What is a Butterfly Valve?
A butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that is used to regulate the flow of fluid or gas in a pipe. It consists of a metal disc or plate that is mounted on a shaft and rotates to either allow or restrict the flow of material through the pipe.
The valve disc is positioned at a right angle to allow for the flow of material and can be rotated to open or close the valve, or to regulate the flow of material to a desired level.
Specific Features
- Body
Made from a variety of materials, the butterfly valve body commonly consists of cast iron, steel, stainless steel and plastic.
- Disc
The valve disc is typically made from metal or plastic and is designed to fit tightly against the valve seat to prevent leakage.
- Shaft
Connected to the valve disc is the valve shaft. It is used to rotate the disc to open or close the valve.
- Seals
Valve seals are used to prevent leakage and can be made from a variety of materials, including rubber, elastomers, and PTFE.
Designed to Empower Versatility
Butterfly valves are commonly used in many industries, including oil and gas, chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and water treatment.
They are popular because they are simple in design, easy to operate, and have a low profile, making them suitable for applications where space is limited.
Applications
- On/Off Control
Butterfly valves can be used to turn the flow of material on or off completely.
- Flow Regulation
By adjusting the angle of the valve disc, the flow of material through the valve can be regulated to a desired rate.
- Pressure Regulation
The pressure of material flowing through a pipe can be regulated with the use of a butterfly valve.
- Throttling
Butterfly valves can also be used to partially close the line and control the flow of material to a specific level.
Benefits
- Quick and Easy Operation
Butterfly valves have a simple design that allows for quick and easy operation, making them ideal for applications where frequent adjustments are required. Actuated butterfly valves can be fitted with a variety of actuation options including pneumatic, electric and hydraulic.
- Low Cost
This particular kind of valve is typically less expensive than other types of valves, such as ball valves and gate valves. This makes butterfly valves a much more cost-effective option for many applications.
- Compact Size
The fact that butterfly valves have a low profile and take up significantly less space than other kinds of valves makes them suitable for applications where space is limited.
- Lightweight
As they are generally lighter than most other types of valves, butterfly valves are easier to install and less likely to cause strain on pipes or other pieces of equipment. - Good Flow Control
Butterfly valves provide good flow control and can be used to regulate the flow of fluids or gases in a variety of applications.
- Low Maintenance
The upkeep involved in butterfly valve maintenance is next to none. This particular valve has such a simple design and therefore requires less maintenance compared to other valves reducing downtime and operating costs.
Overall, butterfly valves offer a range of benefits that make them a popular choice for many applications, particularly in industries where cost, space, and ease of operation are important factors.
Reach out to the team at Braceo Sales, a top provider of butterfly valves Australia wide, by calling (08) 9445 1600 if you would like further information or to place an order.
