Category Archive: Butterfly Valves

Wafer vs. Lug-Style Butterfly Valves

Posted by RWVC on | Comments Off on Wafer vs. Lug-Style Butterfly Valves

A butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that controls the flow of a product in a pipeline. From pharmaceuticals to manufacturing and food processing, the valve has a variety of applications and can be used to limit solid, liquid, or gas material flow.

Butterfly valves are usually grouped into two types: lug-style and wafer-style. These mechanical components are not interchangeable and have distinct advantages and applications. The following guide explains the differences between the two butterfly valve types and how to select the right valve for your needs.

Lug-Style Butterfly Valve

Lug-style butterfly valves are usually composed of metal such as ductile iron or steel. They feature threaded tapped lugs positioned on the valve flanges for bolt connections.

Lug-style butterfly valves are suitable for end-of-line service but a blind flange is always recommended. Lug-style butterfly valves are manufactured to be compatible with either pneumatic or electric actuation. Disc and seat material should be determined based on application and flow media.

Wafer-Style Butterfly Valve

Most wafer-style butterfly valves are engineered with four holes that align with the connected pipeline. The valve is designed to clamp between two flanges in your pipe work. Most wafer butterfly valves fit the majority of flange standards. The rubber or EPDM valve seat creates an exceptionally strong seal between the valve and flange connection.

Unlike lug-style butterfly valves, wafer-style butterfly valves cannot be used as pipe ends or end-of-line service. The entire line must be shut down if either side of the valve requires maintenance. Wafer style butterfly valves are manufactured to be compatible with either pneumatic or electric actuation. Disc and seat material should be determined based on application and flow media.

Water Style

Industrial Applications

Butterfly valves are used in a variety of industries, including:

  • Oil and gas
  • Chemical processing
  • Water and wastewater processing and transportation
  • Food processing
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Manufacturing
  • Shipbuilding and shipyards
  • HVAC

Choosing between a lug-style butterfly valve and wafer-style butterfly valve depends on your project specifications. For more information about butterfly valves and selecting the right part for your needs, contact RED-WHITE VALVE CORP. today.