Find Your Match: Butterfly Valve Handle Types Explained

Butterfly valves are widely recognized for their simple structure, compact size, lightweight design, and minimal components. They are easy to operate, requiring only a 90° rotation for quick opening and closing. With excellent fluid control performance, they have become an indispensable control device in fluid systems.

Among them, handle-operated butterfly valves are a common type. As the name suggests, they are controlled via a handle, which plays a critical role in their performance. In this article, we will explore the common types of butterfly valve handles to help you better understand their characteristics and application scenarios.

Common Types of Butterfly Valve Handles

The three main types of butterfly valve handles are stamped handles, cast iron handles, and aluminum handles. Each has unique features and applications depending on the material and manufacturing process. Below is a detailed explanation of each type:

Stamped Handle Butterfly Valves

Stamped handles are manufactured by stamping metal sheets, such as thin steel, stainless steel, or other metals.

Features:

• Lightweight: Made from thin sheets, making them easy to install and operate.
• Cost-Effective: High processing efficiency allows for mass production at lower costs.
• Moderate Durability: Limited by material thickness, these handles are not suitable for high torque or large butterfly valves.
• Corrosion Protection: Often treated with galvanization, electrophoresis, or spray coating to resist corrosion.

Applications:

• Small Diameter Valves: Suitable for DN50-DN150 valves.
• Low-Pressure Systems: Ideal for low-pressure pipelines or light industrial equipment.
• Civil Use: Common in water supply and HVAC systems.

Stamped handles are the most economical option among the three types. However, they are prone to rust. For applications where material requirements are minimal or cost control is a priority, stamped handles are a practical choice.

Cast Iron Handles (Malleable Iron Handles) Butterfly Valves

Cast iron or malleable iron handles are designed for high-strength and high-torque environments.

Features:

• High Strength: Excellent compressive and tensile properties, suitable for high-torque applications.
• Durability: Robust construction for frequent use in industrial settings.
• Heavyweight: Suitable for larger butterfly valves due to their heavier material.
• Corrosion Resistance: Treated with paint or anti-rust coatings for harsh environments.

Applications:

• Industrial Valves: Designed for DN200 or larger butterfly valves.
• High-Pressure Environments: Ideal for high-pressure pipelines in industries like oil and chemicals.
• Outdoor or Harsh Conditions: Suitable for corrosive gases, liquids, or outdoor environments.

Cast iron handles are more robust and resistant to rust compared to stamped handles, making them a better choice for outdoor applications.

Aluminum Handle Butterfly Valves

Aluminum handles are made from aluminum alloy through casting, forging, or machining.

Features:

• Lightweight: Low density makes them easier to operate.
• Corrosion Resistant: Naturally resistant to corrosion for long-term use.
• Aesthetic Appearance: Easily anodized or electrophoretically coated for a sleek look.
• Moderate Strength: Suitable for small-to-medium-sized butterfly valves.

Applications:

• Small-to-Medium Valves: Ideal for DN50-DN200 valves.
• Light Industries: Used in food and pharmaceutical pipelines.
• Corrosive Environments: Perfect for marine or mildly corrosive chemical applications.

Aluminum handles perform better outdoors and are more expensive but provide enhanced convenience and functionality.

Choosing the Right Handle

When there are no special requirements, stamped and cast iron handles are often sufficient. Aluminum handles offer additional convenience and durability, albeit at a higher cost. The choice should be based on the specific working environment and cost considerations.

For butterfly valves with a diameter exceeding DN200, handle-operated valves become difficult to operate due to increased torque. For such cases, worm gear handles are more suitable.

Worm Gear Butterfly Valves

Operation of Worm Gear Handles

In a worm gear and butterfly valve system, the worm rotates to drive the worm gear, which is connected to the valve shaft. As the worm gear turns, the valve disc rotates, enabling precise control of fluid flow.

Advantages of Worm Gear Handles

• Easy to Operate: Simple and labor-saving operation with minimal flow resistance, making it ideal for applications requiring frequent opening and closing.
• Compact and Lightweight Design: With no complex internal structure, these handles are compact, lightweight, easy to install, and maintain. Their short structural length is particularly suitable for large-diameter valves.
• Excellent Sealing Performance: Featuring multi-layer soft seals and metal sealing components, worm gear butterfly valves ensure reliable sealing, reducing leakage under low-pressure conditions.
• Outstanding Flow Control: The valve disc can be adjusted to various angles for precise regulation of fluid flow.

Common Issues with Worm Gear Handles

Idle Rotation

• Design Flaws: If the gap between the valve disc and the seat is too large, it can prevent proper contact and cause idle rotation.
• Improper Installation: Misalignment during installation or leaving the valve disc suspended can also lead to idle rotation.
• Transmission Failures: Issues with components such as the worm gear, gearbox, or couplings may cause the handle to spin without engaging the valve.
• Environmental Factors: Extreme conditions, such as high or low temperatures or corrosive environments, can damage components and lead to idle rotation.

Solutions:

1. Recheck the installation, particularly the gap between the valve disc and the seat.
2. Adjust the valve angle to ensure proper positioning of the disc.
3. Inspect the transmission components and replace faulty parts as needed.
4. Regularly maintain the valve, clean internal debris, and lubricate the mechanism for smoother operation.

Worm Gear Disengagement

This is a common issue often caused by improper operation, incorrect installation, or poor material quality. To address this:

Follow proper operational procedures, including tightening bolts, checking seals, and addressing any adhesion issues.

Provide adequate training for operators to improve skills and awareness, reducing the likelihood of disengagement.

Union Valve is a trusted butterfly valve manufacturer, offering a wide range of standard valves as well as customized solutions tailored to specific requirements. Whether you need a valve for demanding industrial applications or unique specifications, Union Valve delivers reliable and high-quality products.

If you're looking for a dependable partner for your butterfly valve needs, Union Valve is the ideal choice. For more information or assistance, feel free to contact us.

Related Article：

• What is a Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve?
• Essential Butterfly Valve Knowledge: Do You Know All of These?
• Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Butterfly Valve Installation
• Understanding Your Options: Soft Sealing vs Hard Sealing Butterfly
• Understanding Butterfly Valve Seats: The Differences Between Hard, Soft and Rubber Lined

About the Author

Serena Zhang

Tianjin Union Valve Co., Ltd Sales Manager

With 4 years of rich valve export experience and high-quality service, your order will be worry-free. Prompt reply 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Welcome your inquiries!