Butterfly valves are one of the most widely used valve types across industrial and commercial pipework systems. Known for their compact design, quick operation and versatility, they can be used to control and isolate the flow of liquids and gases across a wide range of applications.
At Industrial Valve Outlet, we supply industrial valves to customers across a variety of industries. In this guide, we'll explain what butterfly valves are, how they work and some of the applications where they can be used.
What Is a Butterfly Valve?
A butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve used to start, stop or regulate the flow of a medium through a pipe.
Inside the valve is a circular disc mounted on a rotating shaft. When the valve is open, the disc rotates so that it is positioned in line with the flow, allowing the medium to pass through the pipe.
When the valve is closed, the disc rotates 90 degrees so that it sits across the pipe, restricting the flow and providing isolation.
The quarter-turn design means butterfly valves can be opened or closed quickly, making them a popular choice for many industrial applications.
How Does a Butterfly Valve Work?
The operation of a butterfly valve is relatively simple.
When the valve's handle, gearbox or actuator is turned, the shaft rotates the internal disc.
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Open: The disc is positioned parallel to the flow, allowing the medium to pass through.
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Partially open: The disc is positioned at an angle to restrict the flow.
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Closed: The disc is rotated across the pipe to stop the flow.
Depending on the requirements of the system, butterfly valves can be operated manually or fitted with pneumatic or electric actuators for automated operation.
What Are Butterfly Valves Used For?
Butterfly valves are suitable for a wide variety of applications. The exact suitability of a valve depends on factors such as the medium being handled, operating pressure and temperature, valve materials and the required connection.
Some common industries and applications include:
Water and Wastewater
Butterfly valves are frequently used in water and wastewater systems where reliable flow isolation and control are required.
Applications can include:
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Water treatment plants
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Wastewater treatment facilities
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Pumping stations
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Water distribution systems
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Irrigation systems
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Industrial water systems
Their compact design can be particularly useful in large-diameter pipework.
HVAC and Building Services
Butterfly valves are also commonly used in heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems.
They can be used to isolate and control water within heating and cooling systems, including chilled-water circuits, cooling systems and other building-services applications.
Chemical and Process Industries
Butterfly valves can be used in chemical and process applications where the valve's construction and materials are compatible with the medium being handled.
Material selection is particularly important in these environments. The valve body, disc, seat and seals should all be specified according to the chemicals, concentration, pressure and temperature involved.
Food and Beverage
Specialised butterfly valves are used throughout parts of the food and beverage industry, particularly in applications where hygienic construction and suitable materials are required.
They can be found in processing systems handling liquids, ingredients, water and other process media.
Pharmaceutical and Hygienic Processing
Butterfly valves can also be used in pharmaceutical and other hygienic processing environments.
For these applications, factors such as valve materials, surface finish, seals, cleanability and the requirements of the process need to be carefully considered.
General Industrial Applications
Butterfly valves are used throughout general industry for applications involving water, air, gases and other compatible fluids.
They can be incorporated into process pipework, cooling systems, compressed-air systems, pumping installations and a variety of other industrial systems.
What Are the Advantages of Butterfly Valves?
Butterfly valves offer several characteristics that make them an attractive option for industrial pipework.
Compact and Lightweight
Butterfly valves generally have a compact construction compared with some other valve types. This can make them easier to install and particularly useful where space is limited.
Quick Quarter-Turn Operation
A butterfly valve can be opened or closed with a 90-degree turn. This allows for fast operation when sections of a system need to be isolated.
Suitable for Large Pipework
Butterfly valves are available in a wide range of sizes, making them suitable for applications involving large-diameter pipework.
Manual or Automated
Depending on the application, butterfly valves can be manually operated or fitted with pneumatic or electric actuators for remote or automated control.
Wide Range of Options
Butterfly valves are available in different body styles, materials, seat configurations, pressure ratings and connection types. This allows them to be specified for a broad range of operating conditions.
Types of Butterfly Valves
There are several different types of butterfly valves, each designed for particular installation and operating requirements.
Wafer Butterfly Valves
Wafer butterfly valves are designed to fit between pipe flanges and are a popular choice where a compact and economical valve solution is required.
Lugged Butterfly Valves
Lugged butterfly valves have threaded lugs around the valve body, allowing the valve to be installed and, depending on the system design, isolated from either side of the pipework.
Flanged Butterfly Valves
Flanged butterfly valves have integral flanges and are bolted directly to matching pipe flanges. They can be suitable for applications where a flanged connection is required.
The appropriate design will depend on the pipework configuration, pressure requirements and application.
How Do You Choose the Right Butterfly Valve?
Selecting the correct butterfly valve is important for reliable and safe operation.
Before choosing a valve, consider:
The medium: What will be flowing through the valve? Water, air, chemicals, gas or another medium?
Operating pressure: What pressure will the valve need to withstand during normal and maximum operating conditions?
Operating temperature: Temperature can affect the suitability of the valve body, disc, seat and seals.
Valve size: The valve needs to correspond with the pipework and required flow characteristics.
Connection type: The existing pipework will determine whether a wafer, lugged, flanged or another connection is appropriate.
Materials: Valve materials and elastomers need to be compatible with the medium and operating conditions.
Operation: Consider whether manual operation is suitable or whether the valve needs to be automated using a pneumatic or electric actuator.
Application: A valve used primarily for isolation may have different requirements from one being used for flow regulation.
If you're unsure which specification you require, providing details of your pipe size, medium, pressure and temperature can help a valve supplier identify suitable options.
Industrial Butterfly Valves from Industrial Valve Outlet
At Industrial Valve Outlet, we understand that choosing the right industrial valve isn't always straightforward. Different systems have different requirements, and selecting the correct valve specification is essential for dependable operation.
We supply industrial valves for a wide range of industries and applications, helping customers find suitable solutions for their pipework and process requirements.
Whether you're replacing an existing butterfly valve, working on a new installation or simply need advice on selecting the right valve, our team can help.
Looking for a butterfly valve for your application?
Get in touch with Industrial Valve Outlet to discuss your requirements and find out more about our range of industrial valves. Email sales@industrialvalveoutlet.com or contact us on +44 (0)1482 697583.