Valves are vital components of engineering equipment and devices. They are essential for directing and controlling the flow of fluids in industrial and commercial operations. Generally, valves come in different shapes and sizes and can function in various ways. This blog post will discuss two types of valves widely used in many industries – the Butterfly valve and the Globe valve. We will explore the key differences between these two and help you decide which suits your application best.
What is Butterfly Valve?
A Butterfly Valve is a control valve that relies on a disk to stop, start, or regulate the flow of liquids and gases. The disc is mounted onto the stem, which turns inside the body to adjust the opening size for regulating flow. Butterfly Valves are suitable for industrial uses like food processing, agriculture, automotive production, and mining.
What is Globe Valve?
Globe Valve is a type of valve that regulates flow in a piping system. It consists of an internal plug element, which can be adjusted to control the flow rate and reduce pressure drop. The globe valve has two openings, one at each end, separated by an adjustable disk called the seat. It uses linear motion to open or close ports for the liquid or gas within pipes to pass through certain areas while blocking others off.
Difference Between Butterfly Valve and Globe Valve
Operating Principle:-
The Butterfly valve gets its name from its shape, similar to a butterfly’s. It consists of a disc-shaped valve element that rotates around the valve stem. When the disc is rotated, its angle changes and the fluid flow is regulated accordingly.
On the other hand, a Globe valve pivots on a spindle and moves linearly against the valve seat. As a result, the flow path changes and either restricts or opens up the fluid flow.
Applications:-
Butterfly valves are often used in large pipes carrying fluids containing solid particles since they do not trap them in the valve opening. Butterfly valves are practical when the system requires frequent valving, quick shut-off, or low torque. Industries such as chemical, water and wastewater treatment, power generation, and food processing prefer butterfly valves.
Globe valves are better suited for throttling and regulating flow since they offer precise control over the fluid flow. Globe valves are ideal for industries requiring high-pressure operations, especially steam applications. They can be found in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing.
Construction:-
Butterfly valves have a relatively straightforward design, which makes them lighter and cost-effective. A butterfly valve comprises a valve body, disc, and sealing components. To handle specific applications, butterfly valves come with varying seat materials, such as rubber, Teflon, or metal-seated.
Globe valves typically have a more complex design. They comprise a bellows assembly, the body, the disc, a stem, and a packing gland and backseat. With so many components, construction increases costs.
Maintenance:-
Butterfly valves are easy to maintain since they have fewer components. Regular cleaning and lubrication periods are enough to keep it in good condition. Butterfly valves can be repaired or replaced in situ without disassembling the whole valve.
Globe valves require more technical skills and experienced technicians to perform optimally. The valves require multi-level disassembly and inspection regularly.
Cost:-
Butterfly valves are cost-effective to buy and install compared to globe valves. The unique disk shape of a butterfly valve means that they take up less space and require less support. However, larger valves can be more expensive since they require more manufacturing material. By comparison, Globe valves are more expensive since they require more construction materials and artistry, leading to their complex design.
Conclusion:
If you are trying to decide whether to use a butterfly or globe valve in your application, understanding the differences between the two is the key. In summary, butterfly valves are better suited for quick line shut-off, low-pressure situations, or solids in the fluid being transported. Globe valves are a perfect choice when precise fluid flow control is required, especially in high-pressure environment applications. Whatever the choice, remember that correct sizing, installation, and ongoing valve maintenance will go a long way in ensuring optimal performance and functionality.
