The Butterfly Valve: Understanding Its Features, Types, and Applications

Posted by Aira Euro on March 3rd, 2023

Butterfly valves are widely used in various industries and applications because of their excellent control and shutoff capabilities. They are a type of quarter-turn valve that uses a circular disc as the closure element. This disc is positioned perpendicular to the flow and rotates around a shaft to control the flow rate. Butterfly valves come in different sizes, materials, and configurations to meet specific application requirements.

What is a Butterfly Valve?

A butterfly valve is a type of valve that controls the flow of fluids or gases through a pipe. It uses a flat disc or vane that rotates around an axis perpendicular to the flow to regulate the fluid flow. The disc is attached to a shaft that passes through the valve body and is operated by a handle, lever, or actuator. When the disc is parallel to the flow direction, the valve is fully open, and when it is perpendicular, the valve is fully closed.

Butterfly valves are typically lightweight, compact, and easy to install, making them a popular choice for applications where space is limited. They can be installed in any orientation, and their low head loss makes them energy-efficient. They are also suitable for applications that require frequent on/off cycles or throttling operations.

Types of Butterfly Valves

There are three main types of butterfly valves: the concentric, double offset, and triple offset butterfly valves.

Concentric Butterfly Valve

The concentric butterfly valve has a disc that is centered in the pipe and the stem passes through the center of the disc. This type of valve is suitable for low-pressure applications and offers excellent throttling capabilities. It is also the most cost-effective type of butterfly valve.

Double Offset Butterfly Valve

The double offset butterfly valve has a disc that is offset from the center of the pipe and the stem passes through the disc at an angle. This type of valve is suitable for high-pressure applications and offers improved shutoff capabilities compared to the concentric type. It also has a lower operating torque and longer service life.

Triple Offset Butterfly Valve

The triple offset butterfly valve has a disc that is offset from the center of the pipe and the stem passes through the disc at an angle, but with a different degree of inclination on each offset. This type of valve is suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications and offers excellent shutoff capabilities, minimal seat wear, and low operating torque. It is also suitable for abrasive and corrosive fluids.

Features and Advantages of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves offer several features and advantages that make them a popular choice in various applications.

Compact and Lightweight Design

Butterfly valves have a simple and compact design, making them lightweight and easy to install. They take up less space than other valve types and can be installed in any orientation.

Low Operating Torque

Butterfly valves have a low operating torque, which means they can be operated with smaller and less expensive actuators. As a result, they are more energy-efficient and cost-effective.

Excellent Flow Control

Butterfly valves offer excellent flow control capabilities due to their quarter-turn operation. They can be used for both on/off and throttling applications and provide precise control over the flow rate.

Low Head Loss

Butterfly valves have a low head loss, which means they do not impede the flow of fluid significantly. This makes them more energy-efficient than other valve types and reduces the cost of pumping.

Applications of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are used in various industries and applications offer several benefits over other valve types, making them a popular choice for many applications.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Butterfly valves are widely used in water and wastewater treatment plants due to their excellent control and shutoff capabilities. They can handle corrosive and abrasive fluids and are suitable for both on/off and throttling applications. They are commonly used in applications such as pumping stations, filter beds, and chemical dosing systems.

HVAC Systems

Butterfly valves are commonly used in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to control the flow of air and water. They are ideal for applications that require frequent adjustments to the flow rate and provide precise control over the temperature and humidity of the indoor environment.

Chemical and Petrochemical Industries

Butterfly valves are suitable for use in the chemical and petrochemical industries due to their ability to handle corrosive and abrasive fluids. They are commonly used in applications such as processing plants, pipelines, and storage tanks. Triple offset butterfly valves are particularly well-suited for high-pressure and high-temperature applications in these industries.

Food and Beverage Industry

Butterfly valves are commonly used in the food and beverage industry due to their ability to handle a wide range of fluids and their ease of cleaning. They are suitable for applications such as processing, filling, and packaging. The concentric butterfly valve is often used in the food and beverage industry due to its low cost and excellent throttling capabilities.

Marine Applications

Butterfly valves are commonly used in marine applications due to their lightweight and compact design. They are suitable for applications such as ballast systems, cooling water systems, and fuel systems. Double offset butterfly valves are often used in marine applications due to their improved shutoff capabilities.

Conclusion

Butterfly valves are versatile and reliable type of valve that offers several benefits over other valve types. They are suitable for a wide range of industries and applications and provide excellent control and shutoff capabilities. Understanding the different types of butterfly valves and their features and advantages can help you choose the right valve for your specific application. Whether you are in the water treatment industry, chemical industry, HVAC industry, or any other industry that requires fluid control, butterfly valves can provide an effective and efficient solution.