Butterfly Valve Benefits
For many applications, the simple design of butterfly valves translates to impressive performance benefits. Some key advantages include:
Affordability
Affordability
With their simple design, these valves are economical to manufacture, install, and maintain.
Easy Rotational Motion
Easy Rotational Motion
Since they rotate easily, they can be activated quickly for reliable performance.
Lightweight And Space-Saving
Lightweight And Space-Saving
Butterfly valves are lightweight, and their small footprint reduces the need for piping support. This also eliminates the need for special installation equipment and reduces labor costs.
Superior Sealing Capabilities
Superior Sealing Capabilities
Butterfly valves achieve a tight, reliable seal, even in heavy-duty applications.
Versatility
Versatility
Butterfly valves are suitable for many environments, including underground usage.
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Affordability
Affordability
With their simple design, these valves are economical to manufacture, install, and maintain.
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Easy Rotational Motion
Easy Rotational Motion
Since they rotate easily, they can be activated quickly for reliable performance.
-
Lightweight And Space-Saving
Lightweight And Space-Saving
Butterfly valves are lightweight, and their small footprint reduces the need for piping support. This also eliminates the need for special installation equipment and reduces labor costs.
-
Superior Sealing Capabilities
Superior Sealing Capabilities
Butterfly valves achieve a tight, reliable seal, even in heavy-duty applications.
-
Versatility
Versatility
Butterfly valves are suitable for many environments, including underground usage.
Common Industrial Applications
Many industries require butterfly valves for their space-saving, reliable performance. Some of the most common industrial applications include:
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HVAC Systems
Butterfly valves offer precise control over water flow within air handling units, chillers, and cooling towers.
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Chemical Processing
They control the flow of hazardous chemicals and flammable liquids, including applications that require a regulated flow of substances for precise dosing.
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Plumbing
They provide reliable water shut-off, prevent backflow, and adjust water pressure.
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Pulp And Paper
Butterfly valves control the flow of water, steam, and corrosive substances involved in paper production.
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Power Generation
Butterfly valves regulate liquids and gases during various stages of energy generation. They are used in nuclear, thermal, and renewable power plants to control the intake of water to turbines, manage flue gas flow, and more.
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Oil And Gas
Butterfly valves are used as isolation valves in pipelines to prevent fluids from flowing into certain areas.
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Water And Wastewater Treatment
Within sewage networks and water supply treatment systems, these valves facilitate filtration, disinfection, and sedimentation processes.
Selecting The Best Butterfly Valve Type For Your Application
Butterfly valves are categorized into two types: wafer-style and lug-style. These designs are not interchangeable, and each type is suitable for specific applications.
Wafer-Style Butterfly Valves
This type of butterfly valve features an external four-hole design that aligns with the connected pipe. The valve must be clamped between two flanges in the piping system, creating an exceptionally strong seal. They cannot be used for end-of- line service or as pipe ends but are compatible with electric and pneumatic actuation.
Lug-Style Butterfly Valves
Lug-style valves can be used in end-of-line service applications, however a blind flange is sometimes needed. They feature threaded tapped lugs on the flanges for bolt connections and are compatible with either electric or pneumatic actuation. Their larger size can make them more challenging to install in space-constrained settings. Lug-style butterfly valves are commonly used in water treatment, process control, and paper production applications.
Butterfly Valve Parts
Both butterfly valve types feature simple designs comprised of the same basic parts:
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Valve Body
Valve Body
Found between pipe flanges, the body holds the valve’s components. It’s commonly available with double lug, flanged, or wafer end connections for installation.
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Disc
Disc
Connected to the body of the valve and a rotating stem, the disc opens and closes within the valve to regulate fluid flow. Depending on the material composition, orientation, and overall design, discs have varying capabilities for improved sealing, flow, and torque.
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Seat
Seat
Valve seats line the inside face of the valve body, creating a structure for the disc to press against when closed. The seat helps form a tight seal to shut off flow.
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Stem
Stem
The stem is a shaft attached to the disc. It transfers the torque of actuation motion, enabling the disc to open and close.
Exploring Butterfly Valve Design Options
Custom butterfly valve design options can satisfy a wide range of installation and functional requirements. Select from various disc closure, pipe connection, and actuation methods depending on your application’s needs.
