Butterfly valves are used in pipelines of different industries very much. They are considered to be the best valves compared to other valves due to their simplicity. However, to make these valves run for a long time, opting for the right type of butterfly valve is pivotal. A bad choice of butterfly valves can lead to leaks or having bad mechanical experiences. This blog will guide you on how to buy the ideal butterfly valve for your system.
There is a rotating disc fit in the middle of a butterfly valve. Besides, it is a quarter-turn valve. The design of a butterfly valve is compact, and it takes less space than gate or globe valves. It also gives instant shut-off. Due to their adaptability, butterfly valves are reliable valves. Gases, fluids, and slurries are passed through them. Before starting the discussion about selecting the perfect butterfly valve for your system, let us tell you that different systems have different needs. For example, a valve for a water treatment plant may not be appropriate for a chemical processing unit. This is the reason why careful evaluation of working conditions is pivotal.
When it comes to butterfly valves, size matters. If a valve is too big or too small, it can cause an issue. Let’s suppose that if a butterfly valve is excessively big, it won’t be good for water stopping. Just like this, a small-sized butterfly valve won’t be able to provide the full pressure of the liquid. This will put pressure on the valve and damage it.
To select the correct size of a butterfly valve, the engineers look for the material that is compatible with the pipe’s dimensions. For instance, in water supply systems, a butterfly valve should match the pipe size to function nicely. Nonetheless, in chemical steam systems, engineers do extra calculations because the liquid’s thickness and temperature can fluctuate. Normally, industrial valves like butterfly valves are available in various standard sizes. But sometimes, one needs to make adjustments to them due to some conditions. That’s why it’s a good idea to join hands with the manufacturer. Or, you can also take the help of sizing software to ensure the right fit of the valve.
One more pivotal factor in butterfly valve selection is the choice of materials. Butterfly valves contain a body, stem, seat, and disc. Each of them is created from different materials. After all, it all depends on the application. If you choose the wrong material, it can result in giving your butterfly valve corrosion, damage, or even failure under intense conditions. For instance, cast iron ductile bodies are normally used in the water supply. The reason behind them is their strength and low cost. Comparatively, stainless steel valves are better for corrosive environments such as chemical plants. This is because they are rust and chemical-free. However, there is a huge importance of the valve seat in this regard. Rubber-lined seats are appropriate for water and non-corrosive liquids. PTFE seats are perfect for harsh chemicals. In short, when you select the correct material for a butterfly valve, numerous factors have to be considered.
Butterfly valves are used differently in different industries. For instance, in HVAC systems, butterfly valves are mostly used to handle the flow of water in:
• Heating
• Cooling systems
In the oil and gas industry, the duty of butterfly valves is to handle very high pressure and sometimes liquids containing corrosion.
In the food and drinks industry, cleanliness comes first. This is the reason stainless steel butterfly valves are used for the prevention of dirt and unhygienic; to keep products safe and fresh.
Therefore, it is very necessary to understand which industry, which valve size, type, and material will be used. If these things are overlooked, even a top-notch valve will not function properly.
If you want to select the perfect butterfly valve, you will need to know which types of butterfly valves are available out there. Concentric or resilient-seated butterfly valves are mostly used and are budget-friendly valves.
High-performance butterfly valves often come with a double-offset disc. This type of butterfly valve can handle extreme pressures and intense temperatures. For the most extreme conditions, triple-offset butterfly valves containing metal seats are chosen. Why? Because they can bear extreme temperatures, pressures, and corrosive liquids.
When you are opting for the right butterfly valve, always go for the quality. In simple words, the one that has a cheap price in the beginning will not serve you well. While the one that would be a little expensive at the beginning will stay with you for a long time. Why and how? Because it would be high in quality. Thus, it won’t need to get its parts replaced again and again. Therefore, an expensive butterfly valve wins here.
When you are choosing a butterfly valve, always see how it functions; that's how it works. A butterfly valve can be operated in numerous ways. First is manual, and second is automatic. Manually, the operator/user operates it with the help of a handle or gear. While in an automatic system, the butterfly valves are operated remotely. For example, there are chances that a power plant would use a pneumatic actuator to open or shut the valves very fast. While there are chances that a water treatment plant would use an electric actuator. Why? Because it connects rapidly and very easily to the plant’s computer system or monitoring.
That is why, when you are selecting the right butterfly valve, always ensure that it is compatible with the automated system you possess. This helps your entire network of industrial valves run flawlessly.
Every butterfly valve is made to handle different types of pressures and temperatures. That is why it is pivotal to examine whether these valves are compatible with your system or not. If you use a butterfly valve in a condition where the pressure is too high or the temperature is too high, it can damage your butterfly valve and make it leak.
To avoid committing these mistakes, it is pivotal to read the manufacturer’s guidelines. These documents contain every big and small detail about how much pressure and temperature a valve will be able to handle.
When opting for a butterfly valve, always consider both the price and quality. You may be able to pay a little more in the beginning, but it will be worth it. How? See, those butterfly valves, which are a little costly initially, can feel like a burden on you, but these valves will stay with you forever. Why and how? Because they will be of premium quality. Just like this, if you go for the cheap price at the beginning, they will not serve you the best in the long-run. They will be of poor quality. That is why it is a wise decision to always choose a butterfly valve, which would be a little costly at first. Do not compromise on the quality just for the sake of some money.
In this era, industries prefer safety and environmental friendliness. If one uses the wrong valve, it can cause issues such as leaks or pollution. This will be very dangerous for the environment and will be unsafe.
That is why, always procure butterfly valves from a trustworthy supplier. So, they will offer tested and certified valves. Therefore, these butterfly valves will prevent you from having dangerous accidents.
Selecting the perfect butterfly valve for your system needs a lot more than just opting for a standard size or material. It is a process that involves every factor. From size to type, and type to compatibility, everything means a lot. For every operation, you may need a different type of butterfly valve. So, choose wisely.
However, if you choose the right butterfly valve, it will serve you the best. In this era, when efficiency and reliability matter the most, selecting the right butterfly valve can give you amazing results.
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