Butterfly and ball valves are two popular types of valves for regulating the flow of fluids through a pipeline. Both kinds have their features, which would be considered best for one’s system depending on the requirements. In this article, we make a detailed comparison between butterfly valves and ball valves so that you can decide which one would work best for you.
Understanding Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are quarter-turn valves in which a rotating disk is applied to isolate the flow of the fluid medium. The centrally located disk in the pipe rotates to either enable flow or block it. When the disk is turned in a manner that is parallel to the flow’s direction, the flow is allowed or unblocked. But when the disk is perpendicular, the flow is fully closed.Features of Butterfly Valves
- Compact Design: The butterfly valves are compact and lightweight, which makes them easy to install and maintain. This design can also be helpful in tight spaces.
- Economical: These valves are cheaper than ball valves in terms of initial investment and maintenance. Their design is very plain, which means fewer components and a further lower cost of making and maintaining them.
- Quick Operation: Butterfly valves operate by a quarter turn only, making them very fast. This makes them ideal for applications where quick shut-off is required.
- Reduced Pressure Drop: The pressure head loss across the valve is minimal because a fully opened disk offers minimal obstruction to the flow.
Understanding Ball Valves
On the other hand, ball valves use a spherical ball with a hole through its center to control flow. When the valve opens, the hole aligns with the pipeline, allowing fluid to pass through. When closed, the ball is rotated 90 degrees, blocking the flow.Features of Ball Valves
- Tight Sealing: Ball valves are known for their excellent sealing capabilities. When closed, the ball forms a tight seal, making it ideal for applications requiring zero leakage.
- Durability: Strong valves can bear high pressure and temperature, and consequently, they wear out less frequently. That’s why they find applications in relatively demanding areas.
- Versatile: Ball valves are adaptable, and their shafts can handle various fluids, such as gases, liquids, or slurries. Additionally, they are highly efficient in high-pressure applications.
- Ease of Operation: Ball valves, like butterfly valves, can be easily operated by a quarter turn, so flow control is effortless to maintain.
Selecting the Appropriate Type of Valve
The choice between a butterfly or a ball valve depends on many factors, but primarily specifically depends on the system you are choosing it for, your budget, and the type of controlled fluid. Read below for some considerations that will help you make a proper decision that will serve you well for a long time.- Space Constraints: Butterfly valves, with their compact design, are more suitable in environments where space is limited.
- Cost Constraints: If cost is a significant issue, butterfly valves provide an economical solution with acceptable performance for most applications.
- Flow Regulation: Ball valves are more efficient in flow control and throttling applications than gate valves because they can regulate flow finely.