Industrial valves may look simple from the outside, but they are critical components in almost every industrial system. From oil & gas pipelines to water treatment plants and chemical facilities, the right valve ensures safe operation, efficient flow control, and long service life.

In this guide, we break down the six most common types of industrial valves, explain how they work, and—most importantly—when you should use each one.

1. Gate Valves

Best for: Full Open / Full Close Applications

Gate valves are designed for on-off service, not flow regulation. Inside the valve, a gate moves vertically to either block the flow completely or allow full passage.

Typical applications

• Water transmission pipelines
• Oil & gas main lines
• Power plants

Why choose a gate valve

• Minimal pressure loss when fully open
• Good sealing for isolation

Things to note

• Not suitable for throttling
• Slower operation compared to quarter-turn valves
• Require larger installation space
• Wear during frequent operation

Use gate valves when you need reliable isolation, not flow control.

2. Globe Valves

Best for: Accurate Flow Regulation

Globe valves are ideal when precise control of flow rate is required. Their internal design forces the fluid to change direction, allowing fine adjustment.

Typical applications

• Steam systems
• Boiler feedwater
• Chemical process lines

Why choose a globe valve

• Excellent throttling capability
• Stable and predictable control

Things to note

• Higher pressure drop
• More complex internal structure
• limited to smaller pipe sizes

Choose globe valves when control accuracy matters more than efficiency.

3. Ball Valves

Best for: Fast and Tight Shut-Off

Ball valves use a rotating ball with a bore through the center. A quarter-turn opens or closes the valve, making it fast and easy to operate.

Typical applications

• Oil & gas facilities
• Chemical plants
• Compressed air systems

Why choose a ball valve

• Quick operation
• Excellent sealing performance
• Low maintenance

Things to note

• Standard designs are not ideal for precise throttling
• Seat damage risk if used partially open with high velocity flow
• Thermal expansion risk if trapped media is not properly vented
• Larger size and cost

Ball valves are the go-to choice for quick isolation and emergency shut-off.

4. Butterfly Valves

Best for: Large Diameter & Space-Limited Systems

Butterfly valves use a rotating disk inside the pipe to control flow. They are compact, lightweight, and cost-effective—especially in large sizes.

Typical applications

• Water treatment plants
• HVAC systems
• Fire protection pipelines

Why choose a butterfly valve

• Lightweight and compact
• Lower cost for large diameters
• Easy to automate

Things to note

• The disk remains in the flow path
• Sealing depends on valve design and seat material
• Lower pressure and temperature limits
• Not suitable for severe or high-differential pressure services

Butterfly valves are ideal for large pipelines with moderate pressure requirements.

5. Check Valves

Best for: Preventing Backflow

Check valves work automatically—they allow flow in one direction and close when flow reverses. No manual operation or actuator is required.

Typical applications

• Pump discharge lines
• Water supply systems
• Oil & gas pipelines

Why choose a check valve

• Protects pumps and equipment
• Simple and reliable operation

Things to note

• No flow control capability
• Improper selection can cause pressure surges
• Difficult to inspect during operation

Check valves are essential for system protection and safety.

6. Plug Valves

Best for: Slurry, Viscous, or Corrosive Media

Plug valves use a cylindrical or tapered plug to control flow. Their simple design makes them suitable for difficult or dirty media.

Typical applications

• Chemical processing
• Mining operations
• Wastewater treatment

Why choose a plug valve

• Simple and robust design
• Good performance with abrasive or viscous fluids

Things to note

• Higher operating torque
• Some designs require lubrication
• Higher actuator cost

Plug valves are reliable solutions for harsh service conditions.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Valve

Before selecting a valve, consider these key factors:

• Media: water, steam, oil, gas, corrosive chemicals
• Pressure & temperature
• Function: isolation or flow control
• Operation: manual, electric, pneumatic
• Standards & certifications: API, ANSI, ISO

There is no universal “best valve”—only the right valve for the right application.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the six main types of industrial valves helps engineers, EPC contractors, and buyers make better decisions, reduce downtime, and improve system reliability. A well-chosen valve can save significant costs over the lifetime of a project.

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