A valve is a device that controls the way a fluid flows through a pipe. Valves can slow or stop the flow of fluid, as well as allowing the fluid to flow freely. A GLOBE VALVE is a particular type of valve that regulates fluid within a pipeline. It traditionally has a round, globe-shaped body, one flat piece, and one immovable ring that the flat piece can fit into to close the pipe. Currently, however, few globe valves have the traditional round body-shape. The term globe valve still refers to any valve that contains the same mechanism for allowing or preventing the flow of fluid through the valve.

A device called a baffle bisects the body of the globe valve. A baffle is a device that is used to stop the flow of fluid, and is composed of a two main parts. These two parts are a plug and a seat. The plug, also called a disk, fits into the ring-shaped seat, in order to form the completed baffle. When the plug is fitted into the seat, it stops the flow of water. The plug can be left in any position from completely closed, to completely open, depending on the required flow of fluid.

There are two types of globe valves: automatic and manual. Automatic globe valves do not have threaded stems, since they are not opened or shut manually. In automated globe valves, the plug has a sliding stem, which is smooth. The stem of an automatic globe valve is used to open or close the baffle with a mechanical device called an actuator.

Manually controlled globe valves also have a stem attached to the baffle, but the stem is threaded. This allows the valve to be manually opened and closed by means of a hand-wheel. In the event that the valve needs to be opened or shut, the wheel is turned by hand, until the baffle is opened to the correct degree.