Why would a technician choose a globe valve over a gate valve for regulating flow?

A technician would choose a globe valve over a gate valve primarily because globe valves provide better flow control. This is due to the design of globe valves, which features a spherical body that allows for finer adjustments and modulation of flow. The shape and the positioning of the valve’s disc relative to the flow path enable the technician to make precise changes to the flow rate, which is essential in applications where maintaining a specific flow is crucial, such as in temperature regulation or pressure control.

Globe valves are ideal for throttling applications because they can reduce flow effectively, whereas gate valves are more suited for applications that require either a fully open or fully closed position, as they do not perform well in intermediate positions. The restriction in the flow path of globe valves also helps in reducing water hammer effects and makes them generally more suitable for control applications.

While there are advantages regarding cost and space in certain circumstances, those factors do not influence the choice between a globe valve and a gate valve when precise flow regulation is necessary. Consequently, the inherent design and functional capabilities of globe valves make them the preferred choice for tasks requiring reliable and adjustable flow control.