In pipe systems, butterfly valves are widely used due to their high cost-effectiveness and compact installation space. These valves are found in various industrial fields. This article will provide a detailed introduction to butterfly valves, covering their working principles, types, advantages, and applications.
For more information on choosing the right sanitary fittings and valves for your industry, check out How to Choose the Right Sanitary Fittings & Valves for Your Industry.
A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve that controls and regulates the flow of fluid in a pipe system. The main structures of a butterfly valve include an actuator, a valve stem, a valve disc, a valve seat, a valve body sealing, and a valve body.
It refers to the driving device that drives the butterfly valve, which usually has four types: manual, electric, pneumatic and hydraulic. Manual is the simplest driving force and the cheapest. The other three driving forces are very suitable for use with automation systems, and the cost is relatively high.
The valve stem is the component that connects the actuator and the valve disc. By operating the valve stem, the valve disc connected to it can be controlled to rotate, achieving the effect of controlling the opening and closing of the butterfly valve. Usually, there are certain requirements for the strength and durability of the valve stem, otherwise it is easy to cause mechanical wear and affect the operation of the butterfly valve.
The valve disc is an important part inside the butterfly valve, connected to the valve stem. The valve disc rotates to control the opening and closing of the butterfly valve, allowing or preventing the flow of fluid. Depending on the different fluids and media, the material of the valve disc is also different. Common materials include stainless steel, rubber, etc.
The valve seat is usually in close contact with the valve disc, providing a tight sealing effect. When the butterfly valve is closed, it fits tightly with the valve disc to ensure a good sealing effect. There are different material options depending on the type of media.
This component is usually located at the connection between the valve body and the pipe to ensure the sealing of the pipe and the valve to prevent leakage. To ensure the sealing effect, the durability of valve body sealing must be excellent.
The valve disc inside the butterfly valve is rotated 90 degrees by operating the valve stem. At this time, the valve disc is parallel to the flow direction of the fluid in the pipe system, and the butterfly valve is in a fully open state, allowing the fluid to pass smoothly.
When the valve disc is rotated 90 degrees again so that the valve disc is perpendicular to the flow direction of the fluid, the valve seat and the valve disc form a tight seal, the butterfly valve is in a completely closed state, and the fluid cannot pass through.
Butterfly valves can be classified based on their connection method and operation mode.
Installed between two pipes using bolts, the wafer-type valve is easy to install. It also provides bidirectional pressure sealing, making it suitable for medium- and low-pressure systems.
Featuring lugs on the valve body, the lug-type valve is also connected to the pipe with bolts. It allows for maintenance at one end without interrupting fluid flow, offering great flexibility.
This valve has a flange on its body, enabling it to be connected via flange bolts. It is ideal for large-diameter pipes and high-pressure systems.
The simplest and most cost-effective option, this valve is operated by a handle or lever and is suitable for systems without automation needs.
These valves can be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, offering various automation and control options.
Butterfly valves offer several benefits, making them a popular choice in many pipe systems:
Butterfly valves are lightweight and compact, taking up less space and reducing the overall weight on the pipe system.
These valves can open and close quickly with just a 90-degree rotation of the valve stem.
Butterfly valves are affordable, making them a cost-effective solution for many systems.
With their simple design, butterfly valves are easy to maintain, which reduces overall maintenance costs.
Butterfly valves are used across various industries, including petroleum, water supply, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. They come in different materials and sealing types to suit various pressures and environments. For example, stainless steel butterfly valves are ideal for corrosive environments due to their excellent resistance and durability.
If you're interested in learning more about the different types of stainless steel valves, you can read Several Types of Stainless Steel Valves You Are Interested In.
Butterfly valves play a critical role in industrial pipe systems. They are especially useful in medium- and low-pressure systems, as well as in large-diameter pipes. The performance of butterfly valves makes them indispensable in many applications.
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