If you’ve browsed through the selection of Edward valves at an Edward valves distributor, you’ve no doubt noticed that the brand makes several types of valves. For example, Edward makes both check valves and globe valves for use in the petroleum industry. While check valves and globe valves may look very similar, they function quite differently. It’s important that you understand the differences between check valves and globe valves so that you know what kind of valve you need for every application.
Read on to learn more about the differences between globe valves and check valves.
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Check Valves
The biggest difference between check valves and globe valves is that check valves only allow fluids to go in one direction. This design feature is what makes them so popular in petroleum applications, as check valves can prevent backflow. It is also important to note that check valves are fairly simple for properly trained personnel to install, though the installation process can be time-consuming. Check valves are relatively simple to operate because of their one-way construction.
Globe Valves
Globe valves can allow fluids to flow in either direction. They are commonly found in petroleum pipelines, where they are used to accurately regulate flow. In addition to the petroleum industry, globe valves are also commonly used in power plants and in factories. They are so popular for industrial use because they allow operators to control flow with greater precision than other types of valves.
Globe valves have a round body, which gives this type of valve its name. The body contains a disc, which is what opens and closes to regulate the flow rate of fluids. While all globe valves share the same basic construction, there are several variants. The variants of globe valves include screw-down, lift, and float versions.
These valves have three stages: open, swing, and closed. When the valve is fully open, fluid can flow both ways. When the valve is in its swing stage, it only allows fluid to move in the direction with the highest pressure. Of course, a closed globe valve does not allow fluid to flow either way.
Check Valves vs. Globe Valves
Check valves have several advantages over globe valves. They are much easier to operate due to their simpler design. Also, they are better at preventing backflow than globe valves. However, check valves do have their drawbacks.
Check valves take longer to install than globe valves. They do not allow the operators to regulate the flow rate as closely as globe valves. Finally, check valves are significantly larger than globe valves. Globe valves are better for precision applications than check valves. They can also fit in tight spaces where check valves could not fit. Also, globe valves can be installed more quickly.
There are two main drawbacks to globe valves. First, they allow backflow more easily than check valves. Also, globe valves are more complicated to operate than check valves, so operators need to be highly trained.