| Gate Valve |
On/off isolation |
A wedge or parallel gate moves vertically between two seats. The stem may be rising or non-rising, depending on the design. |
Nearly straight-through when fully open, with relatively low pressure loss. |
Sea-water lines, ballast systems, bilge systems, cooling-water circuits, and general shipboard isolation duties. |
Low resistance when open; suitable for full-bore isolation; bidirectional flow is commonly possible. |
Not recommended for continuous throttling; slow operation; partially open operation can cause vibration, seat wear, and erosion. |
Flanged, threaded, or other ends specified by the applicable JIS design and installation requirement. |
| Globe Valve |
Throttling and isolation |
A plug-like disc moves perpendicular to its seat. The body normally contains an internal passage that changes direction around the disc. |
Higher pressure loss than a gate valve because the flow changes direction inside the body. |
Steam, fuel, freshwater, cooling-water, drain, and regulating services where controlled flow is required. |
Good control over flow rate; reliable shutoff; suitable for frequent adjustment. |
Higher operating torque and pressure drop; less suitable than a gate valve for unrestricted full-flow service. |
Flanged or threaded connections, subject to the selected JIS configuration. |
| Check Valve |
Automatic prevention of reverse flow |
A movable closure element opens under forward flow and closes when flow reverses. Designs include swing, lift, and other non-return arrangements. |
Flow resistance depends strongly on the closure design, orientation, and opening angle. |
Pump discharge lines, fire-fighting systems, feed-water systems, bilge systems, and piping sections requiring backflow protection. |
Operates automatically without an external actuator; protects pumps and equipment from reverse flow. |
Can slam during rapid flow reversal; requires correct orientation and sufficient flow velocity; not intended for manual throttling. |
Flanged, wafer-style, threaded, or other connections depending on the valve construction. |
| Butterfly Valve |
Isolation and moderate flow regulation |
A circular disc rotates approximately 90 degrees around a shaft positioned through or near the disc. |
Compact body with a disc remaining in the flow path; pressure loss is generally low to moderate, depending on opening position. |
Large-diameter sea-water, ballast, cooling-water, ventilation, fire-main, and cargo piping systems. |
Lightweight and compact; quick quarter-turn operation; economical for large pipe sizes; available with manual or actuated operation. |
Disc remains partly exposed to the fluid; throttling can create turbulence; seat and material selection are important for corrosive or abrasive media. |
Wafer, lug, or flanged styles, according to the applicable installation standard. |
| Ball Valve |
Fast isolation |
A spherical closure element with a drilled passage rotates 90 degrees between open and closed positions. |
Full-port designs provide a nearly straight-through passage; reduced-port designs have a smaller internal opening. |
Fuel oil, lubricating oil, compressed air, freshwater, hydraulic, and instrument or utility lines where rapid shutoff is needed. |
Quick operation; compact construction; low pressure loss in full-port form; positive shutoff when correctly selected. |
Generally unsuitable for prolonged throttling; trapped fluid may remain in the body cavity; seat materials must match temperature and media conditions. |
Flanged, threaded, socket, or other ends depending on the marine piping specification. |
| Angle Valve |
Isolation or throttling with a directional change |
The inlet and outlet are arranged at an angle, commonly about 90 degrees, allowing the body to combine a valve function with a piping direction change. |
The angled body redirects the flow and may reduce the need for a separate elbow. |
Boiler, steam, drain, cooling, fuel, and compact machinery-space piping layouts. |
Saves installation space; can reduce the number of fittings; useful where piping direction must change near equipment. |
Flow resistance is usually greater than in a straight-pattern valve; installation direction and access must be checked carefully. |
Flanged, threaded, or other end configurations defined by the selected design. |
| Safety or Relief Valve |
Automatic overpressure protection |
A spring-loaded or otherwise loaded disc remains closed until system pressure reaches the set opening condition. |
Normally closed; the discharge path opens automatically to limit pressure and then reseats according to the design. |
Boilers, pressure vessels, compressed-air systems, hydraulic circuits, and other protected equipment. |
Provides automatic protection without operator intervention; can be selected for liquid, gas, or steam service. |
Set pressure, capacity, discharge routing, back pressure, and periodic testing require careful engineering and maintenance. |
Usually flanged or threaded, subject to pressure-system requirements and applicable marine rules. |