Minnesota Boiler License Practice Exam

Which type of valve is best suited for throttling flow?

1. Gate

2. Globe

3. Check

4. Butterfly

The correct answer is: Globe

The globe valve is best suited for throttling flow due to its design, which allows for more precise control of fluid flow than other types of valves. The globe valve features a disk that can move closer to or further away from a seat, enabling the operator to regulate the flow of fluid more accurately by adjusting the lift of the disk. This makes it ideal for applications requiring fine control, such as in heating systems or various industrial processes where flow needs to be adjusted carefully. In contrast, a gate valve is primarily designed for fully open or fully closed positions, making it less effective for throttling. Check valves are designed to prevent backflow and are not intended for flow regulation. A butterfly valve, while suitable for throttling in some cases, does not typically provide the same level of control as a globe valve since its operation relies on a disc that rotates to open or close the flow, which can be less effective in achieving the fine adjustments necessary for throttling. Therefore, the globe valve’s capability to provide consistent and precise flow adjustments positions it as the best choice for throttling applications.