What Are The Three Types of Control Valve

Control valves are essential in modern process industries. They regulate the flow of liquids, gases, or steam within piping systems, ensuring efficiency, safety, and consistent performance. By automatically adjusting position in response to signals from a controller, they keep critical variables like flow rate, pressure, temperature, and liquid level within the desired range.

1. Globe Control Valve

The globe valve is the most common type of control valve, designed for precise throttling and regulation. Its internal plug-and-seat arrangement allows fine control over fluid flow.

• How it works: A movable plug (or disc) rises and lowers inside a seat, restricting or allowing passage of the medium.

• Advantages: Excellent accuracy, reliable shutoff, and wide range of flow control.

• Limitations: Higher pressure drop compared to other valve types, and usually more expensive.

• Applications: Power plants, chemical processing, oil and gas pipelines—where precise flow regulation is critical.

  
  

2. Ball Control Valve

A ball valve is designed around a spherical closure element with a hole through the center. By rotating the ball, the valve allows or restricts flow.

• How it works: When the hole aligns with the pipeline, fluid flows freely. Rotating the ball 90° stops the flow. In control service, specially designed “V-port” or characterized balls enable throttling.

• Advantages: Quick operation, low pressure drop, and long service life.

• Limitations: Less precise than globe valves for continuous throttling, but modified designs improve performance.

• Applications: HVAC systems, water distribution, and industries where fast shutoff and moderate control are needed.

  
  

3. Butterfly Control Valve

The butterfly valve uses a disc mounted on a rotating shaft. Turning the disc changes the amount of fluid passing through.

• How it works: The disc rotates between 0° (closed) and 90° (fully open), regulating flow by its angle of rotation.

• Advantages: Lightweight, compact, cost-effective, and suitable for large pipe diameters.

• Limitations: Less accurate at low flow conditions, sealing performance varies with design.

• Applications: Water treatment, power generation, food and beverage processing, and other industries handling large volumes of fluid.