce pressure loss. The reduced diameter has a smaller flow area, but it can control its cost and valve body size.

For general water treatment systems, carbon steel or cast iron can be used. But for some drug processing systems, stainless steel’s corrosion resistance and rust prevention properties are more suitable. So, in addition to considering cost, the specific application also needs to be taken into account when making a choice.

Which Valve Is Better for Flow Control?

Globe valves are more suitable for flow control.

The control flow of a globe valve is determined by the position of its valve disc, which can be high or low. So as to better control the flow rate.

However, ball valves are not suitable for flow rate control, and if used to control flow rate, it may weaken the sealing performance.

Which Valve Has Lower Pressure Drop?

The pressure drop of ball valves will be lower, and valves designed with full ports will have even lower pressure drops.

Ball valves are often used in fully open and fully closed states, so there is no resistance when they flow.

Globe valves are commonly used for flow rate control, and there may be some resistance when these valves are not fully open.

Which Valve Has Better Shutoff Performance?

The ball valve has better closing performance.

Because the original intention of calling ball valves is to use them in both fully open and fully closed states. Therefore, its semi closure will be better.

But the original design intention of the globe valve is to regulate the flow rate. Although it has good sealing performance in the fully closed state, its opening and closing time is relatively long.

Which Valve Is Better for High Pressure and Temperature?

Both types of valves are suitable for use in high-pressure and high-temperature environments. It’s just for different purposes.

Globe valves are mainly used for throttling in steam systems, hot water systems, etc. Therefore, there is no need for excessive material requirements, carbon steel, cast iron, or stainless steel are all acceptable.

Ball valves are also quite common in industrial systems with high temperature and pressure. But most of them are used in small-diameter systems or branch parts of pipelines. Used for quick opening and closing.

Therefore, the specific choice of these two valves still needs to consider their applications.

Stainless Steel vs Carbon Steel: Which Material Should Buyers Choose?

For valves, the specific choice of material between stainless steel and carbon steel depends mainly on their intended use.

If it is used in areas that require high corrosion resistance and rust prevention, stainless steel should be given priority because stainless steel is more effective in this regard. Of course, it is also applicable in underwater systems, pharmaceutical processing systems, and chemical processing systems.

For ordinary industrial pipeline systems, corrosion and rust prevention are not involved. Ordinary carbon steel materials are sufficient for use. Of course, there are also substitute carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel in carbon steel. The specific choice depends on its purpose.

Of course, in addition to the material, the composition of the medium, pressure, temperature, etc. also need to be considered.

Manual, Pneumatic, or Electric: Which Actuation Method Is Suitable?

The specific driving method for the valve can also depend on the performance required by the engineer during design. Both types of valves can be made manually, pneumatically, or electrically.

The manual control of the shut-off valve is achieved by turning the handwheel. Of course, electric and pneumatic control have more precise positioning.

The manual operation of the ball valve is controlled through a handle. Of course, there are also electric and pneumatic controls, which provide more comprehensive on/off control for travel.

When ordering valves, be sure to explain to the other party which control method is being used.

Globe Valve vs Ball Valve in Water Treatment Applications

The water treatment system may also treat wastewater or sewage separately. Still a chemical dosing system. The valve positions selected for different system applications are also different.

Ball valves are commonly used for isolation in some chemical pipelines, sampling points, equipment connections, compressed air pipelines, and utility pipelines. It can be quickly opened and closed. To ensure the effectiveness of its isolation.

Globe valves are commonly used for flow rate control. In the dosing pipeline, pressure control point, and flow balance system, the size of their switches can be controlled.

Globe Valve vs Ball Valve for General Industrial Use

Both types of ball valves can be used for all piping systems, but their application locations are different. Globe valves are used in areas where flow rate control is required. Ball valves are used for parts that require quick opening and closing.

Globe Valve vs Ball Valve vs Gate Valve: How Should Buyers Compare Them?

For buyers, it is crucial to identify these three types of valves more quickly.

In addition to clearly identifying the product and specifications with the merchant, it can also be distinguished by its appearance.

In terms of usage: globe valves are used for flow rate control, ball valves are used for quick opening and closing of small diameters, and gate valves are also used for full opening and full closing.

Ball Valve vs Globe Valve vs Butterfly Valve: When Should Each Be Used?

Three types of valves are commonly used in industrial systems. How to use it specifically is as follows:

Ball valves are used in compact piping systems. Globe valves are used for flow control and can also effectively control pressure. Butterfly valves are used in large-diameter pipeline systems and also for flow rate control.

What Does Globe Valve vs Ball Valve Symbol Mean in Drawings?

The symbols for globe valves and ball valves in the drawings represent different specifications. In addition to clarifying that the globe valve controls flow and the ball valve is isolated. There are also different sizes, pressure levels, materials, and some standards.

How Should Distributors and Project Buyers Choose Between Them?

Here are some data tables we have compiled to better distinguish the differences between the two and facilitate buyers’ purchases.

As a supplier and manufacturer of valves. We suggest not only considering its price when making a purchase.

Summary

Globe valves and ball valves are quite common in industrial systems. The above is our introduction to two types of valves. I hope to have a better understanding of the usefulness of these two types of valves for you.