---
title: "Short note: Globe valve"
subject: "Water Supply Engineering"
chapter: 9
key: "semester_5/water_supply_engineering:globe-valve-note"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/water_supply_engineering/globe-valve-note
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Short note: Globe valve

Water Supply Engineering · Chapter 9: Valves and Fittings

- Asked in: 2070 Chaitra (old course)
- Video: [Globe Valves Explained | Components & Operation](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSEIpwf5FBI) — saVRee
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_5/water_supply_engineering/globe-valve-note
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_5/water_supply_engineering/chapter-9

## Question

Write a short note on the 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.

## Answer

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.

```text
              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.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is a globe valve mainly used for?
   A. Large mains
   B. One-way flow
   C. Air release
   D. Regulating and stopping flow in small pipes
   Answer: D. It is good for throttling in small sizes. (Key point: Use)

2. Why is its head loss higher than a sluice valve?
   A. It is larger
   B. Water changes direction through an S-shaped passage
   C. Gate is lifted
   D. Pipe is rough
   Answer: B. The tortuous passage causes loss. (Key point: Flow path)

3. How is partial flow obtained?
   A. Float
   B. Disc partly raised from the seat
   C. Flap
   D. Gate lifted
   Answer: B. A partly open disc gives regulated flow. (Key point: Working)