When To Use a Butterfly Valve

If you have ever wondered how butterfly valves are used in industry, let BM Engineering Supplies talk you through their various characteristics, capabilities, and applicable applications. In this blog, we will answer the question, When to use a butterfly valve?

First, let’s cover the types of butterfly valves and talk about how butterfly valves are used in industry.

Types of Butterfly Valves

There are different kinds of butterfly valves, each adapted for different pressures and different uses. The zero-offset butterfly valve, which uses the flexibility of rubber, has the lowest pressure rating.

The high-performance double-offset butterfly valve is used in slightly higher-pressure systems. This valve is offset from the centre line of the disc seat and body seal (offset one) as well as the centre line of the bore (offset two). This creates a cam action during operation to lift the seat out of the seal, resulting in less friction than is created in the zero offset design and decreasing its tendency to wear.

The valve best suited for high-pressure systems is the triple offset butterfly valve. In this valve, the disc-seat contact axis is offset, which virtually eliminates sliding contact between the disc and seat. In the case of triple offset valves, the seat is made of metal so that it can be machined, such as to achieve a bubble-tight shut-off when in contact with the disc.

Regulating fluid flow

Now that we know the types of butterfly valves, let’s look at how butterfly valves are used in industry. Butterfly valves are best suited for regulating fluid flow. The actuator outside the valve can be fixed to an automatic mechanism, or remote control mechanism, that controls the desired flow of the liquid. The actuator or the valve spindle can also be attached to a lever for manual control of the valve.

Butterfly valves work similarly to ball valves. Rotating the handle, either manually or with a pneumatic system, turns the plate perpendicular or parallel to the flow of the fluid. Butterfly valves can also be used for regulating flow by adjusting the lever and keeping a close eye on the desired output flow.

When to use a butterfly valve and where they are used

Butterfly valves are used on ships, firefighting apparatus, and domestic piping. On ships, they are used for large-capacity lines, such as forward and aft seawater suction lines. Butterfly valves can also be used across a wide range of other applications, performing particularly well in large-volume water applications and slurry applications.

The following are some typical applications of butterfly valves:

Cooling water, air, gases, and fire protection.
Slurry and similar services.
Vacuum service.
High-pressure and high-temperature water and steam services.
Compressed air or gas applications.

Contact BM Engineering

Now that you are an expert on when to use a butterfly valve, you should go ahead and speak to one of BM Engineering’s knowledgeable advisers about our full range of butterfly valves today by calling 0141 762 0657. Or emailing sales@bmengineering.co.uk. For more information, please fill out our contact form, and one of our helpful advisors will be on hand to answer any and all questions you may have.