Valve Selection Guides: How to Choose the Right Valve

Choosing a valve starts with the right type for the service, then the right size, seat, material and actuation for the job. These step-by-step guides walk through the decision path for each major valve family. Each guide is educational only and does not recommend any brand or manufacturer.

Quarter-Turn Valves

Multi-Turn Valves

Self-Operating and Automatic Valves

How to Use These Guides

Start with the valve family that matches the service you are sizing: use the gate and ball guides for isolation, the globe and control guides for throttling, and the check guide wherever reverse flow is a risk. Within each guide, the Quick Selection Table gives a fast first pass; the Key Decision Points explain why each choice matters. Cross-check the service conditions — pressure, temperature, media and actuation — before committing to a type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which valve type is best for on/off isolation?
Gate and ball valves are the most common choices for isolation duty. Gate valves suit clean, low-frequency service; ball valves give a faster quarter-turn shutoff. See the ball valve and gate valve guides.

Which valve is best for throttling and control?
Globe valves are the typical choice for throttling because of their predictable flow characteristic. Control valves add an actuator and positioner for modulating duty. See the globe valve and control valve guides.

How do I stop reverse flow in a line?
A check valve opens in one direction and closes automatically against reverse flow. Swing, lift, dual-plate and ball checks suit different velocities and orientations. See the check valve guide.

Are these guides updated?
Yes. New selection guides are added to this page as they are published, so check back for additional valve families and selection topics.

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This article provides general educational knowledge only and is not professional engineering advice.