Valve Selection Guide

Isolation, control, and check valve types with typical service, advantages, limitations, and selection notes.

Valve Selection

Valve Selection Guide · Source: Fisher Control Valve Handbook 5th Ed, Crane TP-410, ISA Handbook of Control Valves

Valve Type	Typical Service	Pressure Class	Size Range	Cv Range	Flow Char.	Shutoff Class	Pros	Cons	When to Use
Gate	On/off isolation	150-2500#	2"-48"	Large	N/A (on/off)	Class V-VI	Low ΔP when open, full bore, bidirectional	Not for throttling, slow to operate, seat erosion if partially open	General isolation service, pipeline block valves
Globe	Throttling control	150-2500#	1"-24"	Wide range	Linear, =%, Quick	Class IV-VI	Excellent throttling, precise control, many trim options	High ΔP, heavy, high cost in large sizes, unidirectional	Control valves, feed water, desuperheaters, bypass
Ball (Full Bore)	On/off, some throttling	150-2500#	0.5"-48"	Very large	Modified =% (V-port)	Class V-VI	Fast actuation, low ΔP, fire-safe designs available, piggable	Poor throttling (std bore), cavitation at partial open	Hydrocarbon service, fire-safe isolation, pipeline, on/off
Ball (V-Port/Segmented)	Throttling control	150-600#	1"-24"	Moderate		Class IV-V	Good rangeability, shearing action for slurries/fibers	Not full bore, limited pressure class	Slurry service, pulp/paper, throttling with solids
Butterfly (High-Perf)	On/off and throttling	150-600#	2"-72"	Large	Approx. =%	Class V-VI	Lightweight, low cost, fast, low ΔP, compact	Torque issues at high ΔP, limited to ~50% open for control	Large line isolation, cooling water, utility services, HVAC
Plug	On/off, diverting	150-600#	1"-24"	Moderate	Linear	Class IV-V	Multiport options (3-way, 4-way), good for diverting	Requires lubrication (some), limited throttling	Multiport diverting, sampling, lube oil systems
Check (Swing)	Backflow prevention	150-2500#	2"-48"	N/A	N/A	N/A	Low ΔP, self-actuating, reliable	Slam on fast closure, not for pulsating flow	Pump discharge, gravity flow, general backflow prevention
Check (Piston/Lift)	Backflow prevention	150-2500#	0.5"-12"	N/A	N/A	N/A	Fast closure, good for pulsating flow, non-slam	Higher ΔP than swing, horizontal lines only (piston)	Compressor discharge, reciprocating pump, pulsating services
Needle	Fine flow control	150-6000#	0.25"-2"	Very small	Linear	Class VI	Precise metering, high pressure capability	Small sizes only, manual operation typical	Sample points, instrument connections, chemical injection
Diaphragm	Clean/dirty fluid isolation	150#	0.5"-14"	Moderate	Approx. linear	Class VI (when new)	No packing, good for corrosive/slurry, sanitary	Low pressure only, limited temperature, diaphragm wear	Chemical dosing, slurries, food/pharma, corrosive fluids

Source: Valve_Selection_Guide_v1.xlsx

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