There are a few good and known general handbooks floating around including;-
These cover the major types - gate, globe, check, control, plug, ball etc.

The Valve Primer - Brent T Stojkov
Valve Selection Handbook - R W Zappe
Valve Handbook - Philip L Skousen

A very good book for control valves is the Emerson Control Valve Handbook - available FOC on the Emerson website (also known as the Fisher Control Valve Handbook), Also has information on actuation.

Per ISO-4126, only the term Safety Valve is used regardless of application or design.

Thanks for the help.

I stumbled onto the Stojkov's "Valve Primer", it is an excellent, concise treatment. Similarly, Fisher's "Control Valve Handbook" has a lot of great information.

What started this was my ignorance on the difference between T(Z) pattern globe and y-pattern in applications. On consulting the manufacturer, I was told that it was mostly economic. However, I did know there was a difference in Cv which under certain circumstances (need back pressure).

fatherjoe, You may find the answer in one of these books or even if you post that specific question here in the forum. If you need to get any of these books, you may want to try Amazon, abebooks.com etc., to see any used offers and/or reviews by readers which may make your decision easier. Always try Google of course to see if there are any complimentary pdf copies going. I'm no expert on Control Valves but do believe the different body patterns may be done to minimise that often talked about problem issue with Control Valves, namely Cavitation. The shape certainly bears on the Cv.

Per ISO-4126, only the term Safety Valve is used regardless of application or design.