Which type of valve should be chosen for a system requiring minimal flow resistance?

In a system where minimal flow resistance is a priority, the solid wedge disk gate valve is the most suitable choice. This type of valve is specifically designed to provide a straight-through flow path when fully open, which significantly reduces turbulence and resistance compared to other valve types. The construction of gate valves allows them to handle large volumes of flow with minimal obstruction, making them ideal for applications where efficiency is key.

When the gate valve is fully opened, it presents very little obstruction to the flow, effectively minimizing the pressure drop across the valve. This characteristic is essential in systems that need to maintain high flow rates or where energy efficiency is a concern.

In contrast, other valve types like globe valves and butterfly valves inherently have higher flow resistance. Globe valves are designed for throttling and control purposes, which means they are not fully optimized for minimal flow resistance. Butterfly valves, while better than some other types in this regard, still introduce more resistance due to their design compared to a gate valve.

Choosing a solid wedge disk gate valve ensures that the system experiences the least amount of flow hindrance, thus enhancing overall performance and efficiency.