Globe valves and ball valves are two types of valves commonly used in various applications. Both types of valves are used in a variety of industries and applications. So, how can one know which type of valve is right for the needs? It’s essential to choose the right valve for the job. In this blog, we’ll compare globe valve vs ball valve, highlighting the critical difference between ball and globe valve.

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What Is Globe Valve?

Globe valves are one of the most common valves used in industrial applications. They are classified as linear motion valves, which means that a moving plug perpendicularly accomplishes the valve’s closing and opening to the fluid flow. Globe valves are named for their spherical shape and are used to regulate flow in various applications. 

Globe valves are well-suited for regulating flow in high-pressure applications and are often used in power plants and other industrial settings. They are also used in home applications, such as central heating systems. Globe valves are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to meet the needs of different applications. They can be manufactured from various materials, such as brass, bronze, cast iron, and stainless steel. 

There are two main types of china actuated globe valve: stop valves and regulating valves. Stop valves are used to shut off fluid flow in a pipeline while regulating valves control fluid flow through a pipeline. Globe valves are an excellent choice for industrial piping systems requiring high pressure and low leakage chances.

What Is a Ball Valve?

A ball valve has a spherical disc that controls the flow of fluids (liquids, gasses, slurries) by opening, closing, or partially opening the valve. Ball valves are quarter-turn valves, requiring only a 90-degree turn to open or close. The industrial ball valve is open when the handle is aligned with the pipeline and closed when it is perpendicular to the pipeline.

The ball valve is one of the most widely used in residential and commercial applications because it is easy to operate and maintain. It is also a very versatile valve that can be used for various applications, such as controlling water flow in a plumbing system or regulating oil flow in an oil refinery.

Ball valves are classified according to how they are operated. Manual ball valves are used by hand, while an actuator operates automatic ball valves. Automatic ball valves are further classified into two types: pneumatically-actuated and electrically-actuated.

Pneumatically-actuated ball valves are operated by air pressure, while an electric current operates electrically-actuated ball valves. Automatic ball valves are more expensive than manual ball valves, but they offer the advantage of being able to be operated remotely. Ball valves are available in a variety of sizes and materials.

Globe Valve Vs Ball Valve

There is a massive difference between globe valve and ball valve. These two components of the linear valve group would be found in the pipe systems. What would do with these two? Take a look at the globe vs ball valve.

Structure

The main difference between the globe and gate valves is their appearance. The construction of the gate valve is more straightforward. The valve body’s top is where most of its internal parts are located. It becomes hollowed when turned on. There is a slight pressure drop because of this. It may find a rising stem or a non-rising one on the gate valve.

Many globe valve parts can be found within the cavity. Because its primary function is to throttle and deliver favorable shutdown, the design permits obstructions that help the globe valve achieve this goal. This design allows for flow changes that can contribute to high-pressure drops. The stem of the globe is rising.

Applications

Ball valves are characterized by a spherical-shaped closure element that seals against a seat in the valve’s body. On the other hand, Globe valves have a closure element that is disk-shaped and seals against a seat in the valve’s body. Due to the difference in their design, ball valves are better suited for use in applications where a quick shut-off is needed, such as in emergency shutdown situations. On the other hand, Globe valves are better suited for use in applications where a throttling action is required, such as in regulating the flow of a process fluid.

Working

Ball valves use a ball-shaped disk to control the flow of fluids. The ball has a hole in the center that aligns with the flow of the fluid when the valve is open. When the valve is closed, the ball is rotated to block the hole, stopping fluid flow.

Globe valves, on the other hand, use a disk that is attached to a stem. The disk is perforated, allowing fluid to flow when the valve opens. When the valve is closed, the disk is turned to block the opening, stopping fluid flow.

Function

The gate valve is not intended to control flow; it is designed for media isolation. The gate valve is not intended to handle the force of media flowing in partially open positions. The globe valve has a high capacity for controlling media flow.

Are Ball Valves Better Than Glove Valves?

The debate over which type of valve is better – ball valves or globe valves – has been ongoing for years. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no clear consensus on which is better. 

Ball valves are known for their durability and ability to withstand high temperatures. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain. However, they are not as easy to control as glove valves, and they can be rather loud when in use.

Globe valves, on the other hand, are known for their precision and easy control. They are also much quieter than ball valves and can be used in various applications. However, they are not as durable as ball valves and can be more challenging to install and maintain.

Globe valves are typically used for applications where a tight seal is needed, such as in pipelines carrying hazardous materials. They are also well-suited for high-pressure applications. On the other hand, ball valves are often used when a quick, easy shut-off is needed, such as in a water line. Ball valves are also less likely to leak than glove valves. So, which type of valve is better? It depends on the specific application.

How To Choose Between Globe Valve vs Ball Valve

There are many factors to consider when choosing between a globe valve versus ball valve. Here are five essential points to keep in mind:

• Flow characteristics: Globe valves have a linear flow path and can reasonably control the flow rate. Ball valves have a more abrupt flow path and can be used for high-flow applications.
• Valve size: Globe valves are available in larger sizes than ball valves.
• Pressure drop: Globe valves have a higher pressure drop than ball valves.
• Temperature: Globe valves can withstand higher temperatures than ball valves.
• Cost: Globe valves are typically more expensive than ball valves.

Ultimately, the decision between a globe valve and a ball valve will come down to the specific needs and requirements. But keeping these five points in mind will help make the best decision for application.

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Bottomline

Valve choice is an essential factor in the design of any piping system. Globe and ball valves are two of the most common valves used in the oil and gas industry. While both have benefits, globe valves are well suited for applications requiring a tight seal, such as in high-pressure systems. Ball valves are better for applications where a quick shut-off is needed, such as emergency shutdown systems. When looking for a valve for commercial uses, choose a trusted industrial valve manufacturer and do proper research before making any final decision.

Globe Valve vs Ball Valve

Figure 1: Globe valve (left) and ball valve (right)

Globe valves and ball valves are both shut-off valves typically used in piping systems. However, it is usually not immediately obvious which valve is most suitable for an application. System design should be finished before valve selection in order to select the best valve for the job in terms of cost, installation space, flow control, and more. Keep reading to learn more about how a globe valve may be more suitable than a ball valve and vice versa.

Table of contents

Working principles

Globe valve working principle

Figure 2: A globe valve in the open position (left) and the closed position (right) with the valve stem (A), bonnet (B), plug (C), and body (D).

A globe valve is a multi-turn valve, meaning that the handwheel needs to be turned more than 360° to fully open or close the valve. The main components of a globe valve are the valve body, bonnet, handwheel, stem, and plug. Media flows into the valve body (Figure 2 labeled D) through an inlet and exits the valve body through an outlet. The bonnet (Figure 2 labeled B) protects the threaded components of the valve and attaches to the valve body. As the user turns the handwheel, it turns the threaded stem (Figure 2 labeled A), which raises or lowers the plug (Figure 2 labeled C). Raising the plug opens the orifice, thereby allowing media flow. Lowering the plug into the valve seat seals the orifice, preventing the flow. Raising the disc, on the other hand, increases the flow rate. The flow rate is maximum when the disc is raised to its maximum position. The fluid flow rate is controlled by moving the disc proportionally through the stem.

Ball valve working principle

Figure 3: Ball valve parts; Stem (A), o-rings (B), body (C), ball (D), and seat (E)

A ball valve is a quarter-turn valve, meaning that the handle only needs a 90° turn to fully open or close the valve. The main components of a ball valve are shown in Figure 3. The stem (Figure 3 labeled A) connects to the ball (Figure 3 labeled D). The ball sits on the ball valve seat (Figure 3 labeled E), creating the seal. O-ring stem seals (Figure 3 labeled B) are used to prevent leakage. All of these components are within the valve housing (Figure 3 labeled C). As seen in Figure 3, the ball has a bore running through it. Under normal operation, the bore is either aligned with the valve ports to allow flow, or perpendicular to the ports to block flow. Read our article on ball valves for more details on how they work.

Flow control

Globe and ball valves are both used to turn on or off the flow. Globe valves, though, can also function in a partially open or closed state to modulate the flow. This flow regulation is achievable due to the globe valve’s disc sitting parallel to the flow. The linear flow rate achieved by globe valves is higher than that achieved by ball valves, and reduces the effects of water hammer.

Head loss

Globe valves have significantly higher pressure loss (head loss) in the fully open position than ball valves. This is because the fluid has to change direction multiple times as it passes through a globe valve.

Valve design

Globe valve design

Globe valves are available in three basic configurations: T- or Z globe valve, Y-globe valve, and angle globe valve. Read our article on globe valves for more information on each type.

Ball valve design

The ball valve can be classified into different categories depending on its housing structure, ball design, and port size. Depending on the housing structure, we can have 1, 2, or 3-piece ball valves. Depending on the port size, ball valves are categorized as full port ball valves, standard port ball valves, or reduced port ball valves. And depending on the number of ports, ball valves are classified into 2-way and multiport valves.

Symbols

• Figure 4 shows the symbols for various globe valve configurations.

Figure 4: Globe valve symbols: globe (A), hand operated (B), pneumatic (C), motor operated (D), hydraulic operated (E).

The symbols for a ball valve are shown in Figure 5. For more details on the symbols of various ball valve configurations, read our article on ball valve symbols.

Figure 5: Actuated ball valve symbols; manually operated ball valve (A), pneumatically actuated ball valve (diaphragm type) symbol (B), pneumatically actuated ball valve (rotary piston type) symbol (C), electrically actuated ball valve symbol (D), and a hydraulic actuator ball valve symbol (E).

Applications

Globe valves are used to control fluid flow. Furthermore, globe valves are advantageous in applications requiring precise throttling. Ball valves, on the other hand, are commonly used for plumbing system shut-off and isolation. Industrial applications for globe valves include fuel oil systems and cooling water systems, while those of ball valves include chemical storage and natural gas industries.

Globe valve and ball valve similarities

Globe valves and ball valves share some similarities. Both valves are used in piping systems to control the flow of liquids and gasses. Both are shut-off valves designed to allow or block the fluid flow within a pipe. Globe valves and ball valves can be operated manually or automatically.

Pros and cons of ball valves and globe valves

1. Operation: Ball valves are simple and easier to operate than globe valves.
2. Throttling: Globe valves are suitable for throttling operations, whereas ball valves should be either fully shut or fully open.
3. Handle: Ball valves are quarter-turn valves which means the ball valve handle must be turned by 90° to go from fully open to a fully closed state or vice versa. The handwheel of globe valves must be turned multiple times from entirely closed to fully opened.
4. Cost: Due to their simple structure, ball valves are cheaper than globe valves.
5. Space: Globe valves occupy more space compared to ball valves.
6. Pressure rating: Ball valves can handle higher pressure than globe valves.
7. Durability: Ball valves are longer-lasting than globe valves.
8. Leakages: Globe valves are more prone to leakages than ball valves.
9. Media flow resistance: A globe valve offers more resistance to media flow compared to ball valves.
10. Head loss: Globe valves have a higher head loss than ball valves.

Globe valve and ball valve selection

The selection between a ball valve and a globe valve depends on the intended purpose. The main factors to consider during the selection process are discussed below:

1. Flow rate: Ball valves are desirable in applications where a high flow rate is necessary due to their full-bore design.
2. Pressure drops: Ball valves have lower pressure drops because flow moves straight through them.
3. Maintenance: Ball valves are simple to maintain because the valve only needs a little lubrication to stay clean. Further maintenance is necessary upon debris buildup.
4. Temperature: Ball valves function better under high-temperature conditions due to their durable construction.

FAQs

What are the typical applications of a globe valve?

Globe valves are used commonly to control water flow in irrigation systems, regulate airflow in AC systems, and control oil flow in pipelines.

What is the main difference between a ball valve and a globe valve?

The ball valve has a hollow ball that rotates inside the valve, whereas the globe valve has a disc that moves vertically through the valve stem.

Which valve is better between globe valves and ball valves?

This depends on the intended application. Globe valves are better for throttling applications, while ball valves offer better performance as shutoff valves.

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