As a critical control component in pipeline systems, the operating status of industrial butterfly valves directly impacts system safety and efficiency. Understanding common industrial butterfly valve faults, mastering scientific repair and maintenance methods, and making appropriate selections at the initial stage of a project can significantly extend valve life and reduce downtime risks.
Based on years of project experience, WEIZIDOM will begin with a basic introduction to industrial butterfly valves, systematically analyze the causes of common faults, and provide targeted repair and maintenance recommendations to help engineers and purchasing parties better manage butterfly valve equipment.
An industrial butterfly valve is a valve that uses a rotating valve plate (butterfly plate) to open, close, or regulate pipeline media. It typically consists of a valve body, butterfly plate, valve stem, sealing structure, and actuator.
Common Classifications
✨ By Sealing Structure: Soft-seal butterfly valve, Metal hard-seal butterfly valve
✨ By Drive Method: Manual butterfly valve, Electric butterfly valve, Pneumatic butterfly valve
✨ By Application Conditions: Water treatment butterfly valve, Industrial butterfly valve, High-performance butterfly valve
Main Features of Industrial Butterfly Valves
✨ Simple structure, lightweight, suitable for large-diameter pipelines
✨ Rapid opening and closing, low operating torque
✨ Flexible installation methods (wafer type, flange type, lug type)
✨ Relatively low maintenance cost
1. Internal or External Leakage
🔍 Common Manifestations
Media leakage continues even after the valve is closed
Leakage at flange connection or valve stem
📌 Main Causes
Aging, wear, or corrosion of the sealing ring by the media
Damaged sealing surfaces of the butterfly plate and valve seat
Improper installation or uneven bolt tension
2. Difficulty opening/closing or operational sluggishness
🔍 Common symptoms
Manual operation is laborious
Electric/pneumatic butterfly valve does not operate smoothly
📌 Main causes
Insufficient lubrication of valve stem or bearings
Impurities in the medium deposited around the butterfly plate
Bent valve stem or improper actuator matching
3. Actuator failure (electric/pneumatic butterfly valve)
🔍 Common symptoms
Unable to fully open or close
Control signal is normal but valve does not move
📌 Main causes
Wear of internal gears in the actuator
Power supply, electrical control components or air supply problems
Insufficient valve torque selection
4. Corrosion and wear of valve body or butterfly plate
🔍 Common symptoms
Rust on valve body surface
Significantly shortened service life
📌 Main causes
Material mismatch with medium
High salt, highly corrosive or particulate media
Long-term high-frequency opening and closing conditions
1. Handling suggestions for sealing problems
Replace with sealing material suitable for the operating conditions (EPDM, NBR, PTFE) (Or metal seal)
Check the fit between the butterfly plate and the valve seat.
Realign and install, and tighten the flange bolts evenly.
2. Repair methods for malfunctioning operation
Regularly lubricate the valve stem and bearings.
Clean impurities from the pipeline; install a filter if necessary.
Check if the actuator output torque meets the valve requirements.
3. Actuator maintenance recommendations
Regularly check the operating status of electric/pneumatic actuators.
Ensure stable power supply, voltage, or air supply.
For frequent opening and closing conditions, select industrial-grade, long-life actuators.
4. Corrosion and wear prevention measures
Select appropriate materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel) according to the medium.
Use rubber-lined or hard-seal butterfly valves for highly corrosive conditions.
Regularly check the condition of the valve body and butterfly plate; replace vulnerable parts in advance.
Many butterfly valve failures are not due to quality issues, but rather improper selection. We recommend focusing on the following factors:
📌 Media type (clean water, wastewater, steam, chemical media)
📌 Pressure and temperature rating
📌 Opening and closing frequency and control method
📌 Installation space and piping type
📌 Choosing a professional butterfly valve manufacturer with engineering experience can effectively reduce later maintenance and replacement costs.
The stable operation of industrial butterfly valves depends on proper selection, standardized installation, and scientific maintenance management. By promptly identifying common faults, taking targeted maintenance measures, and selecting butterfly valve products highly matched to the operating conditions at the beginning of the project, the valve’s service life can be effectively extended, and system downtime and maintenance risks reduced.
With extensive engineering project experience, WEIZIDOM can provide reliable butterfly valve solutions for water treatment, industrial pipelines, and complex operating conditions. From product selection, material and sealing structure configuration to actuator matching and technical support, we help customers achieve safer, more efficient, and more economical long-term operation.
