A Simple Guide to Different Types of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are like controllers of liquids and gasses in piping systems. These are some of the widely used valves in a variety of industry applications, as they are quite simple to use. Also, their compact design fits many different industrial applications. These valves can control the flow of every kind of fluid, from water to oil to gas.

Among the types of butterfly valves, controlled butterfly valves and oxygen service valves play crucial roles in many specialized industries. For instance, control butterfly valves can control flow precisely. On the other hand, oxygen service valves are for safe oxygen handling.

Let’s explore different types of butterfly valves, their function and applications in this guide:

Overview of Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are essential elements for regulating the flow of liquids or gasses in a variety of industries. These valves have a rotating disc mounted on the shaft that controls the flow. For instance, the mounted disc rotates at 90 degrees to the flow when the valve is fully open. It makes space for the liquid to pass while blocking the flow completely when it’s turned the other way. 

Advantages of Butterfly Valves

• Simple and Lightweight Design

Butterfly valves are popular due to their compact and lightweight design. They take up less space and are also lighter in weight. Butterfly valves are easy to install in a limited space, which makes them suitable for different sizes of commercial spaces.

• Cost-Saving

Due to their simple design and fewer components, butterfly valves are generally affordable. Many butterfly valves have excellent leakage-resistant properties, making them a cost-efficient solution for both installation and maintenance.

• Versatile

Butterfly valves can handle a variety of applications, including harsh and reactive liquids or gasses. Their versatility suits various industrial applications such as water treatment, chemical processing, piping systems, HVAC, etc.

• Low Maintenance

As these valves have very few moving parts, they need less maintenance than others. Also, butterfly valves are a liable resource due to their durability, which leads to lower maintenance operational costs.

How to Choose Between Control Butterfly Valves and Oxygen Service Valves

Control Butterfly Valves: These are some advanced categories of butterfly valves that control fluid flow more accurately. These valves not only control the opening and closing but also regulate the flow by adjusting the disc. Also, these valves often have actuators, which help in adjusting the flow easily. Control butterfly valves are great for industries like chemical plants and water treatments, where precise control is a must.

Oxygen Service Valves: These valves are specially designed for use in an oxygen-enriched environment. As oxygen is highly reactive, it can cause dangerous reactions if it mixes with other elements. Thus, oxygen service valves are built with non-reactive materials. They are used in places like hospitals, aerospace, and medicine factories, where controlling oxygen flow safely is essential.

Overall, control butterfly valves aim for precise fluid flow control, while oxygen service valves prioritize safety in certain environments. Both have unique functions and are designed to meet different industrial applications. Before choosing between them, consider factors like fluid properties, flow requirements, and safety concerns.

Conclusion

Butterfly valves are versatile tools for controlling fluid flow in many industries. They are easy to use and reliable. From essential flow control to precise adjustments, you can find every type of butterfly valve for your every need. Whether you are handling oxygen or need precise flow control, these valves offer safe industrial operations. Advance Valves is one of the leading suppliers and distributors, offering high-performance solutions for flow control.