All globe valves utilize the “port closure” concept of valves. By this it meant that fluid passes through a specific opening (rather than a general passageway, as in the case of gate valves), and the fluid is controlled by means of a stem-mounted disc or inserted plug in that area.

Despite of lacking the straight through, unobstructed passageway of the gate valve, these globe types are superior in two key aspects - throttling and serviceability under frequent use. They are better at the throttling function because they permit fluid to exit uniformly around the circumference of a seat, rather than “slicing” down to limit passage through a narrowly restricted area.