What Is a Globe Valve?

Globe Valves are versatile, featuring an angle-seated design that delivers highly effective shut-off capabilities, withstanding wear and tear. Unlike the gate valve, the globe valve can regulate flow. They are available in union or bolted bonnet styles.

The Globe Valve disc moves in parallel with the flow and uses a stem and disc assembly to regulate fluid flow. When the handwheel is turned, the valve stem lifts and moves the disc which restricts or allows flow depending on its position.

Globe valves are available in two main body styles, a bolted bonnet and a union bonnet. The union bonnet globe design has a threaded union connection at the flanged inlet/outlet of the valve. This allows for easy removal of the bonnet and maintenance whilst installed in the pipeline. The bolted bonnet globe style, on the other hand, suits higher-pressure applications, ensuring a tight seal is achieved at the body-bonnet joint. 

Both styles are available in different materials and can be customised to meet your specific requirements.

Globe valves are also available with a metal or soft seating surface. Metal seating is more resistant to wear and tear, making it well-suited for high-pressure applications or when the media contains abrasive particles.

A soft seat is used in isolation applications where a positive shut-off or zero leakage is required. These are typically only specified on clean services or where achieving zero leakage is critical.

Globe valves are designed for precise flow control, and adjustable to achieve diverse valve opening characteristics. The degree of opening is determined by the disc’s position relative to the seat.

These valves typically exhibit an equal-percentage flow characteristic, making them ideal for applications demanding precise flow control is necessary. This characteristic enables fine-tuning of the flow as the valve is opened and allows for variable flows.

Globe valves offer several advantages over other valve types. These include:

• They enable highly accurate flow control
• The angle seated design can be used at a variety of different pressures
• Globe valves are often used in critical applications due to their reliable performance
• Highly efficient shut-off capabilities and durability, as the seating is self-energising, meaning it becomes tighter when pressure increases
• Their simple body style makes them easy to maintain and repair

Globe valves can be highly effective, but they have certain drawbacks. These include:

• They occupy more space than other valve types due to their larger body and bonnet design
• The fluid pressure drop in the open position is higher than with other valve types such as a gate valve or ball valve due to the change in the line of flow of water through the valve
• Their complex design with multiple components demands frequent maintenance
• Globe valves may be susceptible to wear and tear due to their complex design
• Can be more expensive than other valve types due to their complex design

It is important to consider the needs of your specific application before selecting a valve type.

If you are unsure of the most suitable valve for the application, please get in touch with us.

Globe valves are available in a variety of connection styles, including threaded, socket-welded, and capillary ends. Threaded screw connections are typically used for smaller-sized valves. The type of connection should always be selected based on the application requirements among other things. Socket welded are primarily used for smaller pipe sizes where the fluid contained in the pipeline is hazardous or where a leakage from the pipeline may present a risk to people in the vicinity.

Designed to withstand harsh environments, globe valves are available in a variety of materials. Commonly used metals include nickel aluminium bronze and bronze. Shipham Valves produces valve components in a variety of alloys including Nickel Aluminium Bronze, Monel®, Bronze, Duplex and Super Duplex. Each has its advantages and disadvantages that must be considered during the valve selection.

Globe valves can be operated manually, using a handwheel or gearbox. However, in many applications, actuators ensure precise valve control. Automated actuators range from electrically driven units to hydraulic and pneumatic varieties.

The choice of construction material must also be considered when selecting the proper valve for an application.

Globe valves find numerous applications owing to their tight shut-off capabilities, including:

• Cooling Water Systems
• Feedwater or chemical feed systems
• Fuel oil systems
• Gas Compressors
• Marine pipelines – emergency bulge suction line
• Pipelines
• Power and wastewater plants
• Refineries
• Turbine lube oil systems

It is imperative to carefully consider all available options when selecting a globe valve to ensure optimal performance, longevity and reliability. Reviewing the different material options will help you make an informed decision.

Globe valves prove highly suitable for high-pressure applications due to their efficient shut-off capabilities and durable construction materials. It is important to select the right combination of materials and seating surfaces for optimal performance and reliability.

With the correct selection, these valves can provide reliable performance and long service life. Contact Shipham Valves for further details on our Globe Valve range.