Technical Foundation
What Are Gate and Globe Valves?
A gate valve uses a flat or wedge-shaped gate that lifts straight out of the flow path when fully open, leaving a nearly full-bore, straight-through passage with minimal pressure drop. That geometry makes it the standard choice for on/off isolation service — a valve that's meant to sit fully open or fully closed and be cycled only occasionally, such as before maintenance. Running a gate valve in a partially open position accelerates wear on the wedge and seat, causes vibration and chattering under flow, and is not a recommended operating mode.
A globe valve routes flow through an S-shaped internal path, with a disc that seats against a horizontal or angled seat ring regardless of position. That geometry costs pressure drop even at full open, but it's precisely what makes the disc-and-seat combination suitable for throttling and flow control — steady, controllable regulation across the full range of partial-open positions. Pressure class ratings (Class 125/150/300/600 under ANSI/ASME B16.34) set the allowable working pressure at a given temperature, and must be selected to meet or exceed the line's actual design conditions, not just its normal operating pressure.
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| Spec | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Class | ANSI/ASME B16.34 Class 125/150/300/600 | Sets the allowable pressure-temperature envelope — must meet or exceed actual line design conditions |
| Valve Function | Gate: on/off isolation. Globe: throttling | Using a gate valve for throttling accelerates seat/wedge wear and causes chattering |
| Seat Material | Metal seat vs. soft seat (PTFE, elastomer) | Metal seats handle higher temperature and abrasive service; soft seats give tighter shutoff at lower temperature |
| Bonnet Type | Bolted, welded, or pressure-seal bonnet | Pressure-seal bonnets are specified for high-pressure/high-temperature steam service where a bolted joint would be a leak risk |
| End Connection | Flanged, threaded, socket-weld, butt-weld | Must match the pipe schedule and joining method already specified for the line |
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Applications
Where Gate and Globe Valves Get Used
The choice between gate and globe usually comes down to whether the valve is cycled once a year or throttled daily.
Steam distribution systems
Globe valves throttle steam header pressure and gate valves isolate branch lines, both specified with bolted or pressure-seal bonnets rated for saturated or superheated steam temperatures.
Oil & gas pipeline isolation
Full-bore gate valves provide low-pressure-drop block isolation on pipeline segments, sized to pass pigging tools and rated Class 300 or higher for transmission pressures.
Power plant feedwater systems
Globe valves regulate feedwater flow to boilers under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions where precise throttling and metal-seat durability are required.
Chemical processing flow control
Globe valves modulate reagent and process flow rates, with seat material selected against the specific chemical compatibility of the media — soft seats for tight shutoff, metal seats for abrasive or high-temperature streams.
Water & wastewater treatment
Iron-body gate valves isolate distribution mains and treatment train segments, valued for their full-bore, low-headloss profile when left fully open.
HVAC chilled water isolation
Bronze or iron gate valves isolate chiller, coil and riser branches for maintenance without throttling losses across the balanced hydraulic circuit.
MRO & plant maintenance
Like-for-like valve replacement during turnarounds, where matching pressure class, end connection and bonnet type to the original is critical to avoid a leak path.
Brands
Gate and Globe Valves Brands in the Catalogue
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FAQ
Gate and Globe Valves Questions, Answered
When should I use a gate valve versus a globe valve?
Use a gate valve for on/off isolation where the valve stays fully open or fully closed and is rarely cycled — its full-bore path gives minimal pressure drop. Use a globe valve wherever flow needs to be throttled or modulated, since its S-shaped flow path and seat/disc geometry are built for controlled partial-open positions. Running a gate valve partially open accelerates wedge and seat wear and can cause chattering.
How do I select the right pressure class for a gate or globe valve?
Pressure class (Class 125/150/300/600 under ANSI/ASME B16.34) must meet or exceed the line's actual design pressure at its design temperature, not just normal operating pressure — the allowable pressure drops as temperature rises, so check the class's pressure-temperature rating table against your worst-case condition, not only the nameplate class number.
When should I specify a metal seat instead of a soft seat?
Metal seats (bronze, stainless, hardened alloy) hold up under high temperature, steam, and abrasive or particulate-laden media where a soft seat would extrude or degrade. Soft seats (PTFE, elastomer) give tighter bubble-tight shutoff at moderate temperatures and are preferred for clean liquids or gases where zero leakage matters more than temperature range.
What bonnet type do I need for high-temperature steam service?
Standard bolted bonnets are adequate for most Class 150/300 service. For high-pressure, high-temperature steam (typically above Class 600 or elevated superheat), a pressure-seal bonnet is preferred — increasing internal pressure tightens the bonnet joint rather than relying solely on bolt torque, reducing the risk of a leak path as the joint thermally cycles.
Does a globe valve have to be installed in a specific flow direction?
Yes. Globe valves are directional — flow should generally enter below the seat and push the disc open, which is why the valve body is typically marked with a flow-direction arrow. Installing one backward doesn't necessarily prevent flow, but it works against the seating force and can cause poor throttling control and premature seat wear.
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