Are you in the market for butterfly valves? Look no further! This ultimate buyer&#;s guide has got you covered. Whether you&#;re a seasoned professional or a beginner in the world of valves, this comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know.
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Butterfly valves are an essential component in many industries, including oil and gas, water treatment, and manufacturing. They offer excellent flow control and are known for their reliability and ease of operation.
In this guide, we&#;ll dive into the different types of butterfly valves, their applications, and the key factors to consider when making a purchasing decision. We&#;ll explore the benefits of different materials, explain how to choose the right size and connection type and highlight important features to look for.
Don&#;t make a decision without arming yourself with the knowledge in this guide. With our expert advice, you&#;ll be able to confidently find the perfect butterfly valve to meet your needs. So, let&#;s get started and find the valve that will keep your operations running smoothly.
Butterfly valves come in various types, each designed to meet specific industry needs. Let&#;s explore the most common types:
1. Wafer Style Butterfly Valves: These valves are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for applications with limited space. They are installed between two flanges and held in place using bolts.
2. Lug Style Butterfly Valves: Lug style valves have threaded inserts on both sides of the valve&#;s body. This design allows for easy installation and removal without disrupting the pipeline.
3. Double Offset Butterfly Valves: Double offset valves have a unique design that reduces wear and extends the valve&#;s lifespan. They are commonly used in high-pressure applications and offer excellent sealing capabilities.
4. Triple Offset Butterfly Valves: Triple offset valves are the most advanced type of butterfly valves. They have a metal seat that ensures a tight shut-off, even in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
Butterfly valves offer several advantages that make them a popular choice in many industries. Let&#;s take a closer look:
1. Cost-effective: Butterfly valves are generally more affordable than other types of valves, making them a cost-effective option, especially for large-scale projects.
2. Quick and easy operation: Butterfly valves can be operated quickly and easily, thanks to their simple design. This allows for efficient flow control and minimizes downtime during maintenance.
3. Compact and lightweight: Butterfly valves are much lighter and more compact than other valve types, making them easier to install and transport. This can save both time and money during the installation process.
Despite their many advantages, butterfly valves also have a few disadvantages to consider:
1. Limited sealing capabilities: While butterfly valves provide good sealing in most applications, they may not be suitable for extremely high-pressure or high-temperature environments where a tight shut-off is crucial.
2. Throttling limitations: Butterfly valves are best suited for on/off applications rather than precise throttling. If precise flow control is required, a different valve type may be more appropriate.
When choosing a butterfly valve, several factors should be taken into account to ensure the valve meets your specific needs. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Application: Consider the specific application and operating conditions in which the valve will be used. Different industries and processes have unique requirements that must be considered when selecting a butterfly valve.
2. Valve Size: The size of the valve is determined by the diameter of the pipe it will be installed in. Selecting the correct valve size is crucial for optimal performance and flow control.
3. Connection Type: Butterfly valves can be fitted with different connection types, including wafer, lug, and flanged connections. Choose the connection type that best suits your installation requirements and ensures a secure and leak-free connection.
4. Material Selection: The choice of material for the valve body, disc, and seat depends on the application and the specific media that will flow through the valve. Common materials include stainless steel, cast iron, and PVC.
Butterfly valves are available in a wide range of materials, each offering unique properties and benefits. The choice of material depends on the specific application and the media that will flow through the valve. Here are some commonly used materials:
1. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is a popular choice for butterfly valves due to its corrosion resistance and durability. It is suitable for a wide range of applications, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries.
2. Cast Iron: Cast iron valves are known for their strength and durability. They are commonly used in applications where high pressure and temperature resistance are required, such as water treatment plants and HVAC systems.
3. PVC: PVC butterfly valves are lightweight and cost-effective. They are widely used in the water and wastewater industry due to their excellent chemical resistance and affordability.
Proper valve sizing is essential for ensuring optimal performance and flow control. Here&#;s what you need to know about butterfly valve sizing:
1. Pipe Diameter: The valve size should match the diameter of the pipe it will be installed in. Undersized or oversized valves can lead to poor performance and increased pressure drop.
2. Flow Coefficient (Cv): The flow coefficient is a measure of the valve&#;s capacity to pass fluid. It determines the flow rate at a given pressure drop. The Cv value should be carefully calculated based on the desired flow rate and system requirements.
3. Pressure Ratings: Butterfly valves have maximum pressure ratings that should not be exceeded to prevent valve failure. It is important to consider the maximum operating pressure of the system when selecting a butterfly valve.
Proper installation and regular maintenance are crucial for ensuring the longevity and optimal performance of butterfly valves. Here are some important considerations:
1. Installation: Follow the manufacturer&#;s guidelines for proper installation, including the correct orientation and torque specifications. Ensure that the valve is aligned with the piping system to prevent leaks and ensure smooth operation.
2. Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the valve for any signs of wear, damage, or leakage. Pay attention to the sealing surfaces, stem, and actuator for any signs of corrosion or deterioration.
3. Maintenance: Lubricate the valve stem and maintain proper actuator performance. Replace any worn-out parts or damaged seals to prevent valve failure.
Butterfly valves find applications in various industries, including:
1. Oil and Gas: Butterfly valves are commonly used in oil and gas pipelines for their quick operation, low-pressure drop, and cost-effectiveness.
2. Water and Wastewater: Butterfly valves are widely used in water treatment plants and wastewater facilities due to their excellent flow control and corrosion resistance.
3. Chemical and Petrochemical: Butterfly valves are suitable for handling a wide range of chemicals and corrosive substances, making them a popular choice in chemical and petrochemical industries.
When it comes to purchasing butterfly valves, there are several reputable manufacturers and suppliers to consider. Here are some top names in the industry:
1. Emerson: Emerson offers a wide range of butterfly valves suitable for various industries and applications. Their valves are known for their reliability and high performance.
2. Flowserve: Flowserve manufactures butterfly valves that are designed to meet the most demanding requirements of critical applications. Their valves offer excellent durability and longevity.
3. Tyco: Tyco (now part of Johnson Controls) is a leading supplier of butterfly valves, offering a comprehensive range of products for different industries, including fire protection, HVAC, and water management.
Conclusion and recommendations
In conclusion, butterfly valves are versatile and cost-effective solutions for flow control in various industries. When selecting a butterfly valve, consider the specific application, valve size, connection type, and material compatibility. Regular maintenance and proper installation are essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity.
Based on your specific requirements, consult with reputable manufacturers and suppliers to find the perfect butterfly valve that meets your needs. With the knowledge gained from this ultimate buyer&#;s guide, you can confidently make an informed purchasing decision that will keep your operations running smoothly.
Remember, the right butterfly valve is key to achieving efficient flow control and maximizing productivity in your industry. So, make sure to take the time to research and choose wisely. Happy valve shopping!
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Disclaimer: The mentioned manufacturers and suppliers are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement.
If you are looking for an easy installation and low-cost valve for fluid flow control and throttle with a tight shut-off, then look no further. You&#;re probably looking for a butterfly valve.
We don&#;t exactly know what and where you will be using it for, but in this guide, you will find plenty of things insightful about Butterfly Valves. First, you will learn the basics on butterfly valves, its operation, installation and maintenance. Then, we will show you how a designer, engineer and investor thinks and does before actually buying high-performance butterfly valves.
Beware that this IS an actionable guide. You might want to take down notes which can help you decide on how to choose and purchase butterfly valves.
Contents of this Guide:
What is a Butterfly Valve?
A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve that initiates throttling and flow control of fluids. Given its name, you can easily visualize a thin metal disc that &#;flutters&#; about a fixed axis (stem assembly). The opening and closing mechanism allows and restricts the flow of a medium between an upstream and downstream pipe.
In a more technical tone, a butterfly valve is a regulated rotary valve that consists of a rotating disk which directs the flow of fluid in a system. Basically, the disk is operable up to 90 degrees and that&#;s why it is called a quarter-turn valve. A butterfly valve controls the flow linearly and can be bi-directional. The configuration and operation of the valve is similar to a ball valve, but it is lighter and less costly.
For throttling services, you can use a high performance butterfly valve, which is a higher industry standard for larger applications. Generally, this type of valve is manufactured to process large capacities and oftentimes, viscous and seawater medium. We will get more into high performance butterfly valves later.
You can find butterfly valves typically in piping systems delivering large volumes of fluids. These valves are delicate and not recommended to handle dry bulk solids as they can choke or break the butterfly valve.
The operation can be through a packing from a pneumatic actuator, an electric motor, a solenoid or a hydraulic piston and cylinder. Either way, this type of valve is the most economical and the easiest to handle. Butterfly Valves are also more affordable than other types of valves.
Advantages
Here are some of the advantages of butterfly valves compared with other valve types.
Disadvantages
Butterfly valves are used in many industrial applications such as:
When it comes to choosing a butterfly valve type for a specific application, one can look into a pile of different valve classifications. Seat, body and disc materials are varied depending on the service they will be used.
Regulating Fluid Flow
In butterfly valves, fluid flow constriction and control is easily done by just turning the valve handle. As it is a regulating valve, it controls the flow rate of system through the help of actuators. Basically, when a flow monitor senses that a set parameter (differential pressure) has been reached, it will signal the valve actuator to close or open the valve.
To control a regulating valve remotely, it must have a flow controller which automatically communicates with the valve mechanism based on the flow rate.
Flow Isolation
Butterfly valves are used typically in low pressure and low-temperature applications. They are lightweight and easy to manipulate and its quarter-turn action can also be used for flow isolation.
Backflow Prevention
In food industries where there are aggressive washdown processes, butterfly valves can be used for backflow prevention. This is necessary, from standard regulations, as it is aimed in food processing to deliver procedures in sanitary conditions.
General Butterfly Valves for Smaller Processing Units
For example, lightweight and AWWA butterfly valves are meant for water lines and potable water control applications. Other light duty valves can be used for aquariums and sprinkler systems. Some valves are also meant for fuel flow control.
High-Performance Valves for Heavy-duty industry applications
For large and heavy-duty applications such as in oil and gas industries or high-pressure controls, high-quality and high performance butterfly valves are needed. These high-grade valves are certified and quality tested to meet quality demands and international standards.
Constant Load Applications
It should be noted that even though butterfly valves can handle large volumes of liquids, care is needed when controlling its load. This type of valve has a limited capacity in handling small load changes as only allowing a few millimeters opening is equivalent to a large volume difference. However, designs can be enhanced to diversify its control range, especially in larger applications where pressure is intricately regulated.
Parts of a Butterfly Valve
Generally, there are four main parts: the stem, disc, seat and valve body.
Valve Body
The valve body fits between the pipe flanges. It holds the other valve component into place. The valve body can be lug-type or wafer type.
It can also be made of different materials depending on the application. For example, Carbon steel is a general type of valve body used in common applications that do not require corrosion resistant properties. Stainless Steel, Nickel Alloy and Titanium Alloy, on the other hand, can be used for corrosive environments.
Disc
Attached to the valve body is the disc that functions as a gate that stops fluid flow. Again, it can be made from different materials depending on application.
Seat
Lining the internal valve body is a strong elastomer or metal anti-leak seal that secures the disc in place. It main function is This can be soft seated or metal seated. Soft seats (PFTE/RTFE) can be made of O-rings or rubber rings, while metal seals can be inconel or stainless steel.
Stem
For more information, please visit what is a butterfly valve.
The stem is valve component that usually lies protected inside the disc in resilient valves. However, in high-performance valves, it is typically in contact with the fluid.
The stem connects the disc to the actuator, like a shaft connecting a propeller to a motor. Similarly, the rotary action of the stem initiated from the power of the actuator is transmitted to the disc, allowing the close and open position of the valve.
Types of Butterfly Valves
How many types are there?
Butterfly valves can be categorized in many types. The most known classification is by end-connection type (lug or wafer). But it can also be classified according to seat design, body material and offset design. Some even classify these valves according to their mode of operation.
But each classification can also be intertwining. For example, you need a specific design for severe, heavy-duty applications where vibration is high and the substance is corrosive. In this type of scenario you can use a lug-style (end-connection type), titanium alloy (body material type) butterfly valve &#; two different valve classification in a row.
What are the two body styles of butterfly valves? Classification by end-connection
Seat Material
Offset Design
Body Material
For a more detailed discussion of butterfly valve types, you can refer here.
Valve Actuation
There are many ways to operate a butterfly valve. It can be manual, semi-manual or automatic.
Electric-Operated Valve &#; use an electric actuator for operating the valve in an open and close position.
Pneumatically-operated valves &#; Pneumatic actuators are used to operate these types of valves for shut-off pipelines. Pneumatic Butterfly valves are typically used for transferring compressed and pressurized air.
Hydraulic Piston &#; These types of valves are used for applications requiring huge impacts or force for opening and closing the valve.
Manual or handwheel operation &#; These types of valves are manually operated through a hand-wheel or crank. Hence, they are not automatic.
Check out this video to see how this type of valve work.
Installation
Here are few installation tips, as well as a checklist to take note of:
Valves, as having constant contact with fluids, are prone to rusting and corrosion. The applied grease on the butterfly valves should also be monitored.
What to Consider When Choosing Butterfly Valves?
When choosing butterfly valves for your operation, you would need to determine a few things before jumping in with the technical specifications of the valve. These basic information are the valve application, type of fluid, mode of operation and mode of installation, which are expounded below.
Valve Specific Application
The first thing you have to determine when choosing a butterfly valve type is to know what you will use it for. Do you need it for flow control applications such as regulating or stopping fluid flow?
Type of Fluid
Next is to know what type of fluid or substance will be circulating your system. Butterfly valves can generally accommodate liquids and gases, but not bulk solids. Also find out the properties of your media. It could be corrosive which requires stainless steel valve body and disc. However, for general fluids such as water, you can use carbon steel or cheaper alloys.
Mode of Operation
After knowing the type of fluid, you can choose the mode of operation of the butterfly valve. Manufacturers and suppliers usually have a range of choices for this. They would have manually operated, semi-automatic or automatically-operated valves. This would depend on the location of your valve, application, cost and on how often you need to turn on and off the valve.
Mode of Installation
Lastly, you should be able to see to it if you would need to flange the valve at both ends, weld it or screw it in between the pipes.
Upon determining these necessary information, you can now determine the technical specifications regarding your butterfly valve installation as coordinated with the manufacturer or supplier.
Capacity
The capacity includes the flow rate or the rate at which the material will pass through. This parameter also accounts for the safe internal pressure capacity of the valve. Make sure to check the butterfly valve specifications to ensure that you buy a valve sufficient to what your system needs.
Level of Precision
Each valve from a supplier specifies valve specifications which states the leakage volume or amount, if there is. It also indicates the shut-off position specs, the width of the passage and the volume of fluid that it can accommodate when fully opened.
Operating Life
Typically, you can find the operating life of the valve in the specifications sheet. Overall, butterfly valves promise less maintenance activities and can still give bubble-tight shut-off.
Pressure Drop
Pressure drop is an important parameter when sizing the valve for your specific application. It describes the difference in pressure which occurs between the outlet and inlet of the butterfly valve.
It is recommended that &#;If the pressure drop across the fully opened valve is not a large enough percentage of the total system drop, there will be little change in the fluid flow until the valve closes. In this case, a fast acting valve would be appropriate.&#;
Consider that 25% to 50% of the total system pressure drop of the butterfly valve should be absorbed by the valve.How to Choose the Best Butterfly Valve Manufacturer
If you are planning to search for the most reliable butterfly valve manufacturer, there are a few things you should look for to know that you have chosen the right one. There are a pool of valve manufacturers to select from but how do you know you have fished out the right one?
Let us guide you with the following questions to help you choose the best butterfly valve manufacturer:
How to inspect butterfly valves?
First is inspection. You can&#;t buy a product you haven&#;t even inspected. Here are some of the things you should check in the butterfly valve:
Do they have the proper certification?
A butterfly valve supplier should have an ISO certification. Some valve manufacturers place this on their websites. Having this certification ensures that the facility meets the valve standards and quality in their manufacturing process and end products. It also notes that the manufacturer takes full responsibility for their product quality. You need to see their ISO certification first before you make any purchase for your own safety.
What is the cost?
Cost is actually one of the first things clients look for. For this, you can either see butterfly valve prices online or you can contact specific valve suppliers. If it&#;s a physical conversation, chances are, you can readily negotiate. However, you might want to see first the cost of China butterfly valve manufacturers as they offer huge savings on valve price. Again, to make sure that you are getting a high quality valve, you should look for proper company certifications.
Is there an After Sales Service?
The best manufacturers provide after sales service. This is one of the most crucial aspects in choosing a valve provider. When you see a lot of good testimonials about the company, it must mean they provide good quality service and perhaps they are true to their word. Also, valve suppliers who have professional staff ready and willing to solve your product problems are the best companies. So you should carefully choose who among the valve suppliers actually care.
How about repair services?
It is not uncommon that a few problems may arise upon installation of the butterfly valve. Although this can barely happen if you install it right, there may be times that it is not your fault why it does not work well. Manufacturers who provide clients with the best repairing services are top-notch.
These services may range from repairing to replacing your valve part and accessories.
Since Huamei is a butterfly valve manufacturer, we provide professional repair service along with our after sales service. Repair service may include repair, replacement, overhaul or instrumentation if necessary.
Do they have Warranties?
Warranties are protectional tools which ensures that you are protected from defective products over the span of the warranty period. Be sure to look for a valve manufacturer that promise product warranty.
Huamei offers 18 months warranty, complete with customer support, repair services and aftersales service to ensure that you get the best experience with your purchased high performance butterfly valves.
Do they have a good company reputation?
It also matters that the supplier/manufacturer has a good reputation which reflects the quality of the product they deliver, the services they provide, and the response time on queries. You can verify this by simply checking their testimonials, history and ratings from other customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some confusion? Here, we have gathered some of the most famous FAQ about butterfly valves that may answer your question in mind. However, if you did not find the solution here, just contact us for more information.
1. Are butterfly valves good for throttling?
They are mainly used for regulating large fluid flows, including viscous slurries, but it should be noted that they are not meant for precision throttling.
2. Do butterfly valves require gaskets?
Butterfly valves are available with built-in elastomer seal that rests on flanges to prevent leaks. So most of them do not require additional gaskets.
3. Can Bi-directional high-performance butterfly valve supply for dead-end services?
Bidirectional high-performance butterfly valves can be used for dead-end service. But it should be noted that for such service, you cannot subject it in high-pressure applications.
A valve used for a normal service with KPA can be used on a dead-end service but with only 500KPA. The high pressure may tend to cause the seat retainer to unload. The seat retainer may be bolted to prevent this, but the easiest way is to install it with a bolted flange. This flange can support the seat retainer.
4. Can a butterfly valve be used for flow control?
Yes. Butterfly valves, like needle valves, have good control capacities.
5. What is the difference between the ball valve and butterfly valve?
The butterfly valve with the same specification as the ball valve is usually cheaper in price and easier to install. Easier maintenance may go in recognition to ball valves as butterfly valves have a disc that can block some impurities that got stuck. Furthermore, ball valves are used in most high-pressure applications because they are more suitable for high differential pressures as compared to butterfly valves.
Butterfly valves are simpler in design, having lesser moving parts. Ball valves material and torque use is only low for narrower pipe diameters. For butterfly valves, it may start from DN 50mm and above.
6. How to Avoid Problems with Butterfly Valves?
Most of the major problems with butterfly valves are a result of poor installation and not the device itself. Therefore, it should be noted that in order to reduce maintenance work, butterfly valves should be properly installed during the commissioning stage.
Conclusion
So there. We have finally reached the end of this guide. We hope that it has given you a better understanding of a butterfly valve; its operation, maintenance and installation. Most importantly, we hope that it gave you an idea on how you can choose and buy butterfly valves from manufacturers/suppliers.
Huamei is a high-performance butterfly valve manufacturer and supplier for many years. We are dedicated to helping you deliver the best performance butterfly valves in the market. Please do contact us for more details if you have any queries.
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