Which valve would typically produce a larger head loss?

The globe valve is designed to provide a more controlled flow through a system, which inherently creates a larger head loss compared to other valve types. This increased head loss occurs due to the way the fluid must navigate through the valve. The globe valve features a spherical body and an internal baffle that directs flow, resulting in a significant change in direction and an increase in turbulence as the fluid passes through. This turbulence increases friction and resistance, leading to a higher head loss across the valve.

In contrast, gate valves have a more straightforward, linear flow path that results in lower resistance when fully open. Ball valves also provide a direct flow path and typically exhibit very low head losses, as they can be fully opened with minimal obstruction. Needle valves, though capable of fine flow regulation, generally produce less head loss compared to globe valves because they are designed to limit flow rather than create significant resistance. Therefore, the characteristics of globe valves contribute to their capacity to produce a larger head loss in a fluid system.