Which type of valve is commonly used for applications requiring precise flow control?

The needle valve is designed specifically for applications that require precise flow control. This type of valve has a small port and a long, tapered seat, which allows for a high level of adjustability and fine control over the flow of fluid. When operations demand a careful and accurate manipulation of fluid flow, the needle valve excels due to its ability to make small adjustments effectively. This precision is critical in various applications, such as instrumentation and laboratory settings, where maintaining exact flow rates is essential.

In contrast, while other valve types like the butterfly and globe valves can also regulate flow, they do not provide the same level of precision. A gate valve is primarily used for on/off control and is not suitable for throttling, which makes it less effective for applications requiring careful flow adjustments.