Which type of valve is best suited for throttling flows?

The globe valve is particularly well-suited for throttling flows. This type of valve is designed with a spherical body that allows for precise control of fluid flow due to its internal structure, which includes a movable disk and a stationary ring seat. When the valve is partially opened, the flow passage is restricted, and this design enables operators to adjust the flow rate accurately by varying the position of the disk.

Globe valves maintain a relatively constant pressure drop across the valve, which is beneficial in applications requiring the modulation of flow. They provide reliable performance in a variety of systems, making them ideal for throttling applications where flow control is crucial.

Other types of valves have specific strengths, but they may not offer the same level of flow control as globe valves. For example, gate valves are primarily intended for fully on or fully off applications and do not perform well in throttling scenarios. Ball valves, while they can allow for quick shut-off and some flow modulation when partially opened, are not designed for precise throttling. Butterfly valves, similar to ball valves, can be used for throttling but are generally not as effective as globe valves for that purpose, especially at low flow rates.