A Complete Guide to Butterfly Valve Types and Their Uses in Industry

Industrial butterfly control valves are essential components in modern fluid handling systems. These space-saving flow control valves offer a compact and cost-effective solution for regulating flow in pipelines across a broad range of industries, from HVAC to chemical processing and power generation. This guide provides an in-depth overview of the types of butterfly valves, their material specifications, and industrial applications, helping engineers and procurement professionals choose the right valve for every need.

What Is a Butterfly Valve?

A high-performance cast iron butterfly valve is a quarter-turn shut-off valve that uses a rotating disc to control fluid flow. Its simple yet efficient design makes it ideal for systems requiring quick actuation, tight shut-off, and low-pressure loss. Yaxing offers DN50 to DN1200 butterfly valves that conform to international standards such as API 609 and ISO 5752.

Main Types of Butterfly Valves

1. Concentric Butterfly Valve

The concentric butterfly valve, also known as a resilient-seated butterfly valve, features a centered stem and disc with an elastomeric seat that provides tight shut-off. These valves are ideal for low-pressure, non-critical systems where cost-effectiveness and simplicity are key. They are widely used in potable water distribution, fire protection pipelines, and HVAC chilled/hot water loops.

Typically available in sizes ranging from DN50 to DN600, with pressure ratings of PN10 to PN16, these valves are often constructed using cast iron or ductile iron for the body, and EPDM, NBR, or PTFE for the sealing elements.

2. Double Offset Butterfly Valve (High-Pressure Butterfly Valve)

The double offset butterfly valve, also known as a high-performance butterfly valve, features an offset disc and shaft arrangement that reduces seat wear during operation. This design extends the valve’s service life and allows for higher pressure and temperature capabilities. It is commonly deployed in oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing plants, and steam control systems.

3. Triple Offset Butterfly Valve (TOV)

Designed for extreme service conditions, the triple offset butterfly valve (TOV) incorporates three distinct offsets to eliminate friction during operation and achieve a metal-to-metal zero-leakage seal. It is the preferred solution for high-temperature, high-pressure, and critical shut-off scenarios, particularly in the power generation, petrochemical, and marine industries.

TOVs are available in sizes from DN100 to DN1200, and pressure ratings of PN25 to PN40 or Class 150/300. Common body materials include WCB, CF8, and CF8M, with Inconel, Stellite, or hard-faced alloys used for sealing surfaces to resist erosion and corrosion.

4. Wafer-Type Butterfly Valve

The wafer-style butterfly valve is designed to be installed between two flanges, held in place by bolts passing through the flanges. These valves are highly compact and lightweight, making them an excellent choice for space-constrained installations in food and beverage pipelines, compressed air systems, and urban wastewater networks.

Typically available in DN50 to DN800, with PN10 or PN16 pressure ratings, wafer valves are often manufactured using ductile iron bodies, stainless steel discs, and NBR or PTFE seats for resistance against food-grade or chemically neutral media. 

5. Lug-Type Butterfly Valve

Lug-type butterfly valves are similar to wafer-style valves but feature threaded bolt holes on both sides of the body, allowing direct attachment to flange ends. This enables easy isolation of piping sections for end-of-line service and maintenance. Common in mining slurry systems, chemical dosing lines, and industrial wastewater treatment facilities, lug valves offer robust mounting and versatility.

Available in DN50 to DN1000, with PN10–PN25 ratings, these valves can be constructed from ductile iron or stainless steel, with seats in EPDM, Viton, or PTFE, depending on the fluid type.

How to Choose the Right Butterfly Valve for Your System

When selecting a high quality butterfly valve for industrial use, consider the following:

  ● Operating Pressure & Temperature: For example, DN200 triple offset valves for high-temperature steam applications.

  ● Media Compatibility: Use PTFE-lined butterfly valves for corrosive chemicals.

  ● Space Constraints: Opt for wafer-style bufferfly valves in compact installations.

  ● Valve Standards: API 609, EN593, ISO 5211 mounting for actuator compatibility.

  ● Maintenance Needs: Prioritize low-friction seat designs for high-cycle operations.

Why Choose Yaxing for Your Industrial Butterfly Valve Supplier?

Yaxing Valve is a leading Chinese butterfly valve manufacturer with over 20 years of experience. We offer:

  ● Sizes from DN50 to DN1200, pressure classes up to PN25 / Class 150

  ● Body materials: Cast iron, ductile iron, carbon steel, stainless steel

  ● Sealing: EPDM, NBR, PTFE, metal-to-metal

  ● Actuation options: Manual gear, electric actuator, pneumatic actuator

  ● Certifications: CE, ISO 9001, API 609 compliance

Butterfly valves are versatile, efficient, and indispensable in fluid control systems. Whether you're sourcing a DN300 wafer butterfly valve for HVAC or a high-performance triple offset valve for power stations, Yaxing Valve delivers tailored solutions that meet global quality and safety standards.