EnglishWhat Is a Wafer Type Butterfly Valve?
A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve widely used for fluid control in pipelines due to its simple structure, easy operation, and broad applicability. By rotating the disc 0-90°, it regulates media flow.
What is a Wafer Type Butterfly Valve?
A wafer butterfly valve is a type of butterfly valve primarily distinguished by its connection method. It is installed between two pipeline flanges using double-headed bolts, which secure the valve in place by clamping it between the flanges. This design allows for a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective solution, making wafer butterfly valves widely used in low-pressure systems such as water supply, HVAC, and fire protection.
Structure of a Wafer Type Butterfly Valve
1. Valve Body
Function: Acts as the main structure of the valve, withstanding the medium's pressure while providing space for the disc to rotate. The ends of the body are designed with flange positioning for connection to the pipeline.
Material: Typically made using casting or forging processes, with material options such as cast iron, cast steel, and stainless steel, depending on application requirements.
2. Butterfly Disc
Function: The key component for controlling fluid flow. It is a circular disc that rotates 0-90° around the stem to open, close, or regulate the flow.
Material: Chosen based on the medium characteristics, common materials include nylon-coated discs, cast steel, stainless steel, aluminum bronze, and duplex steel.
3. Valve Stem
Function: Connects the butterfly disc to the actuator, transmitting torque to rotate the disc.
Material: Usually made of stainless steel for high strength and corrosion resistance.
4. Valve Seat
Function: Forms a sealing surface that directly contacts the butterfly disc, preventing medium leakage.
Material: Selected based on the medium's properties, common options include rubber (EPDM, NBR), PTFE, and other elastomers for improved sealing performance.
Wafer butterfly valve connection method
Most wafer butterfly valves are designed with four alignment holes that match the pipeline flanges. These holes help position the valve correctly during installation. The valve is then clamped between two pipeline flanges and secured using double-headed bolts, ensuring a stable and leak-proof connection. This design eliminates the need for additional flanges on the valve body, making it a lightweight and cost-effective solution for low to medium-pressure systems.
Advantages of Wafer Type Butterfly Valves
Low Cost: Simple structure without the need for built-in flanges, reducing material usage. Installation requires only through bolts, eliminating extra fittings and lowering both installation and maintenance costs.
Lightweight: The wafer butterfly valve has a slim profile, compact size, and reduced overall weight, making it ideal for space-constrained environments or systems that need to minimize pipeline load.
Wafer Butterfly Valve VS. Other Types of Butterfly Valves
Wafer Butterfly Valve vs Lug Butterfly Valve
|
Feature |
Wafer Butterfly Valve |
Lug Butterfly Valve |
|
Connection Method |
Secured between pipeline flanges using double-headed bolts. |
Has threaded lugs on the valve body, allowing it to be bolted directly to pipeline flanges. |
|
Maintenance |
Cannot be used at pipeline ends; requires shutting down the entire line for maintenance. |
Suitable for end-of-line service; can be removed from one side without disrupting the other. |
|
Ideal Applications |
Best for medium-to-low pressure systems, tight spaces, and installations that don’t require frequent maintenance. |
Suitable for scenarios where pipeline end closure is needed. |
|
Cost |
Lower |
Slightly higher |
Wafer Butterfly Valve vs. Flanged Butterfly Valve
|
Feature |
Wafer Butterfly Valve |
Flanged Butterfly Valve |
|
Connection Method |
Clamped between pipeline flanges and secured with long bolts. |
Has built-in flanges; bolted directly to pipeline flanges for a one-to-one connection. |
|
Sealing Performance |
Relies on the clamping force of pipeline flanges, leading to uneven pressure distribution on the sealing surface. May leak due to flange deformation or loose bolts. |
Direct bolted connection provides a more stable structure, even pressure distribution, and higher sealing reliability. |
|
Ideal Applications |
Suitable for low-pressure, moderate-temperature systems in standard working conditions. |
Ideal for high-temperature, high-pressure, and applications requiring superior sealing performance. |
|
Installation Cost |
Lower cost, easier installation. |
Relatively higher cost due to additional materials and more complex installation. |
Common Issues, Causes, and Solutions for Wafer Butterfly Valves
|
Issue |
Possible Cause |
Solution |
|
Leakage at the connection between the valve body shaft hole and the butterfly valve shaft |
O-ring damage |
Replace the O-ring |
|
|
Packing in the stuffing box is not tightened properly |
Evenly tighten the packing gland nut. |
|
Leakage around the valve body and disc after closing |
Worn sealing surface |
Replace the seat ring |
|
|
PTFE-lined rubber has lost elasticity |
Replace the rubber gasket |
|
|
Gap between the valve body and butterfly disc |
Tighten bolts on both sides of the valve body to eliminate the gap |
|
Valve body leakage |
Lining layer is damaged and corroded through |
Repair the damaged lining or replace the valve |
Summary
Wafer butterfly valves are widely used in water supply, HVAC, and fire protection systems due to their low cost, lightweight structure, and easy installation. In standard operating conditions with budget constraints, wafer butterfly valves can fully meet your needs.
However, compared with lug and flanged butterfly valves, their sealing performance depends on flange clamping force, making them unsuitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications. When choosing a butterfly valve, it is essential to consider working pressure, temperature, and sealing requirements to ensure suitability for your specific conditions.
As a leading valve manufacturer, Union Valve is dedicated to providing high-quality industrial valve solutions to customers worldwide. Our butterfly valve product line includes wafer butterfly valves, lug butterfly valves, flanged butterfly valves, as well as double-offset and triple-offset butterfly valves. We maintain strict quality control and offer customized services.
For more information about Union Valve's wafer butterfly valves, feel free to contact us. Our technical team will provide professional selection advice and excellent after-sales service.
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