Butterfly valves are quarter-turn valves used to regulate flow. The metal disc in the valve body is perpendicular to the fluid in the closed position and is rotated a quarter turn to be parallel to the fluid in the fully open position. Intermediate rotation allows adjustment of liquid flow. They are commonly used in agriculture and water or wastewater treatment applications and are one of the most common and well-known types of valves.

The advantages of butterfly valve
Butterfly valves are similar to ball valves, but have several advantages. They are small and, when actuated pneumatically, can open and close very quickly. The disc is lighter than a ball, and the valve requires less structural support than a ball valve of comparable diameter. Butterfly valves are very precise, which gives them an advantage in industrial applications. They are very reliable and require little maintenance.

Disadvantages of butterfly valve
One disadvantage of butterfly valves is that some part of the disc is always present in the flow, even when fully open. Therefore, using a butterfly valve will always create a pressure switch on the valve, regardless of the setting.

Electric, Pneumatic or Manually Operated Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves can be configured for manual, electric or pneumatic operation. Pneumatic valves operate the fastest. Electronic valves need to send a signal to the gearbox to open or close, while pneumatic valves can be single-actuated or dual-actuated. Single-actuated valves are usually set up to require a signal to open with failsafe, which means that when power is lost, the valve springs back to the fully closed position. Dual actuated pneumatic valves are not spring loaded and require a signal to open and close.

Automated pneumatic butterfly valves are reliable and durable. Reducing wear improves the valve life cycle, thereby reducing operating costs that would otherwise be lost in working hours maintaining the valve.