Introduction to Butterfly Valves


Butterfly valve is used in fluid flow systems to regulate fluid flow. The operation of this valve is similar to that of “ball valve” which used for quick shut off.
Butterfly valve consists of a disc which is positioned at the center of a pipe. A rod passes through the disc is connected to an actuator on the outside of the valve. The disc can be turned either parallel or perpendicular to the flow by rotating the actuator and thus regulate the flow. The valve can be fully open or close by rotating the disc quarter turn, hence it is classified as quarter-turn valve.
Butterfly valves are generally favored because of its lightweight and low cost. Butterfly valves are commonly used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and food industries to interrupt product flow with in the process. Butterfly valves replaced ball valves in the petroleum industry due to its low cost and waste of install action.


Advantages of Butterfly Valves:
1.    They are small and Operate (i.e. open & closed) very quickly.
2.    They are quite reliable & require less maintain ace.
3.    Butterfly valves are easy and fast to open.
4.    Butterfly valves are relatively inexpensive to build.
5.    Butterfly valves have less space requirements.
6.    Butterfly Valves are generally associated with reduced maintenance.

Disadvantages of Butterfly Valves:
One disadvantage of butterfly valves is that some portion of the disc is always presented to the flow, even when fully opened. The use of a butterfly valve therefore always results in a pressure switch across the valve, regardless of the setting.
How a Butterfly Valves is Operated:
Butterfly valves can be configured to operate manually, electronically or pneumatically. Pneumatic valves operate most rapidly. Electronic valves require a signal to the gearbox to open or close, while pneumatic valves can be either single or double actuated. Butterfly valves operate like other quarter turn valves. Understanding the way, a basic butterfly valve works is pretty simple. It can help you to learn more about the components of valves.

Butterfly Valve Applications

Butterfly valves can be used across a wide range of applications. They perform well in large volume water applications and slurry applications. The following are some typical applications of Butterfly valves:
  • Cooling water, air, gases, fire protection etc.
  • Slurry and similar services
  • Vacuum service
  • High-pressure and high-temperature water and steam services
  • Compressed Air or Gas Applications



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