Which valve type is typically less restrictive than a globe valve?

A gate valve is designed to provide minimal resistance to flow when fully open. Its construction allows for unobstructed flow paths, making it particularly effective in applications requiring direct flow without significant pressure drop. When the gate is fully raised, the flow passes through the valve without interruption, which means it offers much lower resistance compared to a globe valve that can cause turbulence and pressure loss due to its design.

In contrast, globe valves have a design that is more restrictive because of their internal geometry, which forces the fluid to change direction. This leads to higher pressure drops across the valve when it is in an open position.

Ball valves also provide excellent flow characteristics, but gate valves are typically favored over ball valves for applications where the valve is either fully open or fully closed, due to the nature of their design.

Butterfly valves can also be less restrictive, but in many cases, their performance can be contingent on the specific application and the degree to which they are opened. It's important to understand these differences in valve types to select the appropriate one based on flow requirements.