Butterfly valves play an instrumental role in fluid control across diverse sectors. While their core functionality remains consistent, their design nuances can significantly impact their application and performance. In this article, we’ll delve into the primary design distinctions among the Wafer, Flanged, and Lug-style butterfly valves.

WAFER-STYLE BUTTERFLY VALVE :

Description: Positioned between two flanges, the Wafer-style valve is secured using bolts threaded through these flanges.
Key Features: Compact design, ideal for medium-sized pipelines, and less space requirement.
Limitations: Maintenance demands pipeline disassembly.
Common Applications: Suited for lightweight operations in low-pressure systems such as water, gas, and mild chemicals.

FLANGED-STYLE BUTTERFLY VALVE :

Description: This valve design features flanges on both ends, facilitating its mounting onto the pipeline using bolts.
Key Features: Simplified installation and maintenance since pipeline disassembly isn’t needed.
Common Applications: Versatile enough for water distribution, gas supply, air control, and even with some aggressive chemicals. Adaptable to diverse pressures and temperatures.

LUG-STYLE BUTTERFLY VALVE :

Description: Recognizable by the lugs – protrusions on each flange’s rear side, the Lug-style valve uses these for bolt-supported mounting.
Key Features: Offers easier installation flexibility and doesn’t require pipeline disassembly for maintenance.
Common Applications: Preferred for large-diameter pipelines, high-pressure situations, and challenging operational environments.

CONCLUSION :

Distinguishing between Wafer, Flanged, and Lug-style butterfly valves assists in making informed decisions tailored to distinct applications. While Wafer valves are apt for space-saving installations, Flanged valves are broadly versatile, and Lug-style valves thrive under demanding conditions. A well-informed choice ensures fluid flow efficiency and reliability across various setups.

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