Electric butterfly valves are essential in modern industry because they manage pipeline fluids quietly and effectively. They ensure that water, gases, oils and corrosive media are handled safely and smoothly in industrial processes. This article will guide you through this important automation equipment, starting with its basic parts and how it works and ending with its many uses. We’ll also cover how to choose and take care of them, so you can become an expert in using this tool.
What Is an Electric Butterfly Valve?
An electric butterfly valve is made by joining an electric actuator to a butterfly valve body. The valve body is made up of a central rotating disc. When the disc rotates with the valve stem, it can either open, close, or control the flow of fluid. The electric actuator is responsible for controlling and moving the valve. It gets electrical signals, changes them into rotational force and accurately moves the disc. This allows for remote control and automatic operation, which improves fluid control efficiency and safety and cuts down on the risks and expenses of manual handling. This type of valve is distinct from ball valves, which use a sphere to control flow. The connector on the actuator links it to the power and control systems.
How Does an Electric Valve Work?
The working principle of an electric butterfly valve is straightforward. If the electric actuator receives a command from a PLC or DCS system, its internal motor starts working. The motor’s rotation is transferred to the valve stem by a gear system which changes it into torque. The valve stem allows the attached disc to rotate by 90 degrees, so it is called a quarter turn valve. When the disk is parallel to the pipeline, the valve is wide open and the fluid flows without restriction. If the disk is at a right angle to the pipeline, the valve is shut and fluid stops flowing. The valve manages the flow of fluid by controlling it in all other directions. The exact position of the valve is usually checked by limit switches and auxiliary limit switches in the actuator which give information to the control system. The internal bearings make the disc and stem rotate smoothly and with little friction. An electric butterfly valve is similar to a driver smoothly guiding a car as it drives; the flow of fluid is controlled by electricity.
Electric Butterfly Valve Types
There are different types of electric butterfly valves. They are classified according to the control method, physical structure, connection method as well as their suitable applications.
By Control Function
Based on control function, electric butterfly valves mainly fall into two types:
- On/Off Type: These valves can only be fully open or fully closed, like a light switch. They are typically used for blocking or diverting fluid, providing quick on/off control. Operation is simple and direct.
- Modulating Type: Modulating electric butterfly valves can precisely control the disc’s opening based on an analog input signal (such as 4-20mA current or 0-10V voltage). This allows for stepless regulation of fluid flow. They are ideal for precise control of flow, pressure, or temperature in complex industrial processes. Their function is similar to a water tap, where you can adjust the water flow as needed.
Body Structure
The valve body structure is key for electric butterfly valves to adapt to different pipeline environments. Common structures include:
- Wafer Type: This type of butterfly valve is the most popular and also the most affordable. The valve body is held between two flanges and fastened with pipeline flange bolts. Because it is small and light, it is perfect for use in tight spaces.
- Flanged Type: The flanged butterfly valve has flanges on each side which are bolted directly to the flanges of the pipeline. This type of structure ensures a stronger seal and more stable connection which is needed for larger pipes and higher pressure systems.
- Lug Type: Lug-type butterfly valves are equipped with threaded lugs on their valve body. Every lug has its own bolt hole, so it can be attached directly to pipeline flanges. With this design, you can take out a valve from one side without disturbing the other side which is helpful for maintenance.
By Connection Type
Besides the connection methods determined by body structure, there are other specific connection types:
- Welded Type: Usually socket weld or butt weld, offering very high sealing performance. This type is suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature, or leak-sensitive applications.
- Threaded Type: Often found in smaller-sized valves, connecting to pipelines via threads. Installation is simple.
| Type Dimension | Specific Category | Key Features | Typical Applications |
| Control Function | On/Off Type | Fully open or closed only, quick switching | Fluid blocking, diverting |
| Modulating Type | Precise stepless flow, pressure, temperature control | Process control, automation systems | |
| Body Structure | Wafer Type | Compact, economical, lightweight, clamped between flanges | Space-limited, medium-low pressure pipelines |
| Flanged Type | Stable connection, strong sealing, direct bolt connection | Large diameter, high pressure, high stability requirements | |
| Lug Type | Independent bolt holes, allows single-side maintenance | Frequent maintenance needs, pipelines that cannot be shut down easily | |
| Connection Type | Welded Type | Very high sealing, high pressure, high temperature | Petrochemical, high-pressure steam |
| Threaded Type | Small diameter, simple installation | Small equipment, laboratories |
Benefits of Electric Butterfly Valves
Electric butterfly valves are valued in industry for their main benefits. For this reason, they are often used in fluid control systems.
The main advantage of electric butterfly valves is their ability to be controlled and automated precisely. The electric actuator can move the disc to any angle when it receives electrical signals. It makes it possible to control the flow of fluid with great accuracy.This ability is vital for processes needing strict parameter control, such as accurate chemical dosing in water treatment, or precise temperature control in HVAC systems. Automated operation reduces the need for manual work and human error. It also boosts production efficiency and process consistency.
Second, being able to operate from a distance and ensure safety. These valves can be operated from a central control room without having to go to the valve itself. This is necessary when dealing with dangerous media, high temperatures or pressures or places that are hard to reach. It makes the job much safer for operators. It’s similar to controlling heavy machinery from a distance; electric butterfly valves help make dangerous tasks safer and easier.
Third, energy efficiency and helping the environment. Most electric actuators stop consuming energy when they reach their target valve position (except for continuous operation types). They use less energy than pneumatic valves which always need air to operate. In addition, accurate flow control improves the way the system operates. It helps save energy and supports the current push for green industrial growth. It works much like a well-controlled reservoir gate. It provides water for irrigation without wasting much water.
Lastly, installation is easy and the maintenance costs are low. Electric butterfly valves are usually designed to be compact. As a result, they require less space to install. The design of these systems usually allows for simple upkeep. It helps to avoid downtime and cut down on long-term expenses. They are built to last, so they don’t need to be replaced as often. As a result, the overall cost of owning the car is reduced.
Common Applications of Electric Butterfly Valves
Electric butterfly valves are used in many areas. They are in almost all industrial sectors that need fluid control. They are a key part of modern industrial processes. Here are some typical uses:
- Water and Wastewater Treatment: In water and wastewater plants, electric butterfly valves control raw water, treated water, and sludge flow. This allows for precise dosing, filtration, and discharge control.
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems: In large buildings and industrial facilities, electric butterfly valves adjust the flow of chilled water, hot water, or steam. This precisely controls indoor temperature and humidity and optimizes energy efficiency.
- Chemical and Pharmaceutical Industries: These sectors require extreme precision in handling fluids. Electric butterfly valves manage the flow of corrosive fluids, high-purity fluids and gases, and other media in various chemical reactions.
- Food and Beverage Industry: In food processing, sanitary electric butterfly valves control the flow of liquids, slurries, and steam. This ensures product quality and hygiene standards.
- Power Industry: The use of electric butterfly valves is extensively found in the cooling water systems, boiler feedwater systems, and exhaust gas treatment systems of thermal and nuclear power plants. They control the flow of very large volumes of fluid.
- Mining and Metallurgy Industry: Used to control the transport of slurries, tailings, cooling water, and various chemical solutions. They can handle harsh operating conditions.
- Oil and Gas Industry: In oil and gas extraction, transport, and processing, electric butterfly valves control the flow of crude oil, natural gas, refined products, and associated media. They are especially used where explosion-proof ratings are needed.
- Equipment Manufacturing: Many automated machines and equipment have fluid paths that make use of electric butterfly valves. It guarantees that the equipment works correctly.
Choosing the Ideal Electric Butterfly Valve
Choosing the right electric butterfly valve means looking at operating conditions, fluid properties, control needs, and budget. It is like picking the perfect tool for a specific job.
- Understand Media Properties: To begin, determine the kind of fluid media (water, oil, gas, slurry, corrosive media, etc.). Also, its temperature, pressure, viscosity, and whether it contains solid particles. These parameters define the required materials (valve body, disc, seal) and pressure rating. Common body materials, for example, are stainless steel and ductile iron. Seals may use PTFE or graphite. The valve stem may be made of specialized materials such as a graphite stem for some applications. Also, take into account the turbulence in the flow which can affect the valve’s performance.
- Determine Control Function and Precision: Do you need simple on/off control, or precise flow regulation? This choice impacts whether you need an on/off or modulating electric actuator. For modulating types, consider the control signal type (e.g., analog signals).
- Consider Connection Method and Installation Space: Select the appropriate valve body construction based on the method of pipe connection (flange, wafer, welded, etc.) and the available space for installation. Compact wafer valves work well in confined areas, whereas flanged types are more suitable for larger diameters and higher pressures. Do not overlook the specific installation requirements.
- Actuator Selection and Power Supply: Electric actuators have different torque and speed ratings. Select based on valve size and operating conditions. Also, confirm the available power voltage (e.g., AC220V, DC24V). For hazardous areas needing explosion protection, choose an actuator with the right explosion-proof rating.
- Brand Reputation and After-Sales Service: Pick a brand that is well-known. It should give premium quality products along with professional advice on product selection, technical assistance, and comprehensive after-sales support.
- Certifications and Standards: Check if the valve meets relevant international or regional standards (e.g., API, ISO, CE, RoHS, SIL, FDA) based on project or industry requirements. For example, in water applications, compliance with AWWA standards might be crucial, or CSA certifications for Canadian markets.
If you are looking for an electric butterfly valve, VINCER is a company that provides automated valve solutions with a wide range of products including electric and pneumatic valves. They are committed to providing customers with excellent, one-stop automated valve services. VINCER’s team of professionals can determine what customers need by considering eight main elements: medium analysis, temperature, medium pressure analysis, medium opening/closing time, connection standards, control methods, material requirements and installation position and space. VINCER offers both standard products and custom solutions for placing equipment in various areas and for different uses. They use only the best imported sealing materials for their products. Therefore, valves are able to handle wear, heat and corrosion which allows them to last longer in tough situations. VINCER’s products are approved with international certifications, customers can trust that they are reliable. After purchase, the engineering team at VINCER offers professional help, including error analysis, solutions and remote assistance, to ensure customer problems are resolved.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
It is important to maintain and fix electric butterfly valves quickly which help the system operate smoothly for a long time. Regular inspections help detect issues early and stop them from further becoming major problems.
Routine Maintenance
- Regular Checks: Observe the exterior of the actuator for leaks, corrosion, or any other damage. Inspect the actuator cover for any damage, and check the terminals for corrosion or looseness.
- Lubrication: As per the manufacturer’s instructions, lubricate actuator gears and moving components such as the valve stem. Doing so will minimize wear and friction.
- Cleaning: For valves and actuators, make sure to maintain the outer surfaces clean. This helps in preventing dust and dirt build-up which may interfere with the dissipation of heat or affect the operation.
- Operational Test: Run routine full open/close operation cycles. Check for smooth motion of the valve without sticking. For modulating valves, check their accuracy in regulation within the specified range.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
- Valve Does Not Open/Close:
- Check Power: Ensure power supply is operational and there is no fluctuation in voltage.
- Check Control Signal: Confirm through testing that the control signal was received by the actuator.
- Check Actuator: Check the actuator’s internal motor or drive mechanism for damage. The motor might be burnt out, or internal gears might be jammed.
- Check Valve Body: Verify that no foreign material and the valve disc are not obstructed to movement which would cause jamming.
- Valve Leakage:
- Check Seals: They could be aged, worn, or damaged.
- Check Valve Seat: There may be a deformation or damage which causes improper sealing.
- Check Connection Bolts: Loosening of flange connection bolts might lead to poor sealing.
- Reduced Control Precision:
- Calibrate Actuator: Modulating actuators might need recalibration. This ensures correct correspondence with the control signal.
- Check Sensors: Check limit switches and position feedback devices. Ensure correct functionality with feedback from the system.
- Abnormal Noise:
- Check Lubrication: May be insufficient lubrication, causing increased friction in moving parts, possibly within the bearings.
- Check Fasteners: Looseness of valve and actuator fasteners and flanges may cause unsteady operation.
If you encounter complex problems your team cannot handle, feel free to contact your supplier for more comprehensive and technical help.
Conclusion
Electric butterfly valves are required for managing fluids. They are very accurate and can be managed automatically. They are applied in water treatment, chemical processing and HVAC for various control tasks, simple or advanced. You should know about the working conditions, the materials involved and how much control is needed to choose the best electric butterfly valve. Proper maintenance will help your valve last for a longer time.
Electric butterfly valves help make industrial processes safe, just as ships are guided around barriers by clear instructions.