Globe valves are critical valve types offering precise flow control, with a wide range of applications from industrial installations to power plants, from ship and marine applications to chemical and petrochemical plants, from the food and pharmaceutical industry to residential heating-cooling systems. This versatile usage capability has made them one of the most preferred industrial valve types worldwide.
Globe valves elevate both process safety and system efficiency to the highest level with features such as high precision in fluid control, superior sealing, and high pressure and temperature resistance. Thanks to their durable body structure and design in accordance with engineering principles, they can operate smoothly for many years even in systems exposed to frequent opening-closing operations. This helps businesses reduce maintenance costs while maintaining production continuity.
Today, industrial production contains stricter requirements than ever regarding energy efficiency and safety standards. Increasing global energy costs, environmental sustainability goals, and rising process safety standards have brought about the need for innovation in valve technologies, as with all equipment used. In this context, globe valves have evolved from being merely a classic fluid shut-off device to modern flow control elements incorporating advanced engineering solutions.
Manufactured with modern production techniques, globe valves undertake critical tasks such as precise flow adjustment, pressure regulation, and process optimization, in addition to the open-close function of directing the fluid. This optimizes energy consumption and contributes to the uninterrupted operation of the process at the specified quality standards. They are particularly preferred for their multi-point sealing feature in high-pressure steam lines, hot oil circuits, aggressive chemical fluid lines, and systems requiring critical safety.
Additionally, globe valves, which can work compatibly with a wide variety of fluid types with different body materials, disk designs, and gasket solutions, are a reliable choice in both new facility installations and modernization projects of existing systems. By using these valves, industrial enterprises not only gain precision in flow control but also achieve significant advantages in maintenance, repair, and spare parts costs throughout the operational life.
A globe valve is a type of valve used in industrial installations to control, adjust, or completely shut off the direction of the fluid, featuring a specially designed flow path and a vertically moving disk mechanism within the body. The flow line inside the body consists of the seat where the disk sits and the disk moving vertically over this seat.
The operating principle is extremely simple: When the valve wheel is turned, the disk is lifted upwards via the stem. When the disk is lifted, the fluid follows the curved flow path inside the body and moves freely. When the disk moves downward, the flow is gradually throttled, and when the disk fully sits on its seat, the flow completely stops. This vertical movement system allows globe valves to provide gradual flow control; thus, the flow can be adjusted precisely, not just opened and closed.
The internal design of globe valves allows the fluid to change direction at a certain angle instead of a direct linear path. This enables the valve disk to cut off or throttle the entire fluid directly. However, this design creates a slightly higher pressure drop compared to gate valves because the fluid changes its path. Despite this, this disadvantage is often overlooked in many process lines due to the control precision it provides.
Compared to ball valves, globe valves are much more successful in applications requiring precise flow adjustment. Ball valves are ideal for quick open-close operations, but flow control is less precise in partial opening situations. Globe valves, by design, allow for the gradual regulation of flow and therefore play an important role in process optimization.
Compared to gate valves, the difference with globe valves is that the fluid passes through the curved path between the disk and seat instead of progressing along a straight line within the valve. This design offers high control capability in full closure and partial opening operations. Especially in lines requiring continuous throttling, gate valves may experience sealing problems over time, whereas globe valves can withstand such challenging operating conditions for a long time.
Additionally, globe valves can have different body and disk designs. For example, in a Z-type body design, the flow makes two 90-degree turns, while in a Y-type design, the flow path is less broken, reducing pressure loss. Angled type globe valves are preferred especially in space-constrained areas. This diversity allows globe valves to be used in a wide range from power plants to marine applications and from chemical processes to HVAC systems.
Globe valves are not just an open-close equipment but also precise control elements that ensure the efficient, safe, and stable operation of the process. Therefore, they are reliably preferred wherever high sealing, long life, and superior control precision are required.
Superior Sealing at Three Points
One of the main reasons why globe valves are so widely preferred in the industry is their multi-layered and reliable sealing system. These valves provide sealing at three different points to ensure that the fluid stays within the line and does not leak to the external environment. This system offers maximum reliability, especially in processes requiring high pressure, high temperature, and critical safety.
1. Circuit Sealing (In-Line Sealing)
One of the basic functions of a globe valve is to completely stop the fluid in the line when necessary. When the valve wheel is turned, the disk is tightly seated on its seat via the stem. This contact surface is usually made of high-precision machined metal or a combination of metal + elastomer. This ensures that the disk fully seats on the seat, completely stopping the flow.
This type of closure is vital, especially in high-pressure steam lines, chemical fluid lines, or critical safety circuits. Even the smallest leak in circuit sealing can reduce process efficiency, negatively affect product quality, or create a safety risk. Globe valves are designed to maintain this closure mechanism even in frequent open-close cycles.
2. Body-Cover Sealing (Static Sealing)
The junction point between the valve body and cover is the second critical area where there is a potential for fluid to leak to the external environment. Specially designed gaskets are used at this point. Gaskets are made from materials resistant to temperature changes, pressure fluctuations, and the chemical properties of the fluid.
Graphite-based gaskets are generally preferred in high-temperature applications, while PTFE (Teflon) or special polymer-based gaskets are used where chemical resistance is important. The function of the gasket is to completely seal the micron-level gaps between the body and cover, preventing external leakage. This sealing point is critically important for both environmental safety and reducing operating costs.
3. Stem Sealing (Dynamic Sealing)
The sealing of the valve stem to the external environment is the third and final line of defense for system safety. Since the stem is one of the moving parts of the valve, the sealing at this point is called "dynamic." Packing rings are used to ensure stem sealing.
Packing rings are designed to allow stem movement while preventing fluid from escaping from this area. The rings are usually made from materials resistant to high temperature and pressure and can be easily replaced when necessary. This design allows stem sealing to be renewed without the need to take the entire system offline during maintenance.
Stem sealing is important not only for operational safety but also for environmental safety. The leakage of aggressive chemicals or hazardous liquids into the environment can pose serious risks to both human health and the environment.
The Importance of the Triple Sealing System in the Industry
The sealing provided at these three different points makes globe valves indispensable in applications requiring high safety. For example:
• Prevents leakage of hazardous chemicals in petrochemical plants.
• Ensures safe control of high-pressure steam in power plants.
• Guarantees production in compliance with hygiene standards in the food and pharmaceutical industry.
Resistance to High Pressure and Temperature
Globe valves are one of the most preferred valve types in industrial installations due to their superior resistance to challenging working conditions. They are designed to be safely used in high-pressure steam lines, hot oil circuits, high-temperature water systems, and process lines carrying aggressive chemical fluids.
The foundation of this durability lies in the high-quality materials used in both the body structure and sealing elements and advanced production techniques. Globe valves are produced with various material options according to different industrial requirements.
Body Materials
The body material directly affects the valve's resistance to pressure, temperature, and the chemical properties of the fluid. Therefore, the selection process is critically important:
• Cast Steel: Suitable for long-term operation under high pressure and temperature. Commonly used in steam, hot oil, and high-temperature water systems.
• Stainless Steel: Preferred in environments where corrosion resistance is important. Common in applications such as seawater, acidic solutions, or the food industry where hygiene is required.
• Alloy Steel: Offers extra resistance to abrasive or aggressive fluids in addition to high temperature and pressure. Preferred in petrochemical plants and power plants.
• Cast Iron: Provides an economical solution in medium pressure and temperature, water, and heating-cooling lines.
The selected body material not only affects the service life but also directly impacts the maintenance frequency and long-term operating costs.
Gasket and Sealing Elements
The material selection of sealing elements is as important as the body material in terms of the valve's performance and reliability. The type of fluid, its temperature, and pressure determine the type of gasket to be used:
• PTFE (Teflon) Based Gaskets: Have very high chemical resistance. Preferred in lines containing acids, bases, solvents, and other aggressive chemicals.
• Graphite Based Gaskets: Exceptionally resistant to high temperatures. Maintains its form and sealing properties even at temperatures above 500°C. Common in steam lines and high-temperature processes.
• Metal Reinforced Gaskets: Used in applications with very high pressure and temperature combinations, where mechanical strength is also required.
Design Features Ensuring Durability
It is not only the material selection that ensures the high pressure and temperature resistance of globe valves; design and production techniques also play a critical role. Body thicknesses, geometry optimization of the flow path, machining precision of gasket seats, and surface hardening processes ensure the valve's long-term operation under challenging conditions.
For example, globe valves used in high-pressure steam lines are produced with special casting or forging techniques to increase body resistance against pressure shocks. Similarly, valves operating in hot oil or thermal oil circuits are designed to prevent deformation against high thermal expansion.
Importance in Industrial Applications
High pressure and temperature resistance play a critical role, especially in the following areas:
• Power Plants: Ensures safety and continuity in the control of high-pressure steam.
• Petrochemical Plants: Sealing and resistance are critically important for the safe management of chemical reactions.
• Food Industry: Ensures safe production by maintaining hygiene standards in steam and hot water lines.
In conclusion, globe valves provide not only precise flow control but also superior resistance to high pressure and temperature, making them a reliable solution in industrial processes. The correct combination of material and design guarantees that these valves are long-lasting and low-maintenance.
The Importance of Precise Flow Control
In industrial processes, simply opening or closing the fluid is often not enough. In modern production lines, it is necessary to keep the flow within a certain flow rate range to ensure process continuity, maintain energy efficiency, and guarantee the final product quality. Therefore, precise flow control is considered a critical parameter in process engineering.
Globe valves allow the flow to be adjusted gradually thanks to their disk-seat design in their internal structure. When the position of the disk is changed millimetrically, the amount of fluid passing is also regulated in a controlled manner. This feature makes globe valves unrivaled in applications requiring both continuous throttling and precise flow adjustment.
Energy Efficiency and Cost Advantage
Precise flow control directly affects energy consumption. Excessive flow causes pumps to work more, leading to energy waste and increased load on the system. Globe valves eliminate this waste by adjusting the flow exactly to the required level. For example, sending more steam than necessary in a steam line not only increases energy costs but also raises the amount of condensate, reducing system efficiency.
Optimization of Resource Use
In chemical processes or fuel lines, precise flow control optimizes material consumption. Excessive chemical use has negative consequences both in terms of cost and environmental impact. Thanks to globe valves, the amount of chemicals used is kept at the level required by the process, preventing unnecessary consumption.
Process Safety
In many industries, uncontrolled flow increases can create serious safety risks. Especially in lines containing high-pressure steam, explosive gases, or corrosive chemicals, an increase in flow rate can damage equipment or lead to occupational safety accidents. Globe valves minimize these risks with their gradual control mechanisms.
Extension of Equipment Life
Other equipment in the system — pumps, heat exchangers, pipelines, and filters — benefit from stable and controlled flow. Sudden flow rate changes cause wear or fatigue in these equipment. Globe valves extend the life of equipment by regulating flow speed and reduce maintenance frequency.
Applications of Globe Valves
Globe valves are widely used in various industries due to their high precision flow control, superior sealing properties, and structures resistant to challenging conditions. They are preferred in both new installation projects and modernization of existing systems, with their ability to adapt to different fluid types and process requirements.
Power Generation Facilities Power plants are one of the most common areas where globe valves are used. They are preferred to provide reliable shut-off and precise flow control in high-pressure steam and hot water lines. Adjusting the flow exactly in the steam line going to the turbines is critically important for both energy efficiency and equipment life. Additionally, they are used in tasks such as regulating condensate discharge in condensation lines and controlling the amount of fluid sent to heat exchangers.
Petrochemical and Refinery Systems
The petrochemical industry often requires working in high temperature, high pressure, and aggressive chemical environments. Globe valves provide reliable performance in such challenging conditions with PTFE or metal-reinforced sealing elements. In refineries, globe valves are preferred for the controlled transmission of different fluids such as crude oil, derivative products, solvents, acids, and bases. Additionally, since process safety is critical in these sectors, the multi-point sealing feature of globe valves offers a significant advantage.
Heating, Cooling, and HVAC Systems
In industrial and commercial buildings, globe valves are widely used in boiler rooms, chiller systems, and cooling towers. In these systems, precisely adjusting the flow rate of hot or cold fluid increases energy efficiency and ensures stable system operation. For example, in an HVAC system, sending the right amount of hot water to heating coils is important for both comfort and energy savings. Globe valves are a reliable control element capable of making this precise adjustment.
Food and Beverage Industry
In food and beverage production facilities, the design of the valves used must be suitable for the very high hygiene standards. Globe valves made of stainless steel, easy to clean, and compatible with CIP (Clean-in-Place) systems are preferred in this sector. They are used in directing the fluid in a controlled manner at different stages of the process in the production of milk, fruit juice, beer, wine, and carbonated drinks. Additionally, they play an important role in temperature and pressure control to maintain product quality.
Ship and Marine Systems
In marine applications, valves working in saltwater and fuel systems are at high risk of corrosion. Globe valves provide long-lasting performance against seawater and other corrosive environments thanks to their stainless steel or specially alloyed body materials. They provide reliable control in cooling systems, fire extinguishing lines, ballast water transfer, and fuel supply systems on ships.
Other Important Application Areas
• Chemical Industry: In reactor feed lines, mixing processes, and precise chemical dosing operations.
• Mining and Metallurgy: In the safe transportation of abrasive slurry, acid, and base solutions.
• Paper and Pulp Industry: In steam, hot water, and chemical solution circuits.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: In high-purity water (PW) and water for injection (WFI) lines, with specially designed hygienic globe valves.
Globe valves stand out with their precise flow control, high sealing capability, and long-lasting structures, but different valve types may also be preferred in certain applications. Each valve type has its unique advantages and limitations. The correct valve selection should be made based on the system's needs, the properties of the fluid, operating pressure and temperature, ease of maintenance, and cost factors.
Ball Valves
Ball valves are a type of valve with a perforated ball inside, which completely opens or closes the flow by rotating the ball 90 degrees.
• Advantages:
o Provides quick open-close (operates with a half-turn movement).
o Offers low pressure drop in fully open position.
o Easy to install due to its compact and lightweight structure.
• Limitations:
o Cannot perform precise flow control in partial opening situations. Ball valves are generally designed to be operated in "fully open" or "fully closed" positions.
o Frequent throttling operations can cause wear on the internal surfaces and deformation of the gasket.
o Not as reliable as globe valves in processes requiring high precision.
Gate Valves
Gate valves are a type of valve that completely opens or closes the fluid path with a vertically moving gate.
• Advantages:
o Provides very low pressure drop in fully open position.
o An economical solution for large diameter lines.
o Long-lasting in low-viscosity liquids and clean fluids.
• Limitations:
o Inefficient in flow control with partial opening; not preferred in applications requiring precise adjustment.
o Opening-closing time is longer compared to ball valves.
o Not suitable for frequent opening-closing operations, as gate surfaces may wear over time, leading to loss of sealing.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are a type of valve that controls the flow with a disk-shaped closure element that can rotate inside the pipeline, featuring a lightweight and compact structure.
• Advantages:
o Provides economical and space-saving solutions in large diameter lines.
o Easy installation and maintenance due to its lightweight and compact structure.
o Provides sufficient sealing in medium-pressure systems.
• Limitations:
o Does not provide as reliable sealing as globe valves in high-pressure systems, especially where full closure is required.
o Less effective in precise flow control compared to globe valves.
o The disk structure creates a certain resistance to flow even in the fully open position.
The performance of a globe valve depends not only on the quality of production but also on whether it is selected according to the system's needs. Incorrect valve selection reduces operational efficiency and increases maintenance and repair costs. In some cases, it can even jeopardize system safety, leading to serious failures or work accidents. Therefore, the following criteria should be carefully evaluated when selecting a globe valve.
1. Operating Pressure and Temperature
The maximum pressure and temperature values the valve will be exposed to are the most critical parameters in selection.
• Pressure: The valve body and sealing elements must be designed to safely withstand the system's operating pressure. For example, for a line operating under 40 bar pressure, a valve with a pressure class of PN40 or higher should be chosen.
• Temperature: In high-temperature applications (e.g., steam lines above 400°C), the body material must be resistant to thermal expansion. In low temperatures (e.g., cryogenic fluids), it is important that the material does not become brittle.
2. Physical and Chemical Properties of the Fluid
The type, viscosity, abrasiveness, and chemical structure of the fluid being transported directly affect both the valve body and gasket material.
• Aggressive Chemicals: For fluids such as acids, bases, and solvents, PTFE (Teflon) or special polymer gaskets should be used.
• Abrasive Fluids: For fluids containing sand, mud, or particles, disk and seat materials hardened against wear should be preferred.
• Clean Fluids: In applications in contact with drinking water or food, stainless steel body and food-grade sealing materials are mandatory.
3. Body and Disk Material
Material selection is a determining factor for the valve's lifespan and reliability.
• Cast Steel: A long-lasting solution resistant to high temperature and pressure.
• Stainless Steel: High corrosion resistance, suitable for the food and chemical industry.
• Alloy Steel: Preferred in high pressure + abrasive fluid combinations.
• Cast Iron: An economical alternative for medium pressure applications.
4. Connection Type (Flanged, Threaded, Welded)
The connection type affects both installation ease and system safety.
• Flanged Connections: Provides secure installation in large diameter and high-pressure systems.
• Threaded Connections: Suitable for small diameter and low-pressure systems.
• Welded Connections: Preferred in high-pressure applications where minimizing leakage risk is necessary.
5. Maintenance Ease and Spare Part Availability
The maintenance requirements of the valve and the lead time for spare parts determine long-term operating costs.
• In systems requiring frequent maintenance, designs that can be easily disassembled and assembled should be preferred.
• Special production valves with long spare part lead times can cause the system to be offline for a long time in case of failure.
6. Standards and Certifications
International certifications are of great importance, especially for valves used in food, pharmaceutical, or explosive environments.
• Compliance with international standards such as ISO, API, DIN should be sought.
• Valves to be used in explosive environments must have ATEX certification.
Conclusion: A Long-Lasting and Reliable Investment
Globe valves are not just a valve in modern industrial fluid control systems but a strategic component of critical importance for the safety, efficiency, and continuity of the entire process. Thanks to the high precision, multi-point sealing, high pressure, and temperature resistance they provide, they continue to be one of the most reliable solutions in both new facility installations and modernization of existing systems.
With a durable body structure, different material options, and engineering-focused design features, globe valves offer stable performance for many years. Thanks to the triple sealing system, the fluid is safely controlled within the system while the risk of leakage to the external environment is minimized. This feature is of critical importance, especially in lines where high-pressure steam, hot oil, aggressive chemicals, or explosive gases are transported.
Moreover, ease of maintenance and repair contributes to production continuity by minimizing downtime for businesses. A globe valve selected with the correct material and design combination not only covers the initial investment cost but also reduces maintenance expenses in the long run, extends the life of system components, and increases energy efficiency. This provides a significant economic advantage to businesses by reducing the total cost of ownership.
Globe valves also stand out with their adaptability in various sectors. They can be produced in different configurations to meet the pressure, temperature, flow, and sealing needs required by the process in every field, from power plants to petrochemical plants, from the food and beverage industry to ship and marine applications. This flexibility always makes them a reliable option in different industrial scenarios.
As Ekin Industrial, we are not only alongside our customers with product supply but also with engineering consultancy. With our wide product range offered in different sizes, materials, pressure classes, and connection types, we conduct detailed analyses to determine the most suitable solution for each project. Our goal is not only to meet today's needs but to create reliable and economical flow control systems with high energy efficiency that will work seamlessly for many years.
A correctly selected and properly operated globe valve is not just an equipment investment but a strategic element that directly affects the safety, efficiency, and profitability of the business, being the heart of the system.