Knowledge

What is a butterfly valve wafer?

Oct. 11, 2025

A wafer butterfly valve is a compact flow control device that fits between pipe flanges using a wafer-style mounting. The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve from Yaxing Valve features a durable cast iron body, which is widely used for water and HVAC applications. The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve is compact and easy to install, making it ideal for water treatment and HVAC systems. Durable materials and coatings enhance the valve's lifespan, providing excellent resistance to corrosion and chemicals. The unique wafer connection simplifies installation and ensures reliable sealing, reducing the risk of leaks in various applications.


Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve Features

Design & Construction

The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve stands out for its simple structure and compact design. Manufacturers like Yaxing use a fusion-bonded epoxy-coated cast iron body, which provides both strength and durability. The valve features a precision-machined stainless steel disc that rotates 90 degrees to open or close the flow. This design allows for quick operation and excellent fluid control.

Key design features include:

  ● Small volume and lightweight construction, making handling and installation easier.

  ● Quick opening and closing action, which supports efficient system operation.

  ● The valve fits snugly between two flanges, saving space in crowded piping systems.


Yaxing manufactures these valves according to international standards, ensuring quality and reliability.



Standard Type

Standard Reference

Design Standard

BS 5155, EN 593, API 609 CAT. A.

Testing Standard

BSEN 12266 Part-1

Product Standard

BS 5155



Materials & Coatings

Yaxing Valve selects materials that enhance the performance and lifespan of the Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve. The cast iron body receives a durable epoxy coating, which resists chemicals and corrosion. This feature is especially important for water treatment and supply systems, where valves face constant exposure to moisture and varying water qualities.


Common coatings used in the industry include:

  ● Epoxy coating: Offers chemical resistance and durability, ideal for water treatment.

  ● Polyurethane coatings: Provide excellent wear resistance for industrial and marine environments.

  ● Ceramic coatings: Deliver high durability in high-temperature or corrosive settings.

  ● Galvanized coatings: Act as a sacrificial layer to prevent corrosion, often used in oil and gas.

The stainless steel disc inside the valve further improves corrosion resistance, ensuring reliable operation even in challenging environments.


Wafer Connection

The wafer mounting style gives the Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve several advantages. Installers can easily clamp the valve between two pipeline flanges, which simplifies the installation process and reduces downtime. The compact design saves space, making it suitable for systems with limited room.

Benefits of the wafer connection include:

  ● Easy installation between flanges, reducing labor and time.

  ● Lightweight construction, which aids in handling and positioning.

  ● Enhanced sealing performance. The unique design allows the valve to automatically seal as it closes, using the torque generated by the handle or actuator.

  ● The elastic seal ensures zero leakage, even under varying pressure conditions.


The seat materials available include EPDM, NBR, and PTFE. Each material provides specific advantages:

Material Type

Advantages

PTFE

Handles temperature and corrosive conditions; adapts to disc movement under pressure.

Elastomer

Creates a leak-proof seal; ensures reliable shut-off, even at low pressure.

The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve also features bi-directional sealing. This advanced technology prevents leakage in both flow directions, which increases operational reliability and safety in water treatment and supply applications.


Operation & Types

How It Works

A wafer butterfly valve operates with a straightforward mechanism. The disc inside the valve rotates on a central shaft. When the valve opens, the disc aligns parallel to the flow, allowing water or other fluids to pass with minimal resistance. To close the valve, the disc turns 90 degrees, sitting perpendicular to the flow and creating a tight seal against the seat. Operators can also partially open the valve for throttling, which helps control the flow rate. This design makes the Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve ideal for quick shut-off and reliable service in water treatment systems.


Flow Control

The flow control mechanism relies on the rotating disc. As the disc moves, it changes the size of the opening, which adjusts the flow. This action allows for rapid opening and closing. While the disc may cause a slight pressure drop, the valve remains effective for most low- to medium-pressure water and HVAC applications. The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve provides dependable flow regulation, especially in systems where frequent operation is required.


Wafer Butterfly Valve vs. Lug Butterfly Valve

Feature

Lug-style butterfly valve

Wafer-style butterfly valve

Installation

Uses only bolts

Uses bolts and nuts

Centering during installation

Easier

More difficult

Flange compatibility

Can use separate bolts for each flange

Must maintain a seal to prevent backflow


Wafer Butterfly Valve vs. Flanged Butterfly Valve

Feature

Wafer Butterfly Valve

Flanged Butterfly Valve

Pressure Handling

Low to medium

Medium to high

Pressure Rating

≤PN16

PN10-PN40

Connection Method

Bolts or nuts

Integral flanges

Space Requirement

Less space needed

More space needed

Reliability

Good

Excellent

Flanged butterfly valves often use nitrile rubber sealing rings and handle higher pressures, making them suitable for demanding industrial environments. In contrast, wafer valves like the Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve excel in water treatment and HVAC systems, where space and ease of installation matter most.


Applications

Industrial Uses

The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve serves a vital role in many industrial sectors. Its robust construction and corrosion resistance make it a preferred choice for demanding environments. The following table highlights key industries and their typical applications:

Industry

Application Description

Chemical Industry

Utilizes cast iron butterfly valves for robust and corrosion-resistant flow control in aggressive environments.

Power Generation

Essential for controlling steam, water, and fluids in power plants, suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature conditions.

Other Applications

Includes food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and pulp and paper, requiring dependable flow control solutions.

Operators in these industries rely on the valve for processes such as water treatment, chemical processing, and fluid management. The valve’s design supports easy installation and reliable operation, even in large-scale projects. Yaxing’s Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve meets strict international standards. The brand holds certifications such as ISO9001, API, CE, and AWWA, ensuring compliance with global quality and safety requirements. These certifications make the valve suitable for regulated sectors and projects that demand proven performance.


Water & HVAC Systems

Water treatment and HVAC systems represent the primary fields for the Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve. In water treatment facilities, operators use these valves to regulate flow during filtering, disinfection, and distribution. The valve’s bi-directional sealing and corrosion resistance ensure safe and efficient operation. In HVAC systems, the valve controls water and air flow to maintain temperature and air quality. Maintenance teams appreciate the valve’s compact design and easy installation, which reduce downtime and labor costs.


The Cast Iron Wafer Butterfly Valve delivers dependable flow control with user-friendly operation and minimal maintenance. Yaxing’s design offers excellent durability, corrosion protection, and cost-effectiveness. Water treatment professionals choose this valve for reliable sealing and efficient performance in large-scale projects.


FAQ


What industries use cast iron wafer butterfly valves most?

Water treatment plants, municipal water supply, and HVAC systems use these valves most often. Operators choose them for reliable flow control and corrosion resistance.


How does the wafer connection benefit installation?

The wafer connection allows installers to clamp the valve between flanges. This design saves space and reduces installation time.


Which seat materials are available for Yaxing butterfly valves?

Yaxing offers EPDM, NBR, and PTFE seat materials. Each material provides specific advantages for temperature, chemical resistance, and sealing performance.


Botou Yaxing Fluid Equipment Co., Ltd. specializes in providing design, development, and manufacturing services for the water valve industry. We produce high-quality valve products.

+86 186 3170 8948

info@civalves.com

No.4 Road Botou Industrial Zone, Cangzhou City Hebei Province, China

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