These two reliable items have their differences, like globe valves are better for throttling while the other is good for easy on and off operations.
Both the ball valve and globe valve are essential components in managing the flow of materials inside the pipes. However, the choice between them can greatly impact the industry’s performance and productivity.
This article will further analyse their differences in terms of their designs and much more to assist you in choosing the right one.
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Understanding Their Structure and Main Components
Globe Valve Components and Structure
They are popular because of their large bodies and distinctive shapes, such as “Y” or “Z,” which we will discuss further later. Its body houses all of the other important internal components to allow the valve to do its work. The other components are the following:
- Disc: The component that moves up and down, allowing or preventing material flow through the valve. The sealing component might be a plug or a ball, although the disc design is commonly used.
- Stem: It connects the disc and the actuator. Therefore, it allows you to pull the sealing component up or down through turning the actuator.
- Seats: Usually made from materials like teflon and stainless steel. It is a ring that the disc is pressed against when the valve is closed.
- Bonnet: Attached into the valve’s body with the stem packing to further leakage.
- Packing: A vital component as it serves as a second seal to prevent leakage at the stem.
- Actuators or handles: This is used to raise or lower the stem to manually open and close the valve. It can be a lever for smaller sizes or handwheels for bigger ones.
Ball Valve Components and Structure
They are also known for their round-shaped bodies. However, they are more easily available in smaller sizes. It had components identical to a globe valve, such as a stem and a sealing component attached to the actuator.
But there’s a difference between them and the globe valve in terms of components’ structure. Here are some important distinctions to take note of:
- Ball: This is the sealing element for this valve. It includes a hole in the centre that can be aligned with the pipe, allowing materials to flow. When rotated, this may serve as a seal, blocking the path. Unlike the other valve, the sealing component cannot be a plug or disc.
- Seats: Their seats are located on the ball’s sides, top and bottom, to create a tight seal when the valve is closed. They’re often made from softer materials like PTFE (Teflon).
Ball Valve and Globe Valve Difference: Working Principle
Ball Valve
The ball’s hole is aligned with the pipe to allow materials to flow through when the actuator is turned. But turning the actuator in the opposite direction rotates the ball 90 degrees, and the solid part faces the pipe’s passage.
So, this closes the valve because the ball blocks the path. Furthermore, the seats located in the ball prevent leaking while it is closed. To further understand these types of valves, this another animated video may assist you in learning more about them.
Globe Valve
The actuator moves the stem and disc to open or close the valve. You can do this by turning it to raise the stem and disc from the seat.
The higher the stem raises the disc from the stationary seat, the wider the passage becomes, allowing more materials to pass through. Lowering the disc, on the other hand, prevents or reduces the amount of material that flows across the valves.
The size of the opening, therefore, determines the flow rate. This informational video may be useful to you in learning more about their working principle.
Pros and Cons of Ball Valves and Globe Valves
The table below shows the bullet points of the advantages and disadvantages of both valves, based on the differences outlined earlier.
| Valve Type | Pros | Cons |
| Ball Valve | Instant on/off action, suited for emergency shutoffs Straight passage flow path reduces pressure loss Generally easier to manufacture as they have fewer components and are simpler in assembly | Poor throttling mechanism May cause water hammer in high-velocity systems Not recommended for applications requiring gradual or precise flow adjustments |
| Gate valve | Superb throttling ability that allows for precise flow control Better for larger pipelines, as they’re often available in larger diameters Generally cheaper for larger diameters compared to ball valves | More difficult to manufacture since precise alignment of the components is needed Prone to head loss or high-pressure drop due to their z-shaped flow path Slower to operate. requiring multiple turns to fully open or close |
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Manufacturing Process
Ball valves are easier to manufacture since they contain fewer components and a simpler assembly than the other.
Globe valve manufacturers also had to ensure proper alignment of the various components, like the seat to the stem, in order to guarantee its quality. This contributes to the challenging manufacturing process of these valves.
Furthermore, both are made from durable materials such as:
- Plastic
- Ceramic
- Metals like stainless steel
However, ball valves are tested mostly for their easy shut-off capabilities and simple daily operation. Globe valves, on the other hand, are usually tested for effective sealing and throttling.
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Effect or Flow Control
Ball Valve Effect
Simply twisting the actuator 90° allows for instant on/off action. Additionally, the straight passage flow path of this valve reduces the pressure loss.
In comparison with globe valves, they are not particularly effective at throttling. Using them for throttling will cause cavitation, erosion, and seat damage as a result of prolonged exposure to fast-moving material.
Ball valves, on the other hand, are not particularly effective at throttling – and this is something we’ve highlighted in our Ball Valve vs Butterfly Valve comparison guide.
Globe Valve Effect
They are preferable for throttling since their disk allows for you to precisely adjust the flow rate by partially opening them. As a result, they are perfect for industries such as pharmaceuticals that require flow control while maintaining a tight seal.
Although they’re more challenging for quick on and off operations. Moreover, they’re prone to head loss or high pressure drop due to their z-shaped flow path that forces the material to change direction many times.
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Different Designs
Ball valves have a wide range of designs with unique advantages, such as Floating Ball Design and Trunnion Mounted Ball Design.
Xintai Valve is a reliable manufacturer of these products that you can contact now to get a quote.
Meanwhile, globe valves have lesser design types, which include Z-Style Body, Angle Body, and Y-Pattern Body. This Xintai Valve’s blog also provides other different designs as well as their advantages.
Ball Valve vs Globe Valve Symbol Representation
In Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID), ball valves are represented by this symbol:
Globe valves on the other hand are represented by this:
Keep in mind that both valves can be configured in various ways.
For example, they can be electrically or hydraulically actuated, indicated by symbols with the letters “M” and “H”, respectively. Other configurations include manual operation or pneumatic actuation, each with its own distinct markings.
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Application
Globe valves are mainly used for controlling the flow of materials passing through them besides on/off operation. As a result, they are ideal for use in industries that require precision flow control, like power plants.
Ball valves are noted for their durability as well as their reliability in regard to quick on/off operations due to their simpler designs. This makes them perfect for several industries too, such as oil and gas.
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Which One is Better?
The primary query in the ball valve vs. globe valve debate is which one is superior. Fortunately, the decision between the two valves should be based on the specific needs of the industry or user. Here are some points to consider while deciding between the two:
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Cost
Ball valves are usually less expensive due to their simpler design and components. Whereas globe valves have a complicated design and a lot of components that contribute to their high cost.
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Durability
Both valves offer excellent sealing and durability under high temperatures and pressures.
However, the globe valve’s thicker components, such as its bonnet, made it more suitable for high temperatures and pressures. But they are more likely to leak over time because of their multiple components that need to be maintained.
Which is also indicated by numerous studies, such as stated in Quang Khai Nguyen et al.’s study, “the valves could be endangered by various phenomena such as cavitation and flashing due to the complex geometry of the valve, which causes a high pressure drop.”
Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve: Pressure Drop and Cavitation
Ball valves have better performance by having less pressure drop. Meanwhile, globe valves have a higher pressure drop because of their challenging flow pattern, which can lead to cavitation.
Ball Valve vs Globe Valve FAQ:
Can a globe valve be used for isolation?
Yes, globe valves can be used for isolation because of their design that features a seal when the disc is pressed against the seat.
However, they’re not really great for isolation and can lead to potential leakage due to their design compared to ball valves.
Can you use a ball valve to reduce pressure?
A ball valve cannot be used to successfully decrease pressures, such as water pressure, because they are only designed for on/off operations.
Unlike globe valves that can be used for effective throttling, which affects pressure and flow rate.
What is the common problem in globe valve control?
One of the common problems of globe valves when it comes to control is the higher pressure drop, which causes noises and damages its own components.
To avoid these common issues, careful maintenance and installation are required for these valves.
Conclusion
Generally, ball valves excel in quick shutoff operations, while globe valves provide more precise flow control. However, as you’ve seen, each valve type comes with its own set of pros and cons, which should be carefully considered when selecting the right one for your specific needs.
At Xintai, we can help you determine which valve is best suited for your project. You can also check out our article Ball Valves vs. Other Valve Types for more guidance, or better yet, give us a call today to discuss your options further!
