Class 5 Boiler Practice Exam

Which type of valve is generally used for managing steam?

1. Globe valve

2. Gate valve

3. Check valve

4. Ball valve

The correct answer is: Globe valve

A globe valve is generally used for managing steam due to its design, which allows for effective regulation of flow. The globe valve features a spherical body and an internal baffle that creates a throttling effect, enabling precise control over the flow of steam and other fluids. This is particularly important in applications involving steam, where controlling pressure and flow is critical for safe and efficient operation. In contrast, gate valves are primarily designed for on-off control and are not well-suited for throttling because they provide less resistance to flow in the fully open position, which may lead to issues in managing steam effectively. Check valves, on the other hand, are used to prevent backflow and do not offer flow regulation capabilities, making them unsuitable for managing steam. Ball valves are often used for quick on-off applications due to their ability to provide a tight seal but lack the fine control capabilities ideal for regulating steam flow. Therefore, the globe valve stands out as the most appropriate choice for managing steam in a system where flow control is necessary.