How Long Does Globe Valve Take To Open and Close

When engineers choose a globe valve, they often focus on accuracy, pressure control, and durability. But once the valve is installed, another question always comes up during commissioning:
“How long does this valve actually take to open and close?”

It sounds simple, yet the answer influences everything—from system safety to actuator selection. In this guide, we break it down clearly and practically, based on engineering experience, manufacturer data, and real usage in industrial plants.

Why Globe Valves Don’t Move as Fast as You Think

Unlike a ball valve or butterfly valve that rotates a quarter turn, a globe valve must move the stem up and down through a long travel path. This longer stroke is the reason globe valves respond more slowly—but it’s also why they control flow so precisely.

If your system needs gentle opening, stable throttling, and reduced risk of water hammer, this slower motion is actually an advantage.

Typical Opening and Closing Times

Every globe valve is different, but industry experience provides reliable timing ranges.

1. Manual Globe Valves: The Human-Powered Option

Most manual globe valves take 8 to 45 seconds to open or close.

• Small sizes (DN15–DN50): 8–15 seconds

• Medium sizes (DN65–DN150): 15–30 seconds

• Large sizes (DN200–DN300): 30–45 seconds

Because the stem requires many turns, the operator’s strength and speed always play a role.

2. Electric Actuated Globe Valves: Designed for Control

Electric actuators are steady and predictable, making them ideal for flow regulation.

Operating time: 20–120 seconds

• Small and medium valves: 20–45 seconds

• Larger valves: 45–120 seconds

Manufacturers often slow down electric actuators intentionally to protect the valve seat and prevent water hammer.

3. Pneumatic Actuated Globe Valves: When Speed Matters

When a system needs “fast action,” pneumatic actuators are the preferred choice.

Operating time: 1–5 seconds for quick-acting systems
Up to 10–15 seconds for standard process control

They are widely used in steam plants, chemical lines, and applications requiring emergency shutoff.

What Determines the Actual Speed

Several factors influence how fast a globe valve operates:

• Valve size: Larger valves mean longer stem travel

• Actuator torque or air supply: More force = faster movement

• Differential pressure: Higher pressure slows motion

• Valve design: Some bonnet and seat structures increase resistance

• System protection requirements: Slow opening may be mandatory to avoid surges

By understanding these variables, you can choose the right timing for your system instead of relying on assumptions.

Choosing the Right Operating Time for Your Project

If your application involves:

• precise control → choose electric actuators with moderate speed

• emergency shutdown → choose pneumatic actuators

• manual operations → expect slower cycles but lower cost

• high-pressure conditions → avoid overly fast closing to reduce stress

Matching valve speed to system behavior is one of the easiest ways to improve stability and extend valve life.