Which type of valve is considered unsuitable for high-pressure flow?

Needle valves are designed for precise flow control, making them useful for applications that require delicate adjustments. However, they are not suitable for high-pressure flow situations due to several factors associated with their design. Needle valves typically have a small orifice that can easily become clogged or damaged under high-pressure conditions, affecting their performance and reliability. The narrow passage can also lead to increased wear and tear due to the turbulence and stress from high-pressure fluid passing through, potentially causing leaks or failures.

In contrast, ball valves, gate valves, and butterfly valves are generally more robust and capable of handling higher pressures. Ball valves are designed for quick shut-off and can withstand high pressures without degrading. Gate valves allow for full flow with minimal pressure drop, while butterfly valves are useful for throttling and can also handle fairly high pressures when appropriately sized. Therefore, needle valves are recognized as less suitable for applications that involve high-pressure operation.