Construction:
- Butterfly valves use a disc-shaped obstructer that is connected to a rotating stem.
- The disc is positioned between the pipe flanges and the valve body.
- Sealing is typically achieved using a resilient seat that surrounds the disc, ensuring a tight seal in the closed position.
- The valve is usually designed to fit between two flanges, requiring less space than other types of valves.
Operation:
- The disc and stem rotate together up to 90 degrees to open or close the valve.
- In the open position, the disc is parallel to the flow direction, allowing fluid to pass around the slim profile of the disc.
- In the closed position, the disc is perpendicular to the flow direction, completely blocking the flow path.
- Due to its streamlined design, a butterfly valve can control flow effectively and is well-suited for applications requiring fast operation.
Here are concise examples of Butterfly valve applications in industry:
HVAC Systems: Employed for regulating airflow and water flow in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Example: Controlling chilled water flow in commercial building HVAC systems.
Marine Industry: Used for ballast and bilge systems, providing reliable and quick flow control.
Example: Regulating ballast water in ships.
Butterfly valves are valued for their lightweight, compact design and ability to provide precise flow control in various industrial applications.
Summary:
Butterfly valves are lightweight, cost-effective, and offer a compact solution for isolation and regulation in various applications.
Their quick quarter-turn operation makes them suitable for fast flow control, and they are often used in applications requiring high flow capacity with minimal pressure drop.