Overview
Butterfly valves use a rotating disc to control flow, offering a compact and lightweight alternative to gate and ball valves. Their quarter-turn operation enables fast shut-off, making them ideal for large-diameter applications where space and weight are considerations. Our range includes wafer-type and lug-type butterfly valves suitable for water supply, HVAC, and industrial pipeline applications.
Features
- Compact and lightweight design
- Quarter-turn operation for fast shut-off
- Wafer and lug type configurations
- Low pressure drop across the valve
- Cost-effective for large diameter applications
- Easy installation between flanges
Specifications
| Sizes | 2 inches to 48 inches |
| Pressure Ratings | Class 150, Class 300 |
| Materials | Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Stainless Steel |
| Types | Wafer Type, Lug Type |
| Standards | API 609, ASME B16.34 |
| Operation | Lever, Gearbox, Actuator |
Applications
Water Supply
Municipal water distribution and treatment plants
HVAC
Chilled water and cooling tower systems
Industrial Pipelines
Process water, air, and gas lines
Fire Protection
Fire suppression system water supply
FAQ
The fundamental difference lies in how each type mounts between flanges and whether the valve can be isolated from the pipeline. Wafer type butterfly valves have a simple design that centers between two pipe flanges using alignment bolts, with no threaded inserts in the valve body. They are more economical and lighter, but when the valve is closed, the downstream piping cannot be removed without draining the system because the valve is held in place by the flange bolts compressing both sides equally. Lug type butterfly valves have threaded inserts or lugs cast into the valve body on both faces, allowing bolts to thread directly into the valve from either side. This design enables the valve to be installed with only one flange set at a time, and critically allows the downstream piping to be removed while the valve remains closed and bolted to the upstream flange, which is essential for maintenance isolation.
Butterfly valves offer several compelling advantages over traditional gate valves, particularly in larger pipe sizes above 4 inches. They are substantially lighter, typically weighing 60 to 80 percent less than an equivalent gate valve, which reduces structural support requirements and installation costs. The compact face-to-face dimension of a butterfly valve is roughly one-third that of a gate valve, saving valuable space in tight piping layouts. Butterfly valves operate with a quarter-turn motion, allowing rapid open-to-close action in under one second with a lever, compared to the many turns required to raise a gate valve stem. This speed can be critical for emergency shut-off applications. The cost advantage is significant in larger diameters a 12-inch butterfly valve is typically 40 to 60 percent less expensive than a 12-inch gate valve with comparable pressure ratings, making them the economical choice for water and HVAC applications.