When is a needle valve typically used?

A needle valve is specifically designed for precise flow control, making it particularly effective when fine adjustments of flow are required. The long, tapered needle of the valve seat enables very gradual and accurate changes to the flow rate, which is essential in applications where maintaining a specific flow or pressure is crucial, such as in instrumentation systems or delicate processes.

In contrast, other types of valves may be more suited for different purposes, such as quick shut-off or handling large volumes. For example, ball valves are generally preferred for quick shut-off situations because they can open and close rapidly with minimal resistance. Therefore, when the need arises for precise control rather than swift action or handling high volumes or pressures, the needle valve stands out as the ideal choice.