Butterfly valves are used in applications where the regulation or isolation of flow is required. Although the functionality of these valves is similar to that of a ball valve, butterfly valves are preferred by many for good reason. Not only are the valves lower in price than other types of valves, but they also lighter weight, meaning they require less support upon installation.
As a member of the “quarter-turn valve” family, meaning when the valve has fully opened the disc within the valve is rotated a quarter turn creating an unrestricted passage for fluids to flow. These valves may also be opened in various increments to change the throttle of the flow. When closing the valve, the disc within is turned, completely blocking the passageway stopping the flow of fluid.
The type of butterfly valve needed for the application at hand varies depending on the level of pressure in which the fluid needs to be transferred. The varieties of butterfly valves are as follows:
The resilient butterfly valve is used for lowest pressure applications, where the high-performance butterfly valve is for slightly higher pressure ratings. For the highest pressure applications, the best-suited valve would be the triple offset butterfly valve.
Also important when choosing the proper butterfly valve for the application at hand is the style of a butterfly valve. Butterfly valves are available in the following styles:
Wafer-style butterfly valves are designed to prevent back-flow in applications. Applications that contains a unidirectional flow, whereas lug-style valves are designed for applications between two flanges.
Finally, for information on other types of valves please visit our valves product page.