11 Types Of Butterfly Valves And Their Characteristics
Butterfly valves are a type of quarter-turn valve used to regulate the flow of fluids in various industries. They are named after their distinctive disc, which resembles the wings of a butterfly. Here are 11 types of butterfly valves and their characteristics:
Wafer Butterfly Valve:
Thin, wafer-like design with a central disc that fits between two flanges in the pipeline.
Space-saving and suitable for low-pressure applications.
Quick operation due to the quarter-turn mechanism.
Less expensive compared to other types.
Lug Butterfly Valve:
Similar to the wafer valve but with threaded inserts (Lugs) on both sides of the valve.
Offers the ability to remove one side of the valve without disrupting the pipeline.
Suitable for dead-end service or where pipe alignment adjustments are necessary.
Double Offset Butterfly Valve:
The disc is positioned eccentrically to the center of the valve seat.
Provides a tight seal with less wear on the valve seat.
Suitable for high-pressure applications and throttling.
Triple Offset Butterfly Valve:
Advanced version of the double offset valve.
The third offset creates a cam-like action for bubble-tight sealing.
Used in critical applications requiring zero leakage, high temperatures, and pressures.
High-Performance Butterfly Valve:
Designed for applications where bubble-tight shut-off is required.
Available in various materials, suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Resilient-Seated Butterfly Valve:
The seat is made of resilient materials like rubber or PTFE.
Provides a bubble-tight shut-off in low-pressure applications.
Suitable for water and air applications.
Metal-Seated Butterfly Valve:
The seat is made of metal, providing excellent durability and resistance to high temperatures and abrasive media.
Suitable for harsh environments such as high-temperature gases and abrasive fluids.
PTFE-lined Butterfly Valve:
The body and disc are lined with PTFE, providing excellent chemical resistance.
Ideal for handling corrosive media in chemical and petrochemical industries.
Center-Disc Butterfly Valve:
The disc is located at the center of the valve body, offering equal bi-directional flow.
Suitable for applications requiring a symmetrical flow pattern.
Eccentric-Disc Butterfly Valve:
The disc is offset from the center of the valve body.
Provides reduced friction during operation and improves flow control.
Concentric-Disc Butterfly Valve:
The disc is centered in the valve body, allowing a straight, unobstructed flow path.
Suitable for low-pressure applications with minimal pressure drop.
Keep in mind that each type of butterfly valve has its advantages and limitations. The choice of valve depends on the specific application, operating conditions, and medium being handled. Always consult with a valve expert or engineer to select the most suitable butterfly valve for your particular requirements.
