Is it possible to use a butterfly valve as a control valve? If so, what is the proper application? The answer is determined by the application, the amount of money allocated for your project, and other variables that vary from project to project. So, what is the best use for butterfly control valves?
Cost VS Accuracy
Consider the following before deciding on the type of control valve to use in your application:
- What exactly is the application?
- Required level control?
- What is the budget for your project?
A butterfly valve is an ideal choice for applications requiring precise control. It is cost-effective compared to other control valves, provided the application can accept some tolerance level. The type of butterfly valve to be used – such as resilient seated or high-performance – should be based on the conditions and requirements of the process.
Additionally, there are several other advantages of using a butterfly valve for control:
- Lower installation costs due to its smaller physical size and lower profile/weight means fewer braces and supports are needed.
- More compact sizing and fit, resulting in less space required for installation.
- Fewer parts and simpler maintenance.
Limitations of Butterfly Valves as Control Valves
A butterfly control valve is not the right choice for every application and should not be selected to reduce project costs. In addition, these valves have their limits and should not be used in cases where they are not suitable.
- Most butterfly valves offer a flow characteristic that is closed until it is opened to a 40-degree angle. At this angle, the flow increases dramatically from 20% to 90% of capacity or more. However, the movement could be more precise, and the inability to turn down appropriately means that butterfly valves are unsuitable for applications requiring precise control. To ensure accurate flow control, other valve types are better suited.
- Butterfly control valves often suffer from poor recovery factors, cavitation issues, and permanent pressure drops when throttling flow. To ensure optimal performance, to select the suitable valve for your application and maintaining it properly is essential. Doing so can maximize the valve’s recovery factor, reduce cavitation issues and maintain a steady pressure drop while throttling flow.
- It can be challenging to achieve accurate and consistent control when dealing with low flow rates. This challenge is often exacerbated due to the complexity of the process and the need for precise timing and repeatability. With the right approach and tools, however, you can achieve the exact control and repeatability you need.
When is a Butterfly Control Valve required?
Butterfly control valves may not be suitable for every process application that requires exact control, but they still offer plenty of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.
- They are easy to install and maintain, can handle high pressures, and provide a good level of flow control. In addition, they are often more cost-effective than other types of control valves.
- Butterfly control valves are the perfect choice if you’re looking for a valve that can provide throttling and regulation of flow in a space-constrained area.
- With a much lower pressure loss than a Globe valve, butterfly control valves offer an efficient and reliable solution to your flow control needs.
- Butterfly control valves are the perfect for applications without much space. These valves offer to throttle the majority of applications, but they can also replace other control valves due to their many advantages.
- Butterfly control valves provide nearly the same essential functions, have more safety features, and perform better and more efficiently than other valves.
- Additionally, the pressure loss of a butterfly control valve is much less than that of a Globe valve, making it an ideal choice.
A butterfly control valve in your applications can be a powerful tool to help you reduce maintenance needs, improve flow control accuracy and stability, and minimize disaster risks, such as leaks. With this valve, you can be sure that your processes are running optimally, reducing the need for costly repairs and ensuring a safe and secure environment.
In general, butterfly valves can be used where precise flow control is required. It could not only mean a significant difference in project costs but also help you achieve better results in pressure management, temperature control, and more. Contact us at www.bcstgroup.com to learn more about how butterfly control valves can be used in your next project for optimal results.
