7 Types of Gas Valves Used in the Oil & Gas Industry
Last updated: May 2026
Reviewed by the Norgas Controls technical team. Norgas Controls supplies gas regulators, valves, meters, and gas control equipment for commercial, industrial, utility, and OEM applications across Canada and North America.
Keeping the flow of oil and gas in pipelines is a monumental task and requires several reliable pieces of equipment. Gas valves are one of these crucial components. Without gas valves, the oil and gas industry could not ensure that crude oil, refined gas, natural gas, and other materials get to their destination.
Gas valves are used to isolate equipment, control flow, prevent backflow, protect systems from unsafe pressure conditions, and support safe operation in natural gas, propane, oil and industrial fuel systems.
The right valve depends on the application, gas type, pressure, flow requirements, shut-off needs, safety requirements, and installation environment.
Learn the basics of valves, including seven common types used within the oil and gas industry, to better understand what is required for the smooth and safe flow of materials.
What is a Gas Valve?
A gas valve is a device used to regulate the flow of oil and gas. Opening or closing an aperture controls the amount of liquids and gases allowed through pipes. The valve controls the flow of fluids by stopping and starting, adjusting the amounts, controlling the direction, regulating pressure, or relieving pressure.
No two environments are the same. Some are highly corrosive. At the same time, others function under constant high pressure. Because of these variants, many different types of valves have been developed over the decades. Each type of valve has its own advantages and disadvantages. Successful operation and application require understanding the different types and uses within the gas and oil industry.
Types of Gas Valves and How They Are Used
There are several types of gas valves because of the different environments in which they are used. Below is a breakdown of seven kinds commonly used in the oil and gas industry.
Gas Valve Comparison Table
| Valve Type | Main Function | Best Used For | Not Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate Valve | Full open/full close isolation | Isolation in pipelines | Throttling |
| Globe Valve | Flow regulation | Throttling and pressure control | Applications needing low pressure drop |
| Check Valve | Preventing reverse flow | Backflow prevention | Manual shut-off |
| Plug Valve | Quick shut-off | Gas distribution and rugged applications | Precise flow control |
| Ball Valve | Fast shut-off with tight sealing | Natural gas and fuel gas systems | Fine throttling |
| Butterfly Valve | Compact flow control | Large-diameter piping | Some high-seal applications |
| Slam-Shut Valve | Automatic safety shut-off | Overpressure or underpressure protection | General flow regulation |
Below are more details about each of these types of gas valves.
1. Gate Valves
The gate valve may be the most commonly used in the industry. It uses a gate system to fully open or close a pipeline. This is an excellent choice if the flow rate needs to be controlled and maintained. When the actuator completely opens the valve, the channel is unobstructed, allowing even slurry fluids like crude oil to flow more easily. While it is not an ideal candidate if throttling is required in an application, there is no noticeable pressure drop when this valve is used.
When to choose a gate valve: Choose a gate valve when the main need is full pipeline isolation with minimal obstruction when the valve is fully open.
2. Globe Valves
When pressure control is necessary, the globe valve is frequently chosen. It is also often used for open and close operations. The valve plug sits vertically, raised and lowered by the actuator as needed. They tend to create a more significant pressure drop than other valve types because of the S-shaped passageway within them. They are a good choice for flow regulation and throttling functions.
When to choose a globe valve: Choose a globe valve when the application requires throttling, flow regulation, or pressure control and the system can tolerate a higher pressure drop.
3. Check Valves
Gas refineries find check valves extremely helpful as the device opens under pressure and does not allow backflow of fluid or material. Because of the restricted backflow, cross-contamination of the product is prevented. That is, different materials can use the same pipeline. There is no need for an actuator as required in other valve types. However, it does need precise installation to ensure the response to fluid pressure occurs as required.
When to choose a check valve: Choose a check valve when the system needs automatic backflow prevention without manual operation.
4. Plug Valves
The plug valve comprises a plug-shaped disc with a horizontal passageway bored through it. When the linear valve is open, fluid will move through the hole. Turning the actuator 90 degrees from the open position blocks any flow through the pipeline. This valve is not suggested for throttling functions but is ideal for unrefined oil products as found in biogas production.
When to choose a plug valve: Choose a plug valve when a fast quarter-turn shut-off is required in gas distribution or rugged service conditions.
See Plug Valves from Norgas Controls
5. Ball Valves
Ball valves are rotary valves that give pipelines fast shut-offs where tight sealing is often required. They are best suited for operation under fully open or fully closed positions as they do not offer reasonable regulation control or throttle functions. This type of valve comes in many different styles, which provides options within the industry. For example, a floating ball valve works better in low-to-medium pressure pipelines, and trunnion ball valves can handle high-pressure conditions. These are easy to repair, offer solid sealing, and provide quick shut-offs.
When to choose a ball valve: Choose a ball valve when the system requires fast shut-off, tight sealing, and reliable open-or-closed operation in natural gas or fuel gas service.
See Ball Valves from Norgas Controls
6. Butterfly Valves
These valves are simple in their construction, lightweight, and compact. They use a disc-type element held by a rod to regulate flow. They can handle high-pressure pipelines and allow easy flow of materials. When they are closed, they shut tightly. Often, these are used in pipes with large diameters and where a gate valve is not applicable.
When to choose a butterfly valve: Choose a butterfly valve when a compact, lightweight valve is needed for larger-diameter piping or space-sensitive installations.
7. Slam-shut Valves
These valves provide additional safety for the equipment either upstream or downstream from them. This type of valve may be found immediately before a regulator and is designed to remain open until a significant pressure change is detected. It then immediately shuts off the flow and must be reopened manually. They are sometimes referred to as relief and safety valves and are vital to the oil and gas industry in avoiding accidents and injuries.
When to choose a slam-shut valve: Choose a slam-shut valve when the system requires automatic safety shut-off in response to pressure conditions outside the acceptable range.
See Slam-shut valves from Norgas Controls
For pressure protection and system safety, relief valves may also be relevant depending on the application.
How to Choose the Right Gas Valve for Your Application
Because gas valves come in many different types and provide various functionalities, choosing the best one may be challenging. It is helpful to consider the primary function under which it will be used. Does the environment involve much pressure? Is there a need for additional safety measures provided by a slam-shut valve? Can the actuator be automated, or does it require only manual movement?
Additionally, consider the environment in which the valve will need to function. By asking questions and taking the working environment into account, it is feasible to determine the best valve for the process at hand. The answers will indicate the type of materials best suited for the function.
Shut-Off vs. Flow Control
Ball valves, plug valves, and gate valves are commonly used when the main requirement is shut-off or isolation. Globe valves and butterfly valves may be used for flow control depending on the system design and operating conditions.
Pressure Requirements
Valve selection should account for operating pressure, maximum allowable pressure, pressure drop, and whether the system requires pressure protection through devices such as slam-shut valves or relief valves.
Gas Type and Application
The appropriate valve depends on whether the system handles natural gas, propane, fuel gas, industrial gas, oil, or other process media. Compatibility with the fluid, temperature, and installation environment should always be reviewed.
Manual vs. Automatic Operation
Some valves are manually operated for routine isolation or service work, while safety devices, such as slam-shut valves, are designed to close automatically when pressure exceeds or falls below the acceptable range.
Safety and Compliance
Gas valve selection should reflect the system design, applicable standards, safety requirements, and professional installation practices. When in doubt, confirm the valve type and specification with a qualified gas control specialist.
Regulator and Meter Sizing Tips
For systems that also include regulators, meters, filters, or strainers, valve selection should be reviewed as part of the full gas train. Proper sizing helps support safe flow, pressure control, and long-term system performance.
Gas Valve FAQs
Ball valves and plug valves are commonly used for shut-off applications because they provide fast operation and reliable closure.
A check valve is used to help prevent reverse flow in a pipeline or gas system.
Ball valves are commonly used for fast shut-off with tight sealing, while plug valves are often used in rugged gas distribution and industrial applications where simple quarter-turn operation is needed.
Learn more about the key differences between a plug valve and a ball valve.
Gate valves are mainly used for full open or full closed isolation, while globe valves are better suited for throttling, flow regulation, and pressure control.
No. The valve must be compatible with the gas type, pressure range, temperature, flow requirements, and applicable codes or standards. Always confirm the valve rating and application before installation.
You should contact a specialist when you are unsure about valve type, pressure rating, sizing, gas compatibility, safety shut-off requirements, or how the valve fits into the full gas train.
For more than 30 years, Norgas Controls has provided the Canadian gas industry with quality valves, including slam-shut valves, gas shut-off ball valves, and gas plug valves. Contact us anytime for more information about our gas valves or any other product we carry. Our team is friendly and knowledgeable, standing ready to answer your questions and help obtain the best equipment for your project.
Need help choosing the right gas valve?
Selecting the proper valve depends on your gas type, pressure, flow requirements, safety needs, and installation environment. Contact Norgas Controls to discuss plug valves, ball valves, slam-shut valves, and other gas control products for your application.
