What Is the Wafer Butterfly Valve?
A wafer butterfly valve is a kind of butterfly valve used to maintain liquid flow in the piping system. It is designed to fit between two flanges in a pipeline without additional hardware, such as bolts or nuts. The valve is called a wafer valve because it is thin, lightweight, and has a style shape like a wafer. The wafer butterfly valve consists of a disc that rotates around a central shaft. The disc is linked to a stem that extends outside the valve body. It allows it to be operated manually or by an actuator. When the valve opens, the disc rotates to allow flow through the pipeline. When the valve is closed, the disc rotates perpendicularly, blocking the fluid flow. This makes valve installation and removal more accessible and faster than other valves.
What Is a Lug-Style Butterfly Valve?
A lug-style butterfly valve is a kind of butterfly valve that has threaded inserts, or “lugs,” on each side of the valve body. These lugs permit the valve to be bolted directly to the flanges in a pipeline, eliminating the need for separate flanges. It reduces installation time and cost.
The main difference between a lug-style butterfly valve and a wafer butterfly valve is how it is connected to the pipeline. A lug-style butterfly valve has threaded or bolted lugs on each end of the valve body. Yet, this allows it to be bolted directly to the pipeline flanges.
Wafer Butterfly Valve Vs. Lug-Style Butterfly Valve: Material
Both wafer and lug-style butterfly valves are available in various materials to suit different applications and operating conditions. The most common materials used for the body and disc of a lug-style butterfly valve include:
- Cast iron:
This is a common material for general-purpose applications. It is relatively inexpensive, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
- Ductile iron:
This material is similar to cast iron but with improved strength and ductility. It is often used in applications where high pressure or temperature is a concern.
- Stainless steel:
This is a popular material for applications requiring corrosion resistance or chemical attack. It is also suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Carbon steel:
This material is commonly used in applications requiring high strength and durability. It is also resistant to corrosion and can withstand high temperatures.
Lug-Style Butterfly Valve Vs. Wafer Butterfly Valve: Working
How does the lug-style Butterfly Valve work?
When the valve is partially open, the disc is rotated to a position that allows the desired amount of fluid to flow. The valve actuator controls the rotation of the disc. This can be operated manually or electronically.
The lug-style butterfly valve is installed between two pipeline flanges. It is bolted directly to the flanges using the lugs on each end of the valve body. The lugs allow the valve to be installed and removed without affecting the rest of the pipeline.
When the valve is closed, the seat on the valve body presses against the disc or plate to create a seal and prevent fluid from flowing through the pipeline. The lug-style butterfly valve is designed to be a cost-effective and efficient way to regulate or control the stream of fluids in a channel.
How the Wafer Butterfly Valve Works?
The valve body of a wafer butterfly valve is designed to fit between two flanges of a pipeline without the need for additional bolts or nuts. This allows for quick and easy installation and removal of the valve.
When the valve is partially open, the disc is rotated to a position that allows the desired amount of fluid to flow through. The rotation of the disc is controlled by the valve actuator, which can be operated manually or electronically.
When the valve is closed, the wafer butterfly valve creates a tight seal between the disc or plate and the valve body. This is gained through the use of a seat, which is a component that provides a seal between the disc or plate and the valve body.
When the valve is fully closed, the seat on the valve body presses against the disc or plate to create a seal and prevent fluid from flowing through the pipeline. When the valve is completely open, the disc or plate is positioned perpendicular to the fluid flow, allowing maximum flow.
Wafer Butterfly Valve Vs. Lug Style Butterfly Valve: Design
A wafer butterfly valve with a slim profile is designed to fit between two flanges in a pipeline without additional bolts or nuts. The valve body of a wafer butterfly valve is typically made of a lightweight material such as aluminum or stainless steel, which makes it easy to install and remove.
On the other hand, a lug-style butterfly valve has threaded lugs on each end of the valve body, which allows the valve to be bolted directly to the flanges of the pipeline. This design provides a secure and stable installation but may require more time and effort to install and remove.
Both wafer and lug-style butterfly valves use a disc or plate connected to a central shaft to regulate fluid flow through the valve. The disc or plate is positioned perpendicular to the fluid stream when the valve is fully open. It allows for maximum flow and is rotated to a position parallel to the flow of fluid to block the flow entirely when the valve is fully closed.
Lug-Style Butterfly Valve Vs. Wafer Butterfly Valve: Uses
Lug-style butterfly valve uses:
Lug-style butterfly valves are commonly used in applications where the valve needs to be installed and removed without affecting the rest of the pipeline. They are also used in higher-pressure applications where the valve needs to be tightly secured to the pipeline.
Like the wafer butterfly valve, the lug-style butterfly valve is relatively easy to install and maintain. It is often less expensive than other valves and can be operated manually or with an actuator. However, it may be slightly heavier and bulkier than the wafer butterfly valve due to the additional lugs and bolts.
Wafer butterfly valve uses:
- Wafer butterfly valves are commonly used in
- HVAC systems
- water treatment plants
- chemical processing plants
- food and beverage production facilities.
They are generally less expensive and lighter in weight than other types of valves. They can be operated manually or with an actuator.
Wafer butterfly valve vs. Lug style butterfly valve: Flow chart
| Criteria | Wafer Butterfly Valve | Lug-Style Butterfly Valve |
| Size | Lighter | Heavier with large size |
| End Valve | Not suitable as an end valve | Suitable as an end valve |
| Ease of installation | Easy to install and remove | Requires additional nuts and bolts |
| Maintenance | Easy to maintain and service | Requires disconnection from the pipeline to service |
Lug-Style Butterfly Valve Vs. Wafer Butterfly Valve: Which One Is Better
The choice between a lug-style butterfly valve and a wafer butterfly valve depends on the specific application and the system’s requirements. Here is the comparison between the lug-style butterfly valve vs. the wafer butterfly valve.
• Butterfly valves with lugs have bodies with two lugs cast into or welded onto them. The valve can be fastened to a flat surface like a flange. The body of a wafer butterfly valve has a groove carved into it. This groove creates a seal by pressing the valve between two flat surfaces.
• Although more expensive than wafer-style ones. Yet, lugged butterfly valves offer a more reliable connection. Wafer butterfly valves can be more difficult to install but are less expensive.
• Round discs with lugs that connect the disc to the valve’s body are a feature of lugged butterfly valves. A disc is fastened to the valve’s body via screws or bolts in wafer butterfly valves. Both butterfly valves are utilized to maintain the flow of gases and liquids.
• Lugs make it possible to remove the disc without removing the complete valve. So, lugged butterfly valves are simpler to maintain than wafer butterfly valves. Because the sealing surfaces of wafer butterfly valves are more precise than those on lugged ones, they are less likely to leak.
• Wafer butterfly valves are typically used in applications with low pressure. However, the lugged butterfly valves are frequently utilized in high-pressure applications.
Lug-Style Butterfly Valve Vs. Wafer Butterfly Valve: FAQs
Can wafer butterfly valves and lug-style butterfly valves be automated?
Yes, both wafer and lug-style butterfly valves can be automated using actuators, which can be operated manually or electronically. The actuator is typically mounted on top of the valve and controls the rotation of the disc or plate.
Can a wafer butterfly valve be used in a dead-end flow application?
No, wafer butterfly valves should not be used in a dead-end flow application as they do not have the same strength and sealing ability as lug-style butterfly valves.
Can a lug-style butterfly valve be used in a bi-directional flow application?
Yes, lug-style butterfly valves can be used in bi-directional flow applications.
