Gate valves and butterfly valves are two very commonly used valves. They are very different in terms of their own structures, usage methods, and adaptability to working conditions. This article will help users better understand the differences between gate valves and butterfly valves. Better help users make valve selection.
Before explaining the difference between gate valve and butterfly valve, let’s take a look at the respective definitions of the two. Maybe you can find the difference between the two carefully from the definition.
Gate valve, as the name suggests, can cut off the medium in the pipeline like a gate, and is a kind of valve that we all use in production and life. The opening and closing part of the gate valve is called the gate, and the gate moves up and down, and its movement direction is perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium in the fluid pipeline; the gate valve is a cut-off valve, which can only be fully opened or fully closed, and the flow cannot be adjusted.
Butterfly valve, also known as flap valve. Its opening and closing part is a disc-shaped butterfly plate, which is fixed on the valve stem and rotates around the valve stem to achieve opening and closing. The movement direction of the butterfly valve is to rotate in place, and it only needs to rotate 90° from fully open to fully closed. In addition, the butterfly plate of the butterfly valve itself does not have self-locking ability, and a worm gear reducer needs to be installed on the valve stem. With it, the butterfly plate has self-locking ability, and it can also improve the operating performance of the butterfly valve.
that we understand the definitions of gate valves and butterfly valves, let’s introduce the differences between gate valves and butterfly valves:
1. Differences in athletic ability
In the above definition, we understand the difference in the direction and mode of movement of gate valves and butterfly valves. In addition, gate valves can only be fully open and fully closed, so when fully open, the flow resistance of gate valves is smaller; Butterfly valves In the fully open state, the thickness of the butterfly valve creates resistance to the flowing medium. In addition, the gate valve has a high opening height, so the opening and closing speed is slow; while the butterfly valve can be opened and closed by only rotating 90°, so the opening and closing speed is fast.
2. Differences in functions and uses
Gate valves have good sealing performance, so they are often used in pipelines that require strict sealing and do not need to be opened and closed frequently to cut off the circulating medium. The gate valve cannot be used to regulate flow. In addition, because the opening and closing speed of the gate valve is slow, it is not suitable for pipelines that require emergency shutoff. The use of butterfly valves is relatively wider. Butterfly valves can not only be used for cutting off, but also have the function of adjusting the flow rate. In addition, the butterfly valve opens and closes quickly and can also be opened and closed frequently. It is especially suitable for use in situations that require quick opening or shutoff.
Butterfly valves are smaller in size and lighter in weight than gate valves, so in some environments with limited installation space, it is recommended to use a more space-saving wafer butterfly valve. Among large-diameter valves, butterfly valves are the most commonly used. Butterfly valves are also recommended for transporting media pipelines containing small impurities.
In terms of valve selection under many working conditions, butterfly valves have gradually replaced other types of valves and become the first choice for many users.
3. The difference in price
Under the same pressure and caliber, the price of gate valve is higher than that of butterfly valve. However, the diameter of butterfly valves can be very large, and the price of large-diameter butterfly valves is not cheaper than gate valves.
Post time: Aug-31-2023