What valves have throttling capabilities?

Throttling valves allow you to adjust the amount of flow by adjusting the size of the flow path through the valve. The two main types of valves we offer for throttling applications are our globe valves and our needle valves. In both valves, a stem is raised and lowered into the flow path and can be stopped at any point and left in that position. These valves can also be closed completely when the stems are lowered. Unlike other valves that open and close by turning the valve 90°, these require the handle to be turned multiple times to open and close completely.

We offer globe valves in three styles, standard, angled, and Y pattern. The Nibco® Y pattern valves are the best for applications where a minimal pressure drop is needed. The standard Asahi® globe valve has a flow path that will change the flow of the fluid running through it almost 90° twice. The Hayward® and Nibco® angled globe valves only change the direction 90° once and are often used because they require less space than standard models. These globe valves all work by dropping the plunger at the bottom of the stem down onto the seat blocking the flow, and closing off the valve. The top of the stem just below the handle is threaded, and the stem drops further down into the flow path a small amount each time the handle is turned. This allows you to control the amount the valve is closed and the amount of flow thru the valve.

Needle valves are generally smaller valves, and most can be throttled down to drops per minute. They work similarly to the globe valves with fine pitch thread for precision adjustment and are ideal for metering flow. The needle valve's plunger is usually conical in shape, like the tip of a needle, and when closed, sits down into a matching conical-shaped seat.

Some of the other valves that are marketed as having throttling capabilities are the King Brothers Gate Valves, Compression Stop Valve and Asahi® Gate Valves. Butterfly valves are sometimes used for throttling applications often where a larger size valve is required, but they are somewhat limited in what they can do and how well they work for throttling.