What is a Butterfly Valve? How does it Function?

A butterfly valve is a valve that restricts or allows flow of liquid through the quarter-turn rotation. This implies that the handle of the valve needs to be turned by 90 degrees to terminate or allow the flow of liquid in a section of pipe. Butterfly valves are lighter in weight as compared to other kinds of valves and are also cheaper.

Construction of a butterfly valve 

Butterfly valve consists of various components such as disc, body, stem, actuator, resilient seat, and other small parts. The metal disc is the major component of the valve and is referred to as the butterfly. The stem passes through the disc and connects it with the actuator present on the outer side of the valve. The disc is present inside the pipe. When the disc is rotated a quarter turn, the valve is opened and allows unrestricted flow of liquid or gas through the pipe. When the valve is closed, the metal disc blocks the section of the pipe. The valve is partially open when the metal disc is not rotated by a complete quarter turn. In a partially open state, the butterfly valve allows a partial flow of liquid or gas. 

The body of the butterfly valve is present between the two flanges of the pipe. The design of the body can either be lug or wafer design. The resilient seat is present on the body of the valve to provide a seal. 

The butterfly valves can either be operated manually or through an electronic system depending upon the nature of the systems in which they are used. 

Applications 

Butterfly valves have a number of applications. Some of the applications have been listed here. 

• To control the flow of high-pressure and high-temperature water and steam. 
• In carburetors of vehicles to control the flow of air coming from the engine to the carburetor. 
• To control the flow of liquid or gas during the manufacturing process in chemical, food, and pharmaceutical factories. 
• In hydroelectric power stations to control the flow of water in the inlet pipes and shut off the flow whenever necessary. 
• In firefighting devices to control the flow of water during firefighting operations. 
• The pipes present in ships to control the flow of oil, water, and other types of liquid medium. 

Advantages 

Butterfly valves open and close swiftly with minimum efforts. The valves are also light in weight and occupy much less space as compared to other kinds of valves.

Camtech Manufacturing products rightly serve to all the current Global industrial standards like API, ANSI, ASME, ASTM, MSS, NACE, BSI, EN, DIN, GOST, and many others.