Butterfly & Plug Valve

 Butterfly Valve

Butterfly valves are most simple yet versatile valves. They are quarter turn operated valves which are commonly used in multiple industries for varied applications. Quarter turn operation ensures quick operating of the valve. In the open condition there is minimum obstruction to the fluid flow through the valve as the flow passes around the disc aerodynamically. This results in very less pressure drop through the valve.

Due to its unique mode of operation, the valve can be actuated easily without requiring high torques and wear and tear. Due to lack of friction, use of bulky actuators can be avoided. Another advantage offered by butterfly valve is their compact size. The valve is quite compact, resembling a metal disc. This makes their installation very easy. They can be used to handle slurries and fluids with suspended solids as there are no cavities for deposition of solid particles inside the valve body.

Plug Valve

Similar to ball valves, plug valves are also quarter turn type of valves. This valve consists of a plug which can be either cylindrical or conical in shape. The plug has a through slit which remains in-line with the flow in the open condition. When the plug is turned by 90 Deg., this slit becomes perpendicular to flow and the valve gets closed.

Plug valves are well suited to handle fluids with suspended solids, slurries etc.

Plug valves are primarily used for on-off applications. In case the plug valve is used for throttling applications the pressure drop across the valve is high. This is the result of the misalignment between the direction of the flow and the opening slit direction.