When comparing a globe valve and a gate valve, which valve has a lower pressure drop when fully opened?

The gate valve is designed primarily for on/off service, allowing for minimal resistance to flow when fully opened. Its disc is positioned perpendicular to the flow path, which means it completely lifts out of the flow stream, creating a clear passage that facilitates unrestricted flow. This characteristic results in a lower pressure drop compared to a globe valve when both are fully open.

In contrast, the globe valve, while effective for throttling and flow control, has a more complex flow path due to its internal structure. The fluid must navigate through the valve body, which leads to more turbulence and a higher pressure drop, even when the globe valve is fully opened.

Therefore, the gate valve's design inherently minimizes pressure drop during full flow conditions, making it the preferred choice when the goal is to maximize fluid delivery with minimal pressure loss.