November 18,2024
Roy

Wafer butterfly valves provide good flow control with minimal pressure drop when fully open, making them suitable for various applications, but they have limited sealing capability, which may not be ideal for high-pressure situations. 

In contrast, flange butterfly valves offer superior sealing performance, designed to handle higher pressures and more demanding conditions. Both types can be made from materials resistant to chemicals and corrosion, but flange butterfly valves typically feature enhanced durability due to their robust construction. This makes flange valves preferable in environments where chemical exposure and pressure are critical considerations.

Curious about which butterfly valve is best suited for your needs? Let’s dive in!

How Does Butterfly Valve Work?

A butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that controls the flow of fluid through a pipe. It consists of a circular disc mounted on a rotating shaft. When the valve is closed, the disc blocks the flow of fluid.

Components and Functionality

  1. Body: Connects to the piping system, available in designs like wafer type butterfly valve and double flanged butterfly valve.
  2. Disc: The rotating component that opens or closes the valve. Materials vary, including stainless steel butterfly valves.
  3. Seat: Provides a seal between the disc and the body, often made from materials like PTFE.
  4. Stem: Connects the disc to the actuator.
  5. Actuator: Can be manual, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, controlling the disc’s rotation.

Common Uses Across Industries

Butterfly valves are widely used for fluid control and flow regulation in various industries due to their efficiency and versatility:

  1. Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment: Used for regulating water flow and isolating sections of the system.
  2. Chemical and Petrochemical Processing: Suitable for handling corrosive fluids, especially with PTFE valves.
  3. HVAC Systems: Control air flow and maintain pressure.
  4. Food and Beverage Processing: Ensure sanitary conditions with stainless steel butterfly valves.
  5. Power Generation: Manage steam and cooling water flow.
  6. Marine Systems: Control ballast and bilge water.

What is a Wafer Butterfly Valve?

Wafer butterfly valves are designed to regulate and control the flow of liquids or gasses within piping systems. Their primary purpose is to provide a reliable means of modulating or completely shutting off fluid flow, achieved through a disc that rotates to either allow or block passage. The design allows for easy installation between flanges, making them compact and cost-effective, which is particularly beneficial in space-constrained environments. 

Additionally, the valve’s construction ensures a strong seal against pressure differentials, preventing leaks and backflow, thus enhancing operational efficiency in various industrial applications.

What is a Flange Butterfly Valve?

Flange butterfly valves serve the purpose of regulating and controlling the flow of liquids and gasses in various industrial applications. Their design allows for easy operation, requiring only a 90-degree rotation to open or close, which simplifies the process of flow management. 

The incorporation of flanges provides a secure connection to the pipeline, enhancing sealing performance and making them suitable for high-pressure environments. Additionally, they can be constructed from materials resistant to chemicals and corrosion, ensuring durability and reliability in demanding conditions.

Key Differences: Wafer vs. Flange Butterfly Valve

Key FeaturesWafer Butterfly ValveFlange Butterfly Valve
Pressure RangeSuitable for pressures from 4 to 16 bar (approximately 58 to 232 PSI) depending on size and materialTypically rated for pressures up to 1.6 MPa (approximately 232 PSI) or higher, depending on the specific design
Temperature RangeGenerally suitable for moderate temperature ranges, often up to 120°CCapable of handling higher temperatures, often exceeding 150°C depending on materials used
Flow ControlOffers good flow control with low pressure drop; specific flow rates depend on valve size and applicationProvides excellent flow control, often designed to handle larger flow rates effectively in high-demand applications
Sealing CapabilityAdequate sealing for low to medium pressures; potential for leaks if misalignment occursSuperior sealing performance due to rigid construction, minimizing leakage risks even under high pressure
Industries UsedCommonly used in water treatment, HVAC systems, and low-pressure chemical processingPreferred in oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and other critical systems requiring reliability.
CostMore cost-effective due to simpler design and lower material usageGenerally more expensive, justified by enhanced durability and performance in demanding applications
Materials UsedCommonly made from carbon steel, stainless steel, and thermoplastics; seat materials include elastomers like EPDM and NBRTypically constructed from carbon steel or stainless steel with seat materials such as nitrile rubber or composite materials for enhanced sealing

Recommendations

When it comes to reliable and efficient flow control solutions, Lianke’s wafer and flange butterfly valves stand out in the industry. Designed to meet the highest standards, these valves offer exceptional performance and durability for a wide range of applications.

Conclusion

Choosing the right butterfly valve depends on your specific application needs, including pressure requirements, fluid type, and pipeline specifications. Both wafer and flange butterfly valves offer unique advantages, with Lianke’s products providing reliable and efficient solutions for various industries.

Ready to find the perfect valve for your system? Contact and explore Lianke’s range of high-quality wafer and flange butterfly valves today!

FAQs:

  1. Can butterfly valves be used for throttling applications?

Answer: Yes, butterfly valves can be used for throttling applications. They are particularly effective for controlling flow rates due to their ability to be partially opened or closed. However, it is important to select a valve designed for throttling to avoid potential damage to the disc and seat from high-velocity fluids.

  1. What is the difference between a lug-style and wafer-style butterfly valve?

Answer: A lug-style butterfly valve has threaded inserts (lugs) on both sides of the valve body, allowing it to be bolted directly to the pipe flanges. In contrast, a wafer-style butterfly valve is sandwiched between two flanges and held in place by bolts that pass through the flanges and the valve body. 

  1. How do temperature variations affect the performance of butterfly valves?

Answer: Temperature variations can affect the performance of butterfly valves by causing expansion or contraction of the valve materials. High temperatures may cause the valve seat to soften, leading to potential leakage, while low temperatures can make the materials brittle and more prone to cracking.

Reference

Fluorine Lined Flange Butterfly Valve

Fluorine Lined Wafer Butterfly Valve 

Butterfly Valves: Uses, Types, Working, Advantages, Symbols

Advantages and Disadvantages of Wafer Bfv Butterfly Valve in Piping Systems

The Difference Between Flange Butterfly Valve and Wafer Butterfly Valve

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