The main reasons for using butterfly valves instead of gate valves are as follows
First, weight and space advantages
Light weight: The weight of the butterfly valve is much lighter than the gate valve of the same size. For example, a butterfly valve with a nominal diameter of 250mm weighs only 25kg, while a cast iron gate valve of the same size may weigh as much as 220kg. This helps to reduce the weight of the entire piping system, thus reducing the requirements on the piping support base and further reducing the system cost.
The space occupied by the butterfly valve is about 1/6 of the gate valve of the same size. For example, the height of a butterfly valve with a nominal diameter of 250mm is about 530mm, while the height of a gate valve of the same size is up to 1090mm. This makes butterfly valves have greater application advantages in space-limited occasions.
Second, ease of operation
Quick opening and closing: the butterfly valve only needs to rotate 90° from opening to closing, while the gate valve needs to rotate many turns to complete the opening and closing action. This makes butterfly valves more advantageous in situations where quick opening and closing are required.
Small operating torque: the opening and closing torque of the butterfly valve is relatively small, making the operation easier and more convenient.
Third, cost-effectiveness
Low purchase cost: The cost of butterfly valves is usually only about 40% of cast iron gate valves.
Low installation cost: Due to the light weight and small size of the butterfly valve, the installation process is easier and faster, thus reducing the installation cost.
Fourth, performance characteristics
Adjustment function: The butterfly valve not only has a cut-off function, but also has an adjustment function. This makes the butterfly valve more advantageous in situations where throttling and regulating flow control are required.
Medium adaptability: Butterfly valves can be used in media with suspended solid particles, and can also be used in powder and granular media depending on the strength of the sealing surface. This allows the butterfly valve to maintain good performance in a variety of media environments.
5. Application Scenarios
Where throttling and regulating flow control are required: The adjustment function of the butterfly valve makes it ideal for such occasions.
Mud medium and medium containing solid particles: butterfly valve has good adaptability to such media and can maintain stable performance.
Where the valve structure length is short: The butterfly valve has a compact structure and short length, which is suitable for use in such occasions.
Occasions requiring fast opening and closing speed: The opening and closing of the butterfly valve is rapid, suitable for use in emergency cutting or occasions requiring quick opening and closing.
Butterfly valves are superior to gate valves in terms of weight, space, ease of operation, cost effectiveness, and performance characteristics, so they are gradually replacing gate valves in a variety of application scenarios.