Figure 1: A pneumatic globe valve
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A globe valve is a type of valve used to start, stop, and/or regulate flow in a pipeline. The valve has a movable disk-type element and a stationary ring seat within the valve body and it is effective in throttling flow and allowing for precise control. The name globe valve is from its spherical body shape. This article explores the working mechanism, features, and common applications of globe valves.
A globe valve has two separate chambers for flow control. The actuation process involves rotating a stem via a handwheel or mechanical actuator, which in turn, lifts or lowers the plug or disc. The globe valve working principle is explained in detail below:
Figure 2: Globe valve diagram showing the various globe valve components: A globe valve in the open position (left), and in the closed position (right) showing stem (A), bonnet (B), disc or plug (C), and valve body (D).
Globe valves are the optimal choice for applications requiring precise flow modulation, where pressure loss is not a critical concern, including scenarios such as:
Read our globe valve applications article for more information on the industrial applications of globe valves.
Globe valves have multiple designs based on their flow path:
Additionally, double-seated globe valves feature two plugs and corresponding seats, enhancing their capability to handle higher flow rates and providing a balanced design that minimizes the force required to operate the valve, making them an efficient choice for applications requiring precise flow control with minimal actuation force.
Figure 3: T- or Z globe valve (left), angle globe valve (middle), Y-globe valve (right)
Globe valves can have one of the following plug designs:
Figure 4: Globe valve disc types: Plug disc (left), composition disc (middle), and ball disc (right)
Globe valves exhibit distinct flow characteristics that are pivotal in their selection and application in fluid control systems. These characteristics are primarily defined by the valve's inherent flow coefficient (Cv), flow curve, and the relationship between the valve lift and flow rate under varying pressure conditions.
The globe valve Cv value represents the valve's flow capacity, indicating the volume of fluid that can pass through with a one psi pressure drop. Globe valve flow coefficient is typically low due to their design, which prioritizes precise flow control over high flow capacity.
Proper sizing is crucial to match the valve's flow characteristics with the application's requirements, ensuring efficient operation. The choice between linear and equal percentage depends on the system's pressure dynamics and control needs.
Figure 5: Globe valve P&ID symbol
Other multi-turn/linear motion valves and quarter turn/rotary valves are common valve classifications that are comparable to a globe valve. Their purpose and function determine how they are used in different applications.
Industrial globe valves are multi-turn valves. A gate valve also uses a multi-turn handwheel to move the valve plug in a linear direction, but a gate valve has a straight-through flow. The valve stem on a gate valve lowers a plug or obstruction that blocks the path of flow or allows flow without requiring the medium to change direction. Consequently, gate valves have a much lower head loss (L/D=~8) when fully open, but they shouldn&#;t be used to regulate flow due to a drastic increase in head loss and increased wear on the gate valve&#;s gate and seat. Read our globe valve vs gate valve article for more details.
A rotary valve uses a wrench handle, moving only a quarter-turn (90 degrees) to open or close the valve. The cut-off valve on a gas line is a common example of this type of valve, designed for a quick on/off function. Two common types of quarter turn/rotary valves are ball valves and butterfly valves.
Quarter turn/rotary valves have very low head loss (L/D=~3) but have limited throttling capability. Read our globe valve vs ball valve article for more details.
Use 2 way globe valves for on/off or throttling in a single flow path. Use 3 way valves for mixing or diverting flow between two different paths.
High-pressure globe valves are designed with robust materials and thicker walls, and often feature a strengthened closure mechanism.
A position indicator visually shows the valve's open or closed status, aiding in manual checks and system monitoring.
Electric globe valves offer remote control and automation, allowing for precise flow regulation and easier integration into control systems compared to manual valves.
Globe valves have become a necessary instrument in controlling fluid flow. They are used for two major functions as they also operate as on-off valves. These valves have a wide range of applications in several industries, such as water systems, turbine seals, and fuel oil systems.
However, the design of the globe valve results in resistance to fluid flow, and this leads to high-pressure drops in the fluid. Therefore, before selecting a globe valve, factors such as pressure drop at positions within the valve and valve sizing should be considered.
This post discusses the function of the globe valve, its parts, installation and maintenance requirements, and other factors to be considered before buying an industrial globe valve.
Globe valves are valves whose disc or plug moves in a straight line to allow, restrict or regulate the media flow. The vertical movement of the globe valve disc is called linear motion, which is why globe valves are called linear motion valves.
As the disc moves linearly down the valve, the globe valve seat opens to accommodate the discs. The globe valves are primarily used, because of their design, for throttling and regulation of flow through the valve. Still, they can also be used in the on/off services of totally allowing or restricting media.
During passage through the globe valve, the fluid moves up on the side of the seat and against the valve disc before continuing its flow; this cleans the disc and reduces dirt in the valve body.
However, the fluid flow rate and direction are altered and therefore result in a substantial pressure drop as the fluid moves.
The globe valve symbol is composed of two triangles meeting at a point. A solid circle is inserted at the meeting point of the triangles, and solid horizontal lines extend from the opposite sides of the triangle.
The horizontal lines show that the globe valve is a two-way inline valve used for throttling and on-off applications.
The globe valve symbol used in piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID) is a modification of the valve symbol, which is the same symbol without the solid circle at the meeting point of the two triangles.
The three isometric symbols in the diagram indicate symbols for butt-welding end connections, flanged ends, and socket ends connections.
Globe valves are of various types and can be differentiated based on their valve body design and body-bonnet connection.
Globe valves can be differentiated into three types based on their body design: Angle pattern globe valve, Standard or T-pattern globe valve, and Oblique or Y-pattern globe valve.
This valve is a commonly used industrial globe valve. The valve seat is set horizontally so that the disc moves perpendicular to the flow through the pipe flanges.
The standard pattern globe valve obstructs flow in several places in the valve body, leading to a high-pressure drop during the fluid passage. This pattern offers the highest obstruction to flow among the three patterns, and it also has the lowest flow coefficient.
The T-pattern globe valve is used in extreme throttling cases. For example, they are used in processing plant operations in bypass lines required around control valves. Also, they are used in flow regulation operations where pressure losses in the fluid are not important.
This pattern is a modified version of the T-pattern. The angle pattern globe valve has its ends at a right angle, and fluid flows after a 90-degree rotation. Angle pattern globe valves have a higher flow coefficient than the standard pattern globe valves.
Because of the ability of the globe valves to handle slug flow of fluid, it is used commonly with fluids of periodic variations and pressure changes. The angle pattern globe valve offers lower obstruction to fluid flow than the standard valves.
Also, when installed near pipeline ends, they decrease the number of pipe joints required and function as a pipe elbow in changing the direction of the fluid flow.
The oblique pattern globe valve, out of the three globe valves, offers the least obstruction to fluid flow. Because it least obstructs flow, this results in a decreased fluid pressure drop.
The valve seat is positioned at 45 degrees to the stem, contributing to the direct fluid flow through the valve and the reduction in fluid pressure drop.
The Y-pattern globe valves are not easily susceptible to erosion, even after long periods of fluid flow. During early operation periods, the oblique globe valve is used for flow regulation. Their ability to be cleaned off of sludges when operating in closed lines gives them an advantage over some other valves.
Bonnets are components of the globe and gate valve placed on top of the valve body. The bonnet connects the valve body to the manual lever device or the actuators and grants entry into the valve trim components.
Industrial valve manufacturers uncouple the bonnet from the body for repair and maintenance of globe valves. The body-bonnet connection is important for easy maintenance, checking the seal&#;s integrity, valve size selection, etc.
Below are the types of globe valves based on the bonnet connection to the valve body :
The bolted bonnet globe valve is also called the screwed-in globe valve. It is the most common and economical connection. The bonnet should not be uncoupled from the valve body often as it may damage the joining areas of the bolts.
The bonnet joints of these valves require large torque in screwing into the valve body and are usually used on valve sizes that are not large.
The welded bonnet globe valve is created by welding the bonnet to the valve body. The bonnet is usually welded completely to the valve body when made of a weldable material.
The welded bonnet connection can be applied to most valve sizes and is functional in different operating conditions.
Want more information on Flanged Ball Valve? Feel free to contact us.
However, a major disadvantage of the welded bonnet is that uncoupling the connection could damage the bonnet and valve body. Hence, this bonnet connection is used in cases where the valve body can be discarded.
Source: India MartFlanged bonnet globe valves have bolts spread over the connection area. The extra bolts help hold the connection tighter and are more evenly spread than in the bolted connection globe valves. It also allows the flanged bonnet connection to be applied to various sizes of valves and demanding operating conditions.
However, for larger valve sizes, the flanged connection may be welded for safer operations.
Source: India MartIn the union ring bonnet globe valve, the bonnet is joined to the valve body with a union ring. The contact areas for the joints in this bonnet connection are not affected by frequent unscrewing. However, it is used in valve sizes that are not large.
Source: India MartThis bonnet connection is most suitable for high temperature and pressure conditions. The pressure seal bonnet globe valve uses fluid pressure to tighten the joint between the bonnet and valve body.
Source: Exporters IndiaGlobe valves are usually compared to the gate and ball valves. While the gate and ball valves function as on-off valves, the globe valve functions as a throttling device in on-off operations. Here are some of its other advantages in piping operations:
The vertical movement of the valve disc to the valve seat encourages the good throttling ability of the globe valve. As the valve is closed, the space between the disc and seat reduces gradually over a short distance, contributing to good flow regulation.
The globe valve has a simpler construction than the gate valve. With one sealing surface and minimal sealing area, the globe valve reduces construction costs and saves production material.
Maintenance of the globe valve is easy, and it offers a better production process because the valve saves cost and material.
There is little or no sliding between the valve seat and disc surfaces, leading to less friction between the two surfaces. Therefore, the sealing surfaces experience less wear over a long period and provide good sealing operations.
Also, because the valve seat and disc do not wear easily, the service life of the globe valve is longer than some valves.
Other advantages of the globe valve include:
These are some disadvantages experienced while using the globe valve:
The fluid pressure is overcome by the valve disc from the opposite end, requiring large torque to close this valve. Also, to lift the globe valve disc and open the valve, large torque is required.
Shutoff valves offer the highest resistance to flow. This resistance occurs because there are various obstructions to fluid flow in the valve. The high resistance also leads to high-pressure losses in the fluid.
Globe valves restrict the movement of flow to one direction. Fluids can only move from the bottom up or down without changing direction.
Other disadvantages of globe valves include:
Globe Valves function in on-off operations as blocking or isolation valves and in throttling operations to regulate flow. They are largely designed to operate as flow regulators but are also functional when fully open or closed to restrict fluid flow.
As a result of the small height of the globe valve compared to the gate valve, the globe valve disc moves a short distance to the valve seat when opening or closing. The ability of the valve to decrease the space between the valve seat and disc gradually makes it suitable for throttling operations.
Also, globe valves are less likely to be damaged by fluid flow when in a partially open position; this contributes to its effectiveness as a throttling device.
When used in on-off operations, the globe valve disc design is carefully selected to ensure sealing reliability. Linear motion valves such as gate, needle, and globe valves can be applied in many operations with suitable conditions.
The parts of the globe valve include the actuator, stem, disc (plug), valve body, seat, and bonnet.
The valve disc is the main part of the globe valve responsible for allowing, restricting, or controlling fluid flow within the pipeline. The valve disc pulls up or moves down in reaction to the stem rotation.
Globe valve discs are designed in three ways: Plug disc design, Composition disc design, and Ball disc design.
Source: Mechanical BoostThese discs have an end that narrows to a flat surface. They are better for use in flow regulation than the ball and composition disc.
Composition discs are suited for water systems because they are hardly eroded. They have a wider surface than the plug and ball disc and are replaceable.
This design is mostly used for on-off operations. It has a narrowing lower end and is usually used in low pressure and temperature conditions.
The valve seat is the sealing surface for the disc. It is made to accommodate the valve disc as it drops down to close the valve. The globe valve seat can be made with the valve body or screwed. The valve disc connects with the seat at a right angle, resulting in a more reliable seal.
A globe valve back seat is the sealing point for the stem and bonnet above the disc. It holds the media pressure from reaching the valve packing as the valve disc rests on it when fully open.
The stem connects the disc with the valve actuator. It is usually joined to the bonnet, and the disc can be connected to the stem in two ways: slipping over the stem or screwing into it.
For faster action, the globe valve stem is designed to allow the disc to move in the direction of the fluid as it closes.
This part of the globe valve protects the internal components of the machine. The globe valve is designed to have a simple but solid body construction.
The valve actuator rotates the stem, which controls the movement of the valve disc. The opening and closing of the valve are determined first by the actuator. The globe valve actuator is classified into two types based on the requirements of the valves. The types are:
Bonnets are components of the globe valve placed on top of the valve body. The threaded stem passes through the bonnet through a hole, and the bonnet connects the valve body to the manual lever device or the actuators.
The function of the globe valve is to allow, restrict, or control the flow of media through the pipe from one area to another. To accomplish this, the globe valve uses a valve disc and a valve seat.
The globe valve seat is positioned parallel to and at the center of the pipe. When the handwheel is turned or the actuator is operated automatically, the valve stem is rotated, and the valve disc moves.
For on-off operations, the globe valve disc, controlled by the stem, is either lowered fully to seal with the valve seat and hence block the flow of media or raised fully to allow the flow of media. When the valve disc is raised fully, the fluid flow is at its highest rate, and when it is lowered fully, fluid flow is shut off completely.
For throttling operations, the disc is not fully raised, and the fluid flow occurs in direct proportion to the lifting of the valve disc.
Proper installation of globe valves decreases premature wear and tear and ensures proper operation of the valves. Upright installation of the globe valves and waste removal inside the valve are some proper installation practices. Some others are:
Maintenance of globe valves increases their service life and ensures they work at optimal conditions. Here are some maintenance practices that enable globe valves to last longer:
Globe valves are selected based on their suitability to conditions such as temperature, pressure, type of fluid, etc. Therefore selecting the suitable globe valve is based on the valve size, material type, pressure rating, standard, and design of the valve, to select the appropriate globe valve.
Various materials such as cast iron, steel, and plastics, are used in producing globe valves because of their application in most industries. Selecting an appropriate globe valve requires knowledge of the qualities of the media passing through the valve.
Globe valves made with stainless steel are usually used for high-temperature conditions as it is resistant to seizing and galling. Manufacturers should be consulted to know the specific globe valve for different conditions.
Globe valve designs are classified into two types: Valve Body Design and Disc Design. The globe valve body design includes the standard pattern, angle pattern, and oblique pattern.
The standard pattern valve offers the most obstruction to flow, leading to a higher fluid pressure drop in this valve, while the angle pattern valve is suitable for fluids with slug flow. The oblique pattern valves are hardly susceptible to erosion. (These patterns have been explained in detail under globe valve body types)
The globe valve disc design includes the composition disc, plug disc, and ball disc. The composition disc is best suited for water system operations, while the plug discs have the best flow regulation of the three designs. The ball disc is appropriate for low temperature and pressure conditions. (These, too, have already been discussed above under globe valve parts)
Valve sizing is essential for throttling valves as the sizes determine how fluid flows through the valve. Selecting the globe valve size requires research and knowledge of the requirements. Usually, the manufacturer sizes the valve for a buyer. Sizing a globe valve is different for each of its functions.
As a throttle valve, the globe valve size is important for calculating the pressure drop at specific positions in the valve.
While functioning in on-off operations, the pressure drop is not monitored as the globe valve functions to allow or restrict fluid. However, a smaller valve size may restrict the flow, but it is a more economical option than the larger valve sizes.
Below are some important standards used in petrochemical industries for the globe valve:
This post discussed the function of the globe valve, its parts, installation and maintenance requirements, and factors to be considered before buying an industrial globe valve.
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