A wafer butterfly valve is a type of quarter-turn valve that controls the flow of fluids in a pipeline. It is called a "wafer" valve due to its slim, wafer-like profile, which allows it to be sandwiched between two pipeline flanges without the need for additional flange bolts
The wafer butterfly valve consists of a thin, disc-shaped closure element known as the "butterfly" that pivots around a central shaft. The disc is mounted in the center of the valve body and is typically made of metal or a resilient material such as rubber or PTFE.
The valve body is usually constructed from materials like cast iron, ductile iron, stainless steel, or carbon steel, depending on the application requirements.
The valve's slim profile and lightweight design make it easy to install and suitable for use in space-constrained areas.
Low Pressure Drop: The streamlined disc design of wafer butterfly valves results in minimal obstruction to flow, leading to low-pressure drop across the valve. This characteristic helps optimize system efficiency and reduces energy consumption, especially in large diameter pipelines.
Bi-Directional Sealing: Wafer butterfly valves provide bi-directional sealing, meaning they can effectively seal against flow in either direction. This feature offers flexibility in system design and allows for simplified installation without concern for flow direction.
Versatility: Wafer butterfly valves can handle a wide range of fluids, including water, air, gases, steam, and corrosive chemicals. They are suitable for both on-off and throttling applications and can be used in various industries, such as HVAC, water treatment, chemical processing, and food and beverage.
Low Maintenance: With fewer moving parts and a simple design, wafer butterfly valves typically require minimal maintenance compared to other types of valves. Routine inspection and lubrication are usually all that's needed to keep them operating smoothly.
Resilient Seat Options: Wafer butterfly valves can be equipped with resilient seat materials, such as EPDM, NBR, or PTFE, which provide a tight seal against the disc and valve body. These materials offer excellent resistance to wear, corrosion, and temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term reliability.
Open Position:
In the open position, the valve disc is rotated parallel to the flow direction, allowing fluid to pass through the valve with minimal obstruction.
The disc is mounted centrally in the valve body and is supported by a shaft running through its center.
When the valve is open, the disc is perpendicular to the shaft, creating an unobstructed flow path through the valve.
Flow Control:
To control the flow of fluid through the pipeline, the valve disc is rotated using the valve actuator. This actuator can be manual, electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic, depending on the application and control requirements.
As the disc is rotated, it moves away from the flow path, gradually obstructing the flow and reducing the flow rate through the valve.
Wafer butterfly valves are an essential component in many different types of piping systems. They provide efficient and reliable performance while also being relatively easy to install and operate. Understanding the basics of how they work and the features they possess will help you choose the right wafer butterfly valve for your application. Additionally, it is important to follow proper maintenance practices to ensure that your valve offers maximum performance and reliability. With regular inspections and proper operation techniques, you can get the most out of your wafer type butterfly valve for a long time to come.
Material of Wafer Butterfly Valve
| Part |
Materials |
| Body |
Ductile Iron |
| Seat |
EPDM / BUNA / PTFE |
| Disc |
Ductile Iron / 316 Stainless Steal / Bronze |
| Seat |
BUNA / EPDM / PTFE |
| Bushing |
PTFE |
| O-Ring |
EPDM / BUNA |
| Taper Pin |
316 Stainless Steel |
| Stem |
416 Stainless Steel |
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