Skip to main content

Short note: Globe valve

Short answer

A globe valve regulates or stops flow in small pipes using a disc that moves against a seat, with an S-shaped passage causing higher head loss. It suits throttling, provides tight shut-off, and is commonly used as a tap or stop cock.

Write a short note on the globe valve.

A globe valve is used to regulate (throttle) and stop the flow of water in small pipes. Its body is globe-shaped, and the water has to change direction through an S-shaped passage inside it.

              hand wheel
                 _|_
                  |  spindle
             _____|_____
            /     |     \
   inlet  =|   [disc]    |=  outlet
   ------->|   ==seat==  |------->
            \___________/
   water enters below the disc, rises through
   the seat and leaves on the other side

Construction

  • A body with an internal partition that has an opening (the seat), a disc (plug) that moves onto or off the seat with the spindle, and a hand wheel at the top.
  • The inlet and outlet are on opposite sides of the partition, and the water normally enters from below the disc.

Working

When the wheel is turned, the disc either moves down onto the seat and cuts off the flow, or moves up and opens the valve. A partly open position gives a regulated flow.

Features

  • Advantages: good for throttling and fine regulation of flow; tight shut-off with a short travel of the disc; easy maintenance (the disc and seat can be replaced easily).
  • Disadvantages: higher head loss than a sluice valve (because of the changes in direction), and it is designed for flow in one direction only. It is used in small sizes (up to about 100 mm); for large pipes the sluice valve is preferred.
  • Commonly used as taps, stop cocks and house-service valves.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

All Water Supply Engineering chapter 9 questions →