Each of these three is built for a different job, and using one outside its purpose shortens its life.
Gate valve — isolation
Fully open, the gate withdraws from the flow path, leaving an unobstructed bore and almost no pressure drop. Designed strictly for open or shut. Running one partly open causes vibration and accelerated seat wear.
Globe valve — regulation
The disc moves perpendicular to the seat, giving fine, repeatable throttling control. The trade-off is a higher pressure drop even when fully open.
Butterfly valve — compact isolation and throttling
A single disc rotates 90° within the bore. Short face-to-face length, light weight and fast quarter-turn operation. Handles both duties, which makes it the practical choice on larger lines where a gate valve would be too heavy or too tall.
And the others
Ball valves for fast, tight shut-off. Check valves to prevent reverse flow. Strainers to catch debris before it reaches a pump or meter.
