Globe Valve Vs Diaphragm Valve: How To Pick The Best

Among the most critical components of any pipeline system, valves are used to manage the flow of liquids and gasses from one location to another. When it comes to the best style of valve, there are two schools of thought in the world of piping and water systems. On one side, the globe valves—the tried-and-true valves that have been used in construction and design projects since valves were first invented. 

And on the other side are the diaphragm valves—the new kids on the block taking over the industry because of their novel approach to supply and drain lines. So which industrial valve company is better? Which one should I use? Which one will last longer? Let’s break it down to see which works best for the needs.

What Is Globe Valve?

An industrial globe valve is used to control the flow of liquids and gasses. It consists of a round body with a movable disk attached to a stem. The disk is connected to the stem by a screw thread, and the stem is connected to a handwheel. The disk can be opened or closed by turning the handwheel, which controls the flow of liquid or gas through the valve.

A globe valve is a type of fitting that may be used to turn on or off the flow of liquids or gasses through pipes, tubes, and other types of conduit. The globe in the name refers to the wheel-shaped device with multiple indentations on its surface that restrict the flow of gas and liquid. In a traditional globe valve, pressure applied by an operator turns the wheel so that indentations on one side line up with openings on another. These alignments then either open up sections or seal them off from passage as required for controlling flow between two different mediums (e.g., gas or liquid).

Globe valves are used in various industries, including oil and gas, chemical, and power generation. They are often used in pipelines to control the flow of oil or gas and in power plants to control steam flow. Globe valves are also used in the food and beverage industry and many other industries.

The operating principle of a globe valve is pretty simple. When the handle is turned to open the valve, the disc is lifted, allowing fluid to flow through. When the handle is turned to close the valve, the disc is lowered and blocks fluid flow. The disc can also be partially opened or closed, which allows for regulating fluid flow.

What Is a Diaphragm Valve?

A diaphragm valve is a type of valve that uses a diaphragm to control the flow of fluids or gasses. The diaphragm is a flexible membrane that is attached to a movable plate. When the plate is opened, the diaphragm moves with it, and the opening allows fluids or gasses to flow through. When the plate is closed, the diaphragm blocks the opening and prevents the flow of fluids or gasses.

Diaphragm valves are used in various applications, including HVAC systems, water treatment plants, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. They are known for their durability and easy maintenance.

In general, diaphragm valves are very similar to ball valves in function and function similarly in pipelines; they operate at high pressures in the range of 60-400 pounds per square inch (or 400 to 3200 kilopascals). Diaphragms work by being pushed inward from both sides and pulled back by springs so that one can be opened and closed. 

Globe Valve Vs Diaphragm Valve

Globe and diaphragm valves are excellent choices for many processes and applications. However, there are some differences between the two that everyone needs to know before making a final decision. The main points that differentiate between these valves include:

• Globe valves are designed for on/off chemical processing applications and can be used to regulate flow. They are often used when a quick shut-off is needed, such as in emergency shutdown situations. Diaphragm valves, on the other hand, are designed for throttling applications. They are often used in situations where a gradual control of flow is needed, such as in the food and beverage industry.
• Globe valves usually need higher pressure ratings than diaphragms, which makes them more expensive to install and maintain. 
• Diaphragms are generally more tolerant of fouling and clogging because their design does not rely on a packing system or separate seat ring for sealing pressure against leakage. 
• Both valves are cylindrical with four jaws (flanges) at the top and bottom that provide the necessary mounting surface. A central spindle provides support from the middle of the valve body, so it remains stable during operation. These devices also come with an operator’s manual to assist in sizing, assembly, and field installation procedures. 
• A significant difference between globes and diaphragms is how they create a seal when closed: globes use an O-ring type material for compression as opposed to diaphragms that rely on mechanical displacement to close off flow through its rubber seal. Globes use water pressure to activate this compression, while diaphragms rely on differential air pressure to compress the piston.
• Another key difference is where the stem direction needs to go. If a device requires directional orientation, it should be installed according to what the manufacturer recommends. For example, if one side of the valve must always face upward, it would need an upward-facing outlet connection when installing a globe valve. The terminal connection would be leftward oriented for a globe valve if the process requires leftward discharge. With diaphragm valves, this issue becomes much less complicated because these components only exist in one orientation -they cannot turn around as globes can.

• Globe valves may also require specialized equipment, such as a lifting hook or crane, depending on the specific application and size. But, because diaphragms are relatively lightweight, standard equipment such as a socket wrench can often suffice for installation purposes. 
• And finally, keep in mind that globes usually operate over a broader range of pressures but tend to be more expensive due to needing higher pressure ratings and increased maintenance costs. Diaphragms typically operate within narrower ranges but are easier to manage from an expense standpoint due to lower costs and better tolerance to environmental conditions like dirt accumulation, corrosion and best for pipeline transport.

How To Choose: Globe Valve Vs Diaphragm Valve

Here are a few points to think about when comparing a globe valve and diaphragm valve for the next project: 

• Strength: Though the difference between these two valves can vary, at their respective extremes, the globe valve is much stronger than the diaphragm valve. 
• Operation: The globe valve is easier to operate because it uses handles that control various internal mechanisms. At the same time, the diaphragm must be reset by pushing the lever handle to turn it off and on again, causing added wear on this seal which has a shorter lifespan than those on the stem of a globe. 
• Construction: The diaphragm valve needs to contain pressure internally so that the sealing faces do not contact each other but instead rely on an oil film. It also requires additional parts such as screws or clamps to hold the pressure relief poppet open so that oil can pass through it before closing due to pressure inside. These parts add cost and complexity to the design process and may lead to leaks if not sealed properly during installation. 
• Ease of Maintenance: One advantage a globe valve may have over a diaphragm valve is its simplicity- it just needs some essential hand tools, and everything is good to go! Another benefit to consider is that there is no need to replace the entire seal with a globe valve like with a diaphragm; it must replace the seat ring and spring in most cases. It saves time and money by replacing only one part instead of the whole thing! 

When choosing between the two, it’s essential to consider reliable china valves manufacturers and also look for strength, operation, construction, ease of maintenance, and overall price point when making a decision. If looking for a simple solution that doesn’t require any extra setup or maintenance down the line, the globed valve might be best. If looking for something that will give a little more flexibility in how the product operates, look no further than diaphragm valves.

Bottomline

In conclusion, globe valves and diaphragm valves are two types of valves that serve different purposes. Globe valves are better for regulating flow, while diaphragm valves are better for preventing backflow. If looking for reliable china valve manufacturers for the business, contact us today. If you wonder about the differences between diaphragm valve and ball valve, click here to know more.