Types of Stainless Steel Butterfly Valves

    Stainless steel butterfly valves are widely used in industries such as water treatment, chemical processing, food and beverage, and HVAC due to their corrosion resistance, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Their simple design includes a rotating disc mounted on a stem, which controls flow by opening or closing the passage. The valve’s material—typically Grade 304 or 316 stainless steel—ensures reliability in demanding environments.

These valves can be categorized based on their connection type, seat design, and operating mechanism.

1. Connection Types

    Wafer-Type: The most common design, installed between two flanges using long bolts. It is compact, lightweight, and economical. However, it relies on flange alignment for sealing and is not suitable for end-of-line service.

Lug-Type: Features threaded lugs that allow bolt connections on both sides. This permits one-side disassembly without disturbing the opposite side, making it suitable for end-of-line applications.

Flanged-End: Has integrated flanges for bolting to matching pipe flanges. It offers high structural strength and is often used in high-pressure water and industrial services.

Butt-Weld End: Designed for direct welding to the pipeline, providing a permanent, leak-proof connection. Ideal for high-temperature, high-pressure, or hazardous fluid systems.

2. Seat Materials

    Resilient Seat: Uses an elastomer (e.g., EPDM or Viton) to achieve bubble-tight shut-off. Suitable for low-to-medium temperatures but not for abrasive or high-heat fluids.

Lined Seat: Employs inert materials like PTFE or PFA for exceptional chemical resistance. Used in highly corrosive or ultra-pure applications.

Metal Seat: Made of hardened alloys for high temperature, high pressure, and abrasive services. Commonly used in power generation, hydrocarbons, and fire-safe applications.

3. Operation Methods

    Butterfly valves can be operated manually using a lever or gear, or automated with electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators for remote control and precision.

In summary, the selection of a stainless steel butterfly valve depends on factors such as pressure, temperature, fluid type, and installation requirements. Understanding these variations ensures optimal performance across diverse applications.