Globe Valve Vs Check Valve: Which Has Better Application?

Home Globe Valve Vs Check Valve: Which Has Better Application?
06/09/2022
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Check valves and globe valves are both designed to control the flow of liquids and gasses through pipelines, but they have different functions and applications. Check valves are used to block flow in one direction, while globe valves can either block or allow flow through them, depending on the orientation of the handles on the valve body. Globe valves are typically more complicated to operate than check valves but are generally easier to manufacture and install. Understanding how each valve works will help to choose which one to use for application, so read on to learn more about dombor valve and the differences between them.

What Is A Globe Valve?

Dombor Globe Valves
Source: Dombor

A Globe valve is a type of valve used for regulating flow in a pipeline. It consists of a round body with a moveable disk-type element that opens and closes to control fluid flow. Globe valves are classified according to their construction, including float, lift, and screw-down types.

Globe valves are used in various industries, including oil and gas, power generation, and manufacturing. They are often used in critical applications where precise fluid flow control is required.

A globe valve is a part of the pipeline system that can move from closed to open completely. The operation of a globe valve consists of three main stages, in, swing, and out. With fluid in the pipeline and the gate fully open, fluid cannot flow in either direction because there are equal pressures on both sides of the gate. To allow fluid to flow through the valve, pressure must be greater than atmospheric pressure (either positive or negative) on one side of the gate. 

The primary benefit of a globe valve is its compact size making it easy to install in tight spaces where full rotation might not be possible with a rotating pipe-mounted check valve. Globe valves also operate at a lower cost per unit volume due to higher flow rates. These valves have been traditionally used for commercial applications but have also recently become popular in residential applications. 

A downside of this type of valve is that it does not provide much isolation between different systems and requires periodic maintenance. They also may not work well with viscous fluids such as slurry. The industrial globe valve manufacturer is generally rated according to their maximum allowable working pressure, which ranges from 150 psi up to 400 psi depending on the specific design needs.

What Is a Check Valve?

Dombor industrial check valve
Source: Dombor

A check valve is a type of valve that allows fluids to flow in only one direction. Check valves are often used in water systems to prevent backflow and contamination. There are different types of check valves used in sewer systems to prevent sewage from backing up into homes and businesses. Check valves are relatively simple and easy to install and are very effective at preventing backflow and contamination. 

A check valve works by blocking fluid or gas flow in one direction, usually when the pressure on the upstream side exceeds that on the downstream side. A typical application might be a steam locomotive boiler with high-pressure steam at all times. The path to the piston must be cut off when pressure falls below this point. If it were not blocked, when the engine stopped and got off, there would still be sufficient pressure pushing against steam, and flow would start up again. Check valves are required because of their positive sealing ability and because they can work either way – acting as a bypass on one side or blocking the other.

Globe Valve Vs Check Valve

Globe Valve and Check Valve are in the same place
Source: istock

A globe valve has a round shape and opens into a circular hole that can set up to be perpendicular to the pipeline. An industrial check valve goes in the line so that if there’s pressure on one side of the gate, it closes and blocks the flow. Both valves are generally used to stop or control gas flow, liquid flow, or both. When choosing between a globe valve and a check valve, many factors, such as the pipe size and distance, need to be considered. 

  • A Globe Valve’s operating position can be changed with respect to the pipeline, while a Check Valve must stay aligned with its side of the pipe. 
  • If a Check Valve leaks from the actuator, it will keep leaking until shut off by hand, while Globe Valves have an automatic shut-off when they leak because they’re self-acting. 
  • With very low flow velocities, Check Valves may allow more leakage than Globe Valves because they’re not self-acting. However, this would not be true at higher velocities because the faster velocity will force open any leaking valves before they become a problem. 
  • The sealing surfaces in Globe Valves are more significant than those found in a Check Valve, and therefore Globe Valves usually have better leakage rates than their counterparts. 
  • When designing a system, consider how long the line will be with each type of valve. For instance, Check Valves may do better in lines less than 10 feet long since they’ll operate at higher pressures, and won’t have as much pressure loss over the length of the pipe. 
  • Globe Valves will likely work best for longer distances because their seal is more comprehensive and, therefore, more significant in area than a Check Valve.
  •  Globe Valves are controlled by manual operation, while most Check Valves rely on gravity or springs to close automatically after being opened. 
  • Globe Valves require less installation space, so they may be better suited for cramped areas like small pipes, where Check Valves might require additional room due to their rectangular shape. 
  • Lastly, it would help if we weighed how often to plan on opening and closing these valves against one another. Globes are easier to handle since they don’t use moving parts like rotating shafts, springs, or packing glands. They only use a nut and wrench, whereas Check Valves require some actuation device such as a lever or hydraulic cylinder that moves back and forth. Additionally, Globe Valves’ weight causes them to remain closed when no external forces are applied, whereas Check Valves need an external force (typically springs) to hold them closed.

How To Choose: Globe Valve Vs Check Valve

man is installing the industrial valve
Source: istock

When choosing between a globe valve and a check valve, there are certain factors that should be taken into consideration. 

  • One such factor is how much fluid pressure will be on the system when it is being used. 
  • Another thing to consider when deciding between these two valves is whether or not the fluid needs to flow in both directions through the valve assembly. If so, then a globe valve would be more appropriate. However, a check valve would work better if the fluid only needs to flow in one direction and is under low pressure. This information can be found in their respective descriptions. 
  • A third consideration would be what material the valve needs to handle. For example, some materials may corrode steel but not plastic, while others may cause a brass fitting to break down over time. Consider what material is most appropriate for the application and ensure that the type of material corresponds with the type of valve being used and its function. There is no single best option. It depends on what the needs are and the specifics of the application. It’s essential to understand each type before making a decision! 

With all this information in mind, hopefully, everyone will feel confident enough to make an informed decision about which valve is required for the project!

Bottomline

In conclusion, globe valves and check valves have advantages and disadvantages. Depending on the specific application, one type of valve may be better suited. Globe valves are more versatile but can be more expensive, while check valves are less expensive but may not be as versatile. The best option for the application depends on specific needs. For more information or to purchase industrial valves, please get in touch with us.

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