Butterfly Valve Application: The Basics

Did you know that the global butterfly valve market is projected to reach a staggering $14 billion by 2033? This impressive growth is due to the diverse range of applications and industries where butterfly valves play a crucial role.

If you’re wondering, “what is a butterfly valve,” and how it’s used, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of butterfly valve application, including the different types of valves, their components, and how they are used in various industries.

Types of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves come in three main types. Each type is designed for different uses and has unique features. Understanding these types can help you choose the right valve for your needs.

Concentric Butterfly Valves

Concentric butterfly valves are the simplest and most common type. They have a central stem and a disc that rotates around the stem.

These valves work well for isolating flow and regulating flow in low-pressure systems. However, they may not be the best choice for high-pressure systems, as they can wear out quickly in these situations.

Double-Offset Butterfly Valves

Double-offset butterfly valves are also called high-performance butterfly valves. They have a stem that is slightly offset from the center of the disc. This design reduces friction between the disc and the valve seat, which makes the valve more durable.

Double-offset valves are better for high-pressure systems than concentric valves. They can regulate flow with more accuracy and handle a wider range of pressures and temperatures.

Triple-Offset Butterfly Valves

Triple-offset butterfly valves are the most advanced type. They have a stem that is offset from the center of the disc and the seat, and the disc has a conical shape. This design provides even better sealing and durability than double-offset valves.

Triple-offset valves are ideal for very high-pressure systems or extreme temperatures. They are often used in demanding industries like power generation and petrochemical processing.

Components of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves have several key components that work together to control and isolate flow. Knowing these components can help you understand how the valve functions.

Disc

The disc is the heart of the butterfly valve. It rotates around the stem to open or close the valve. The disc’s shape and material can affect the valve’s performance and durability.

Stem

The stem connects the disc to the actuator. It transfers the force from the actuator to the disc, allowing the valve to open or close.

Stems can be one-piece or two-piece designs. One-piece stems are stronger, while two-piece stems allow for easier maintenance.

Body

The body of the valve holds the disc, stem, and seat in place. It’s usually made of strong materials like stainless steel or cast iron to withstand pressure and corrosion. The body can have different designs, such as wafer, lug, or flanged, depending on the application.

Seat

The seat seals the valve when it’s closed. It’s made of a soft material, like rubber or plastic, that can form a tight seal around the disc. The seat’s material must be compatible with the fluid being controlled and resistant to temperature and pressure.

Actuators

Actuators control the movement of the disc. There are four main types of actuators:

• Manual actuators, like hand levers or gear operators, require a person to open or close the valve
• Pneumatic actuators use air pressure to move the disc
• Electric actuators use electric motors to control the valve
• Hydraulic actuators rely on liquid pressure for operation

Each type of actuator has its advantages and is suited for different applications.

Butterfly Valve Applications

Butterfly valves have many uses in various industries. Their ability to control and isolate flow makes them essential in many processes.

Flow Control

Butterfly valves can regulate flow by adjusting the disc’s position. This allows for precise control of the fluid passing through the valve. They are commonly used in water treatment plants, chemical processing, and other industries that require accurate flow control.

Flow Isolation

When fully closed, butterfly valves can isolate flow in a system. This is useful for shutting off sections of a pipeline for maintenance or during emergencies. Industries like oil and gas, power generation, and food and beverage rely on butterfly valves for flow isolation.

Emergency Shut-Off

Butterfly valves can act as emergency shut-off devices in case of accidents or equipment failures. Their quick response time allows them to close rapidly, preventing further damage or loss.

This feature is especially important in industries where safety is critical. These may include chemical processing plants and power generation facilities.

Throttle Operation

Butterfly valves can be used for throttle operation, where they partially open or close to control the flow rate of a fluid. This is helpful in managing fluid pressure and ensuring the smooth operation of equipment downstream.

Throttle operation is common in water and wastewater treatment plants. It’s also common in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.

Real-World Examples in Various Industries

Butterfly valves are widely used across different industries due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ability to control and isolate flow.

• Water and wastewater treatment: Butterfly valves are used to regulate the flow of water through treatment processes and to isolate sections of the system for maintenance or repairs
• Oil and gas: Butterfly valves help control the flow of oil and gas through pipelines, and they provide a quick shut-off mechanism in case of emergencies or leaks
• Power generation: In power plants, butterfly valves are used to control the flow of steam, coolant, and other fluids essential for electricity generation
• Chemical and petrochemical processing: Butterfly valves are used to regulate the flow of corrosive and hazardous chemicals, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the processing plants
• Food and beverage: In food processing plants, butterfly valves are used to control the flow of various ingredients and to maintain hygiene standards by isolating sections of the system for cleaning

Mastering Butterfly Valve Application for Enhanced Performance

At Everlasting Valve Company, we pride ourselves on providing tougher, stronger, more durable, and more reliable valves than any butterfly valve out there. Our unique open-body design and self-lapping, rotating disc ensure exceptional performance even in the most demanding environments.

Experience the Everlasting Valve difference. Contact us today for a free quote and unlock the full potential of your butterfly valve application.