Difference Between Gate Valve and Globe Valve

In this article from Linquip, we want to talk about the difference between gate valve and globe valve. These two valves are among popular valves that are used for many industrial and residential applications. They provide many useful services that differ from each other. While similar in appearance, they function differently. By comparing these two, you will be able to know these differences better.

Globe Valve vs. Gate Valve

If you want to know the difference between gate valve and globe valve, you should compare every little aspect of these two; from application to structure and function. Now, we’ll dive into comparing these two.

Application

Globe valves are used for applications where huge changes in pressure are not important. This is while gate valves are usually used where even low-pressure drops are very important. Another difference in the application between these two valves is that gate valves are multi-directional, while globe valves are unidirectional.

Structure

Another difference between gate valve and globe valve is in their structure. This is among the main differences between these two. While the gate valve has a simple construction, the globe valve is much more complex. Many of the internal components of a gate valve are located on the top of the body. They may have a rising or non-rising stem. When the valve is turned on, the body becomes hollow. This body structure is the reason that the pressure drop is low.
On the other hand, globe valves have a complex structure since their internal parts are inside the cavity. They have a rising stem. The main purpose of a globe valve is to provide positive shut-off and throttle. Globe valves can also change the flow direction and flow rate which causes high pressure drops.

Function

Another difference between gate valve and globe valve is in their function. As mentioned above, globe valves are capable of changing flow direction and flow rate. This is while the gate valve is not capable of controlling the flow. Gate valves are designed for media isolation purposes. The design of the gate valve is in a way that can’t handle the pressure of the media flowing in a semi-open position. Globe valves are better for this task and are more known to be operating as control valves.

Working Mechanism

The other difference between gate valve and globe valve is in their working mechanism. Gate valves provide full flow or full shut-off. The disc in the gate valve lodges between the seats. The movement of the disc is at the right angle in relation to the flow of the media. When the valve is in the open position, the cavity is almost empty and the flow space is as big as this space. A little extra space is left for the stem and the seats.
On the other hand, the movement of the globe valve disc is parallel to the flow of the media. The disc only moves a bit from the seat which means it provides a full flow. Globe valve has been designed in a way that provides tight shut-off and throttling.

Price

Gate valves are usually cheaper than globe valves of the same size due to their easy construction.

Quick Comparison:

1. Globe valves are usually used for flow regulation, while gate valves are often used for on-off control.
2. Gate valves are cheaper than globe valves.
3. Gate valves have little pressure drop across the valve and provide little resistance to the media flow in the open position. Globe valves, on the other hand, provide substantial resistance to the flow of the fluid and have high pressure drops.
4. Gate valves have a simple design, whereas globe valves have a complex design.
5. Gate valves are unidirectional while glove valves are multi-directional.
6. Gate valves provide little fluid trapping in the line but globe va