A globe valve is a linear-motion valve used to start, stop and regulate flow. It is the preferred choice where precise flow control is required, and it provides tight sealing at high pressures and at temperatures from -200 °C to +700 °C. Luna Flow Control supplies globe valves in a variety of materials, nominal diameters and pressure ratings.
What Is a Globe Valve?
A globe valve controls the passage of fluids at high temperature and pressure. It is one of the most widely used valve types in industrial installations and is known for its effective sealing. Its robust construction tolerates frequent opening and closing, making it suitable for lines that must be throttled or operated regularly.
Working Principle
The valve consists of a movable disc and a stationary seat located in the body, in the middle of the pipe. Turning the handwheel moves the disc through the stem towards or away from the seat. When the disc is pressed onto the seat, flow stops; when it is lifted fully, flow is restored. Intermediate positions allow the flow rate to be adjusted, so a globe valve can stop, restart and throttle the flow.
Application Areas
- Fuel oil systems
- Hot and cold water installations
- Steam installations and main steam outlets of boilers
- Cooling water systems
- Compressed air installations
- Seawater transfer
- Thermal oil installations
- Non-acidic fluid installations
- Sewage and chemical systems
Types of Globe Valves
- Stainless steel globe valves – corrosion-resistant, suitable for thermal oil and chemical systems and for frequent operation.
- Low-emission sealed globe valves – asbestos-free sealing with no leakage to the atmosphere and minimal maintenance; used for steam, fuel oil, compressed air, LPG, thermal oil, chemicals and hot water in refineries, petrochemical, food, paper and power plants.
- Bronze globe valves – lightweight valves for hot and cold water, steam, compressed air and gas in commercial and industrial buildings.
- Steam globe valves – for hot and superheated water, seawater, non-flammable fluids and steam.
- Threaded globe valves – an economical option where flanged or SW/BW connections are not required.
- Piston globe valves – metal-elastomer sealing with a piston as the sealing element; ideal where sediment and dirt could affect operation, and virtually maintenance-free.
- Y-type globe valves – the seat and body are angled at 45°, creating a straighter flow path and a lower pressure drop; suitable for water, oil, air, gas and steam.
- Pneumatic and electric actuated globe valves – for automatic flow and pressure control; electric versions offer proportional control and a manual override.
- Full-port and weld-end globe valves – full-bore designs with no reduction in flow, and welded versions for leak-free installation in chemical, food and petroleum systems.
Size Ranges
| Body material | Pressure rating | Size range |
|---|---|---|
| Cast iron and ductile iron | PN 16 – 25 | DN 15 – 300 |
| Cast steel | PN 16 – 40 | DN 15 – 400 |
| Cast steel | PN 63 – 160 | DN 65 – 200 |
| Stainless cast steel | PN 16 – 40 | DN 15 – 250 |
| Stainless cast steel | PN 63 – 160 | DN 65 – 200 |
| Forged steel / stainless forged steel | PN 16 – 40 | DN 15 – 50 |
| Forged steel | PN 63 – 160 | DN 15 – 50 |
| Forged steel | PN 250 – 500 | DN 15 – 65 |
Selection and Maintenance Tips
The nominal diameter (DN) and the nominal pressure (PN or CL) define the system in which a valve can be used; always install a valve that matches the line size and pressure class. Material, connection type and actuator should be chosen according to the medium and operating conditions. Globe valves are durable under frequent operation and are easy to maintain and repair; routine inspection of the disc, seat and stem packing keeps them leak-tight throughout their service life.
