What is a primary advantage of a globe valve over a gate valve?

A primary advantage of a globe valve over a gate valve is its ability to better control and throttle the flow of fluid within a piping system. Globe valves are designed with a spherical shape that allows for precise adjustments in flow rate. This is accomplished through the linear motion of the disc within the valve, which can be adjusted to various positions between fully open and fully closed.

The construction of a globe valve allows for more effective regulation of flow compared to a gate valve, which is primarily intended to be either fully open or fully closed. Gate valves are not ideal for throttling because their design can create turbulence and cause erosion when partially closed, leading to wear and potential failure. In contrast, the globe valve maintains a more stable flow condition even when partially opened, making it the preferred choice in applications where flow control is crucial.

This characteristic makes globe valves especially useful in applications like pressure regulation and when fine adjustments to flow are necessary, ensuring system performance and integrity.