What is the purpose of using a globe valve in a piping system?

The primary purpose of using a globe valve in a piping system is to regulate flow. This type of valve is designed with a spherical body that allows for fine control over the flow of fluid through the pipeline. The movement of the disc inside the valve can be adjusted to partially close or open the valve, which enables precise flow management. This is particularly useful in situations where adjustments to the flow rate are necessary, such as in throttling applications where specific flow rates must be maintained to ensure proper system operation.

While a globe valve can also provide some degree of isolation, its main function is not to isolate sections of the pipe effectively, as that is typically better accomplished by other valve types. Additionally, globe valves are not primarily used for maintaining pressure or preventing backflow; specialized valves such as pressure relief valves and check valves are designed for those specific purposes.