Most frequently used flow controlling device in many different industries, butterfly valves are cheap, handy, and easy to design. Butterfly valves, with a turning disc controlling or closing fluid flow, find themselves especially valuable in large diameter pipes where speed, weight, and space are primary considerations.
Our field of specialization at UAE Valves Company is providing a variety of butterfly valves that are capable of fulfilling varied industrial needs. To assist you in choosing the appropriate butterfly valve for your system, we expound on the many varieties, their benefits, and appropriate applications in this article.
Cause of Utilizing Butterfly Valves:Â
There are various causes as to why butterfly valves are used extensively.
- Small in sizeÂ
- Light weightÂ
- Quick actuation (90-degree turn)Â
- Less costly compared to other valvesÂ
- Excellent sealing capacityÂ
- Throttling and on/off application capabilitiesÂ
Some of the sectors using them include water treatment, chemical processing, oil and gas, HVAC, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals.
Types of Butterfly Valves:
Butterfly valves are categorized on the basis of body type, sealing, and disc position. The most common among them is:
1. Concentric Butterfly Valve (Resilient Seated):Â
The simplest type of butterfly valve is a concentric one where the seat is of a soft material like rubber or elastomer and the stem goes through the hub of the disc. Low-temperature and low-pressure services employ this valve.
Advantages:
- EconomicalÂ
- Light to handleÂ
- Suitable for non-corrosive media like water and airÂ
Applications:
- Water supply systemsÂ
- HVACÂ
- Fire prevention systemsÂ
2. Double Offset Butterfly Valve (High-Performance):
The disc is situated partly off-centre from the centreline and stem of the valve because of the double offset design. Because the disc quickly separates from the seat when opening, this reduces wear and ensures better sealing.
Advantages:
- Less friction and wear on the seatÂ
- Improved sealingÂ
- Greater temperature and pressure toleranceÂ
Applications:
- Power plantsÂ
- Gas and oilÂ
- Chemical processingÂ
3. Triple Offset Butterfly Valve (Metal-Seated):
The conical surface of the sealing surface itself is the third offset in this configuration, on top of the first two. It makes the disc ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure usage by allowing frictionless sealing.
Advantages:
- Zero leakage sealingÂ
- Suitable for critical services and steamÂ
- Increased valve lifeÂ
Applications:
- Petrochemical plantsÂ
- Steam or high-temperature gas pipelinesÂ
- Offshore and refinery servicesÂ
Due to its threaded lugs on the outside of the body, lug type butterfly valves can be bolted between two pipe flanges. They allow downstream pipelines to be supported without the need to remove the entire valve.
Advantages:
- Easy to install and remove it.Â
- Suitable for end-of-line support.Â
- Permits two-way flow.Â
Applications:
- Chemical IndustryÂ
- Water distributionÂ
- Piping systemsÂ
5. Wafer Type Butterfly Valve:Â
Wafer-type valves are held in place with long bolts and placed between two flanges. Being capable of stopping backflow in unidirectional flow systems makes this the cheapest variant.
Advantages:
- Light in weight and compactÂ
- Cost-effectiveÂ
- Easy installationÂ
Applications:
- Water treatmentÂ
- Wastewater systemsÂ
- Applications that use low pressureÂ
Butterfly valves with flanges on both sides enable pipe ends to be bolted together. They are suitable for high-pressure pipelines and provide strong, secure couplings.
Advantages:
- Reliable sealingÂ
- Simple maintenanceÂ
- Ideal for critical systemsÂ
Applications:
- Gas and OilÂ
- Power generationÂ
- High-pressure pipesÂ
7. High- Performance Butterfly Valve:
It provides excellent corrosion, temperature, and pressure resistance through combining features of double or triple offset designs and the latest materials.
Advantages:
- Flexibility in numerous applicationsÂ
- Longer lifespan and increased efficiencyÂ
- Greater control and safe shut-offÂ
Applications:
- Offshore drillingÂ
- Process control systemsÂ
- Aggressive media handlingÂ
Differences in Butterfly Valve Types:
- Construction and Design:Â
- Concentric valves consist of a simple design and possess soft seating.Â
- Double/triple offset valves are durable owing to their metal seats and advanced sealing mechanisms.Â
- Application Range:Â Â
- Low-pressure water applications are best suited by wafer and concentric types.Â
- High-temperature, high-pressure industrial environments are regulated by triple offset and high-performance types.Â
- Installation Methods:Â Â
- The lug type facilitates isolation through bolt-by-bolt mounting.Â
- Even though wafer type is more space-saving, removal requires a line stoppage.Â
- Flanged types are suitable for heavy-duty pipelines and provide firm connections.Â
- Sealing Mechanism:Â Â
- For general services, leak-tight sealing is achieved through soft seated (rubber/elastomer) concentric valves.Â
- Triple offset valves with metal seats internally provide suitability for corrosive and high-temperature services.Â
How to Select the Best Butterfly Valve:
The choice of a butterfly valve depends on several factors:
- Temperature and pressure ratingsÂ
- Type of media (chemical, slurry, gas, or water)Â
- Flow control requirementsÂ
- Space for installationÂ
- Budgetary constraintsÂ
Consider, for example:
- Concentric wafers are best suited for plain water pipes.Â
- When you are working with chemicals or steam, employ triple offset metal-seated valves.Â
- Use lug type when pipes need to be isolated without totally shutting down the system.Â
Butterfly valve effectiveness, flexibility, and economics make it a critical element in fluid control systems today. An understanding of the many forms of butterfly valves facilitates easier selection of the best valve for your individual application to deliver longevity, performance, and safety.
Leading Butterfly valve manufacturer in UAE, UAE Valves offers extensive ranges of butterfly valves suitable for use in different industrial applications in the Middle East as well as the United Arab Emirates. Our experienced team members can guide you through choosing the most appropriate option, no matter whether you require lug/flanged, double offset, triple offset, or concentric type valves.
