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As TORK, we have prepared for you the 5 differences between Ball Valve and Butterfly Valve. Choosing the right valve for your application is an important consideration when designing a process system. A valve's features and characteristics determine its suitability for a particular application. However, for some applications, more than one different type of valve may work.
Both butterfly valves and ball valves offer unique advantages, so choosing between them in certain processes is not a difficult choice. It can be problematic when a process requires valve characteristics that both valves have. To choose the right valve, we need to understand butterfly valve and ball valve better.
Ball valves and butterfly valves are two different types of valves used to control the flow of liquid or gas. They are functionally similar, but have some differences.
Similar Features of Butterfly Valves and Ball Valves
In terms of their operating mechanisms, both valves are arguably the simplest of valve types available. They are widely used in domestic, commercial and industrial applications for flow control of liquids over a wide range of temperatures and pressures. They are quarter-turn rotary valves (90° rotation from fully closed to fully open). Both valve types can be controlled manually with an electric actuator or pneumatic actuator. Butterfly and ball valves are relatively inexpensive, easy to maintain, reliable and have a longer lifespan than other types of valves.
These similarities do not mean that valves are interchangeable in all process functions. Instead, it suggests and supports why we should take a closer look at the characteristics of valves and in what applications each valve will be used.
Here are the main differences between ball valves and butterfly valves:
Valve Design
- Flow Control
- Pressure Drop
- Valve Size
- Valve Mechanism
- Valve Design
Ball valves have a ball-shaped (spherical) cap. This valve controls the flow by rotating on a shaft. Butterfly valves have a disc-shaped cover. This cover rotates on the shaft and controls the flow.
- Flow Control
Ball valves are used to control flow fully open or fully closed. That is, they are usually used in their fully open or fully closed positions. Butterfly valves are generally used in semi-open or semi-closed positions. That is, they are more suitable for partially restricting or controlling the flow.
- Pressure Size
Ball valves allow high pressure drop. This allows them to be used in higher pressure systems. Butterfly valves generally allow lower pressure drops. Therefore, they are preferred in low pressure systems.
- Valve Size
Ball valves are usually available in larger sizes. Butterfly valves can be found in smaller sizes and provide easy installation and maintenance due to their lightweight construction.
- Valve Mechanism
Ball valves use a rolling or high torque mechanism. Butterfly valves, on the other hand, use a mechanism that requires less torque for faster opening and closing operations.
These differences determine the valve type to be preferred depending on the requirements of the system to be applied and the usage scenario. System pressure, flow rate, liquid or gas properties, and other factors should be considered when deciding which type of valve to use.
