Home > Product > Ball Valve > Ball Valve Comparison & Case Studies > Ball Valve vs. Globe Valve
When it comes to choosing between a ball valve and a globe valve, the decision largely depends on your application’s flow control needs, pressure rating, and system design. Both valves are common in industrial and utility systems, but they perform differently in terms of shut-off, throttling, and maintenance.
At Perfect Engineers, we help industries make the right choice between these two essential valve types. Here’s a detailed breakdown to guide engineers, OEMs, and procurement heads through the functionality, advantages, and use cases of ball valves vs. globe valves.
Ball Valve
Globe Valve
Flow changes direction inside the valve (Z-path), which causes higher pressure drop.
Use ball valves when:
Best Applications:
Feature / Parameter | Ball Valve | Globe Valve |
---|---|---|
Flow Control Type | On/Off (fast shut-off) | Throttling and flow regulation |
Flow Path | Straight (full or reduced bore) | Z-shaped (inlet → up/down → outlet) |
Pressure Drop | Very low | Moderate to high |
Operation | ¼ turn | Multi-turn |
Shut-off Tightness | Excellent (bubble-tight) | Very good (metal-to-metal or soft seal) |
Maintenance Access | Easier (especially 3-piece ball valves) | Moderate (requires disassembly) |
Cost (Small Sizes) | Economical | Slightly higher |
Automation Compatibility | Excellent (ISO 5211 standard) | Moderate |
Torque Requirement | Lower | Higher |
Size Range | ½” to 12”+ | ½” to 24”+ |
+91-9004860491
www.perfectqrc.com
Ball valves generally offer bubble-tight shut-off, especially with PTFE seats.
Yes—especially metal seated globe valves used in steam and condensate lines.
For small to medium sizes, yes. Ball valves are more cost-effective and compact.
Yes—but it requires linear actuators, not the quarter-turn type used with ball valves. Installation is slightly more complex.
Use globe valves with hardened seats, or consider plug valves for thick fluids. Avoid standard ball valves in abrasive or throttling services.
Copyrights © 2025 Perfect Engineers. All rights reserved. Developed & Managed by AdinAds