When should angle valves be preferred over standard globe valves?

• A. They increase flow capacity.
• B. They improve temperature stability.
• C. They moderate pressure drop within the valve.
• D. They reduce friction losses.

Answer: (C)

Understanding how valve geometry affects pressure loss is essential in valve selection. The pressure drop across a valve comes from flow restrictions and turbulence inside the valve as fluid moves from inlet to outlet. An angle valve redirects flow at 90 degrees, creating a smoother turn and a shorter, less obstructed path compared with a straight globe valve. This configuration tends to reduce the energy lost during throttling, so at a given opening you get a more moderate, controlled pressure drop across the valve. That’s why an angle valve is preferred when the goal is to moderate the pressure drop within the valve itself. The other options aren’t the main rationale: increasing flow capacity would require a larger valve or a different design, temperature stability isn’t typically affected by this valve geometry, and while some improvements occur, the primary point is the moderated pressure drop rather than general friction losses.