Four Essential Things You Should Know About Butterfly Valves
There is more to butterfly valves than their central discs.
20/01/2022
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Butterfly valves are quarter-turn valves used to control the flow of such substances by opening or blocking the pathways. These valves have great importance in multiple enterprises such as the pharmaceutical industries, the food and beverage industries, and the chemical industries.
Though butterfly valves do not look much like their name, it was said that the term “butterfly” is derived from the way the valve appears to form as it turns, showing a butterfly-shaped image. In addition, the term originated from the description of the disc moving around like “wings,” around the valve’s central axis, which functions as the body. Still, there is more to butterfly valves than their central discs.
Features of the Butterfly Valve
The butterfly valves are basically made up of an actuator, disc, seat, and body. On the other hand, other types of butterfly valves have more parts than the necessary components. Let us focus then on the basic features of butterfly valves.
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- Actuator - it is also called the handle or the operator. This part controls the passageway and often moves at 90 degrees.
- Disc - this part is moved by the actuator that can be fully opened, fully closed, or anything in between. Every time the disc turns, the valve opens. This activity shows a butterfly-like image.
- Seat – this part can be either made of rubber or metal. It guarantees a tight and secure seal when the valve is in a closed position.
- Body – this part is what enables the valve to be connected to pipes. The construction of a butterfly valve body may vary.
Significance of Actuation in Butterfly Valves
To actuate means to cause a machine to operate or put into action. Hence, actuating a butterfly valve means operating and putting it into action. No fluid can be able to pass through when a butterfly valve is in default or closed state. To fully actuate the valve means to turn the handle into 90 degrees, letting the fluid or gas run through with barely any reduction in the flow pressure.
If people are talking about actuation in butterfly valves, then they are indeed speaking about automation. An electrically actuated butterfly valve is perfect when one needs a valve that has to be opened to a particular degree. This type can also be helpful if a butterfly valve needs to be closed and opened frequently.
However, if you are still confused about the process or which to choose, it would be best to find a reputable butterfly valve manufacturer like TUBOMART. They can certainly provide you with the right service that you need.
Industrial Uses of Butterfly Valves
The Chemical Industry
Butterfly valves are extensively applied in the chemical industry. This valve can seal off the chemical before the flex, allowing inspection or maintenance. The butterfly valves are used primarily for handling massive flows of liquids and slurries. However, it is not advised to be used for extended periods when it comes to throttling. Because of their slim size, butterfly valves are recommended in this industry rather than ball valves since they take up much less weight and depth.
The Food and Beverage Industry
The hygienic butterfly valves are used explicitly for the food and beverage industry. These valves are designed to meet the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements. Butterfly valves that are FDA compliant are safe for usage with food and in food processes.
The Pharmaceutical Industry
The pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities have usually used line ball valves for their Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) lines. This type of valve can cause a potential dead space where slurries can stay in place, creating a potential cross-contamination problem between batches of products. This happening leads to changing and preferring butterfly valves over line ball valves, for they are bubble-tight, space-saving, have no cavities, and tested for stability.
Advantages of Using Butterfly Valves
- The butterfly valves acquire many benefits over other types of valves like the globe, plug, gate, and ball valves.
- They are in compact designs and lightweight and only need a smaller area compared to other industrial valves.
- They are easy to manage and use, for it only requires a 90-degree rotation to support an opening or closing of the valves fully.
- They are reliable and easy to maintain.
- They are cost-friendly because of their simple structure and design since the butterfly valves do not require a high number of materials to produce.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, every butterfly valve has four essential features, namely the actuator, disc, body, and seat. Also, an actuator has a significant role in the mechanical operations of butterfly valves. Aside from that, these valves have a massive part in the daily activities of particular industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, and food and beverages. Consequently, one cannot disregard the fact that butterfly valves have numerous uses and advantages over other types of valves.