Butterfly valves continue to remain prominent in industrial operations. Because of their minimal design requirements and affordable construction, they are the superior choice. Alongside the slender frame-making, they are sought after in different business sectors. The valves show excellent capability for managing fluid flow as well as gas movement. The application range of butterfly valves extends to many situations. Although they lack effectiveness in many operational scenarios. Knowledge of these valve limitations enables people to pick suitable industrial valves. Especially for their requirements.
1. High-Pressure Applications
Why it is unsuitable:
- High-pressure operating environments surpass the design specifications of butterfly valves. Because the thin disc material can suffer damage when exposed to excessive force.
- A tight seal through the sealing mechanism fails to develop in high-pressure environments.
Alternative:
The most suitable valves for high-pressure environments include gate valves. Together with globe valves, they offer superior sealing capabilities. Along with the ability to manage higher pressures.
2. High-Temperature Applications
Why it is unsuitable:
- Very hot conditions lead to the deterioration of elastomeric seal materials. Which are present in standard butterfly valves.
- The butterfly valve metal parts undergo expansion. That causes its sealing performance to decline.
Alternative:
When operating at high temperatures metal-seated ball valves and high-performance globe valves function as the most suitable options.
3. Precise Flow Control
Why it is unsuitable:
- The precise throttling and flow regulation of fluid systems does not work well. When using butterfly valves.
- The operational design of butterfly valves works best when used for clear-open and close operations instead of creating precise temperature fluctuations, learn more about butterfly valves.
Alternative:
Globe valves and needle valves can serve better flow control mechanisms. When compared to butterfly valves.
4. Corrosive Fluids
Why it is unsuitable:
- Elastomeric seals in butterfly valves do not prove resistant to acidic fluids.
- The valve body together with the disc becomes degraded. Due to corrosive chemical substances that pass through them over time.
Alternative:
PTFE-coated ball valves besides lined diaphragm valves serve as more resilient solutions. Especially against corrosive materials.
5. Slurry or Viscous Fluids
Why it is unsuitable:
- The biggest challenge for butterfly valves with slurry, sludge, and highly viscous fluids occurs. Especially when disc obstructions and clogging problems appear.
- Frequent accumulation of solids near the disc opening disrupts operational efficiency. Because of the narrow disk gap.
Alternative:
Recycle knife gate valves or pinch valves since these valves work well with thick and particulate-laden fluids.
6. Vacuum Applications
Why it is unsuitable:
- All materials passing through butterfly valves could leak. It is slightly because the valves cannot achieve proper vacuum seals.
- Air leakage happens because of the specific design features built into the valve seat.
Alternative:
Specially developed vacuum-rated valves and ball valves can play the role. Because they guarantee superior closure performance.
Conclusion
The cost advantages of butterfly valves with simple operation apply only to certain applications. But not all types of use. The operational requirements of high-pressure systems. Along with extreme temperatures and precise flow control. And corrosive fluids, slurry combinations, and vacuum requirements exceed the effective handling capacity. Selecting valves according to operation requirements leads to superior system efficiency and durability.