Butterfly valve

A butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve used to regulate, isolate, or control the flow of liquids, gases, or slurries in a pipeline. It is named for the resemblance of its disc to a butterfly’s wings, which pivot to control flow. Butterfly valves are commonly used in industries like water treatment, HVAC systems, and oil & gas due to their compact size, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

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Key Components:

  • Body: The outer casing of the valve, typically made from cast iron, stainless steel, or other corrosion-resistant materials. The body houses the other components and connects to the pipe.
  • Disc (or Blade): The central component that controls the flow. The disc is positioned in the center of the pipe and can rotate 90 degrees to either allow or restrict the flow of fluid.
  • Stem: A shaft that connects the disc to the actuator or handle. When the actuator turns, it rotates the stem and moves the disc, adjusting the flow.
  • Actuator: The mechanism that moves the stem and disc. Actuators can be manual (lever or gear), pneumatic (air-powered), hydraulic (oil-powered), or electric.
  • Seal (Seat): The rubber or elastomer lining around the disc that ensures a tight seal when the valve is closed to prevent leakage.

Applications

Water and Wastewater Treatment: Butterfly valves are often used to control the flow of water or sewage in treatment plants.
HVAC Systems: They regulate air and water flow in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Chemical and Food Processing: These valves are used to regulate the flow of chemicals, slurries, and food-grade liquids.
Oil & Gas Industry: Butterfly valves are used in pipelines to control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, and other substances.

Advantages:

Compact Size: Butterfly valves are much smaller and lighter than other types of valves, like gate or globe valves, making them ideal for space-constrained applications.
Low Torque Requirement: The valve requires relatively low force to operate, which makes it energy-efficient.
Cost-Effective: Due to their simple design and efficient manufacturing process, butterfly valves are generally more affordable compared to other valve types.
Versatility: They can handle a wide range of pressures, temperatures, and fluid types, making them suitable for various industrial applications.

Types:

Wafer-style Butterfly Valve: Designed to fit between flanges, often used in smaller pipelines and systems with lower pressure.
Lug-style Butterfly Valve: Has threaded lugs on both sides for mounting, making it easier to replace the valve without disrupting the pipeline.
Flanged Butterfly Valve: Features flanged ends for more secure, permanent connections in high-pressure systems.

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