Butterfly Valves, Their Types, and Uses
Valves are common components within fluid systems, allowing for fluids to be isolated and regulated in terms of flow. Depending on the need of a system and the particular fluids that it is transporting, there are numerous valve types that one may use. The butterfly valve is a common variation, featuring quarter turn operations that are reminiscent of ball valves. Popular for their low cost, rapid operations, and varying sizes, butterfly valves find use in applications related to pharmaceutical operations, wastewater treatment, chemical and oil transportation, and more.
The design of butterfly valves is quite simplistic, such assemblies featuring a body, seal, disc, and stem. The disc valve component is situated in the center of the connected pipe, and the stem extends to an exterior handle or actuator. While in a closed position, the disc remains perpendicular to the flow of fluids, ensuring that they are unable to pass through the use of the valve seat and o-ring. With the turn of the stem by the handle or actuator, the disc will move off of the valve seat and become parallel with the flow of fluids. By increasing or decreasing the rotation of the disc, the flow of fluids may be effectively managed.
While components such as ball valves and needle valves have names based on the shape of their components, butterfly valves find their name due to the movement that they make. As the disc is adjusted, the resulting movement is reminiscent of a butterfly wing in flight. The rod then serves as the body of the butterfly, its wings moving up and down. Other various valves also find similar names due to their movement, examples being gate, plug, pinch, and slide valves.
While all butterfly valves perform the same basic functionalities, there are a few common variations that are suitable for different applications. The zero-offset butterfly valve is one in which there is no offset created by the valve stem. Due to their method of sealing, zero-offset valves exhibit low pressure ratings with values reaching upwards of 250 PSI, coupled with a maximum operating temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
High-performance double offset butterfly valves are another primary type, named as such due to offsets being placed at the line of the disc seat and at the bore. With their offset design, such valves are able to exhibit a seal with high durability. Surpassing the capabilities of the zero-offset design, double offset butterfly valves can withstand pressures reaching 1440 PSI and temperatures as high as 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.
The triple offset butterfly valve can be considered the top performing choice, capable of exhibiting lower emissions, undertaking pressures up to 1480 PSI, and withstanding heat upwards of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit. Two of the offsets are situated in similar areas to the double offset butterfly valve design, a third featuring cam action with the right-angled conical sealing.
Through the use of butterfly valves, many applications may benefit from the management and control of fluids. At ASAP Aviation Unlimited, we are unmatched in our offerings and quality, providing customers access to highly sought-after ball valves, actuator components, disc valve parts, and much more. Take the time to explore our vast catalogs at your leisure, and our team of industry experts is always ready to assist you through the purchasing process however necessary. If there are particular items in stock that you wish to procure, first begin with a quote for your comparisons which you may receive through the submission of an RFQ form through our website. Get started today and see how ASAP Aviation Unlimited can operate as your strategic sourcing partner for all your part requirements.
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