Globe valves have traditionally been the number-one choice to handle challenging control tasks. These valves have proven their worth in various industrial processes, from complex chemical applications to the simple control of a heating circuit. However, a wide range of alternatives is available, such as ball-, butterfly-, rotary plug-, segmented ball-, gate- and plug valves.
The following article compares different valve types, pointing out that the multitalented rotary plug valves often emerge as an excellent alternative to globe valves in terms of control, resistance and cost. The very high maximum flow coefficient in connection with the high rangeability often present the most competitive solution among the valve types considered.
Rotary plug valves are all-rounders with their high control accuracy coupled with the ability to handle high maximum pressure drops and particularly their resistance to dirt and solid particles contained in the process medium.