Butterfly valves are widely used in various pipeline systems due to their efficient flow control and compact structure. Choosing the right butterfly valve can improve system efficiency and extend equipment life. But how to choose the right butterfly valve for different working conditions?
Butterfly valves are ideal for flow regulation. They are compact and easy to operate, suitable for throttling and control. These valves save space and have fast operation speed. They are particularly effective in large-diameter applications (such as DN1000 and above) and fast opening and closing.
However, butterfly valves also have limitations. Compared with other valves such as gate valves, butterfly valves have higher pressure loss – about three times that of gate valves. For systems that are sensitive to pressure loss, it is important to evaluate whether the pipeline can withstand this. The sealing materials of butterfly valves may also fail at high temperatures, so their use is usually limited to temperatures below 300°C and nominal pressure levels of PN40 or lower.
Structural characteristics and advantages of butterfly valves
Butterfly valves are compact, space-saving, easy to operate, can be opened or closed by simply rotating 90°, and have excellent fluid control performance. They are ideal for large-diameter valves and fast opening/closing applications.
It should be noted that the pressure resistance and sealing ability of butterfly valves are limited by the design and sealing materials. Choose a butterfly valve that meets your application needs. Do not use standard soft-sealed butterfly valves under high pressure and high temperature conditions, because seal failure will endanger pipeline safety.
Main types of butterfly valves and their application scenarios
There are many types of butterfly valves, each suitable for different conditions. Here are the main types and their typical uses:
1. Centerline butterfly valve
High sealing performance, zero leakage, working temperature of -10°C to 150°C, used for fresh water, wastewater, seawater, salt water, steam, natural gas, food, medicine, oil and various acidic and alkaline substances.
2. Soft-sealed eccentric butterfly valve
This valve is widely used in ventilation and dust removal systems. It can open, close and adjust flow in both directions. It is suitable for metallurgy, light industry, power generation, petrochemical and other industries. It performs best in environments with moderate temperature, pressure and clean media.
3. Metal-to-metal wire-sealed double eccentric butterfly valve
Mainly used in urban heating, gas and water supply systems, it can handle coal gas, oil, acid, alkali and abrasive media. Metal seals are used, with good wear and pressure resistance, suitable for regulation and throttling.
4. Metal-to-metal face seal triple eccentric butterfly valve
This valve is suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications in industries such as petrochemicals, chemicals, metallurgy, and power generation. It has excellent sealing performance and is a good alternative to gate valves and stop valves under harsh conditions.
Butterfly valve selection principles
When selecting a butterfly valve, consider the following key factors for optimal performance:
1.Suitable for systems that can tolerate pressure loss
Due to the higher pressure loss, butterfly valves are best suited for systems that are not sensitive to pressure loss, such as low-pressure water treatment or circulation systems.
2.Ideal choice for flow regulation
Butterfly valves provide excellent flow regulation. They are ideal for industries that require precise flow control.
3.Temperature and pressure restrictions
Butterfly valves work best under medium and low temperature (below 300°C) and pressure (PN40 or below) conditions. For more demanding conditions, choose double or triple eccentric metal seal butterfly valves for better temperature and pressure resistance.
4.Large diameter and short structure length
Butterfly valves are compact and are ideal for large diameter pipelines (e.g. DN1000 and above). They can greatly reduce engineering costs and are the first choice for large pipelines.
5.Fast opening and closing
Butterfly valves open and close with a 90° rotation, which is very suitable for applications that require frequent operations, such as emergency control or system regulation.
Conclusion
Butterfly valves provide precise flow control, compact structure and fast opening and closing. They are particularly useful in flow regulation and large diameter applications. Choosing the right type and correctly configuring the material can ensure efficient and safe operation under various working conditions. With the right choice, the butterfly valve will become the “unsung hero” of fluid control, providing reliable regulation and sealing functions for the pipeline system.
