Which type of valve is known to have the highest friction loss to water flow?

The globe valve is recognized for having the highest friction loss due to its design, which features a spherical body that creates significant resistance to fluid flow. When water passes through a globe valve, it must make several directional changes, which increases turbulence and pressure drop. This design is primarily intended for throttling applications, where precise flow control is necessary, rather than for full open or closed positions. The internal structure of the globe valve, including the seat and disc configuration, leads to greater friction losses compared to other types of valves.

In contrast, gate valves are designed to provide minimal resistance when fully open, making them better suited for applications where a straight flow path is important. Ball valves also have a design that allows for very low friction loss when fully open, as they present a smooth passageway for the flow. Check valves generally have less friction loss since they are designed for one-way flow and don't have the same restrictive elements as a globe valve. The design and intended function of each valve type significantly impact the amount of friction loss experienced during water flow, with the globe valve being the most restrictive.