What is the difference between a gate valve and a globe valve?

Sep 16, 2025Leave a message

Hey there! As a supplier of gate valves, I often get asked about the differences between gate valves and globe valves. It's a pretty common question, especially for those who are new to the world of valves. So, I thought I'd take a moment to break it down for you.

Basic Design and Structure

Let's start with the basics. Gate valves and globe valves have distinct designs that set them apart. A gate valve has a flat gate or disc that moves up and down to control the flow of fluid. When the gate is fully raised, there's a straight-through path for the fluid, which means there's minimal resistance to flow. This design is great for applications where you need a full, unobstructed flow.

On the other hand, a globe valve has a spherical body with an internal baffle and a movable disc. The disc moves perpendicular to the flow path, and it's used to throttle or regulate the flow. The flow in a globe valve has to make a couple of turns, which creates more resistance compared to a gate valve.

Flow Control

One of the biggest differences between the two is how they control the flow of fluid. Gate valves are typically used for on-off applications. They're either fully open or fully closed. You wouldn't want to use a gate valve for throttling because when the gate is partially open, the fluid can cause the gate to vibrate, which can lead to damage over time.

PPR Brass Gate ValveAH-23004

Globe valves, on the other hand, are excellent for throttling. You can adjust the position of the disc to control the amount of fluid flowing through the valve. This makes them ideal for applications where you need precise flow control, like in a heating or cooling system.

Pressure Drop

Pressure drop is another important factor to consider. As I mentioned earlier, gate valves have a straight-through design, which means there's very little pressure drop when the valve is fully open. This is great for systems where you want to minimize energy loss due to pressure drop.

Globe valves, however, have a more complex flow path, which results in a higher pressure drop. This can be a drawback in some applications, especially those where energy efficiency is a priority.

Sealing Performance

When it comes to sealing, both valves have their strengths. Gate valves provide a tight seal when fully closed because the gate presses against the seat. This makes them suitable for applications where you need to prevent any leakage.

Globe valves also have good sealing performance, but they rely on the disc pressing against the seat. The sealing performance can be affected by the wear and tear of the disc and seat over time.

Applications

The differences in design and performance mean that gate valves and globe valves are used in different applications. Gate valves are commonly used in water supply systems, sewage systems, and industrial pipelines where full flow is required. For example, in a large water distribution network, gate valves are used to isolate sections of the pipeline for maintenance.

Globe valves are often used in applications where precise flow control is needed, such as in chemical processing plants, power generation, and HVAC systems. In a chemical plant, globe valves can be used to control the flow of different chemicals into a reaction vessel.

Our Gate Valve Products

As a gate valve supplier, we offer a wide range of gate valves to meet different needs. For example, we have the Brass Gate Valve with Lock. This valve is made of high-quality brass and comes with a lock, which provides an extra layer of security. It's suitable for both residential and commercial plumbing systems.

We also have the Brass Flanged Gate Valve. This valve is designed for applications where a flange connection is required. It's commonly used in industrial pipelines and large-scale water supply systems.

Another popular product is the PPR Brass Gate Valve. This valve combines the advantages of PPR and brass. It's corrosion-resistant and has a long service life. It's ideal for use in modern plumbing systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, gate valves and globe valves have different designs, flow control capabilities, pressure drop characteristics, sealing performance, and applications. If you need a valve for on-off applications and full flow, a gate valve is a good choice. If you need precise flow control, a globe valve is more suitable.

If you're in the market for gate valves or have any questions about our products, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help you find the right valve for your application. Let's start a conversation and see how we can work together to meet your needs.

References

  • Valve Handbook, 4th Edition, by J. S. Tuzson
  • Pipeline Rules of Thumb Handbook, 5th Edition, by E. W. McAllister

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