When To Use A Wafer-type Butterfly Valve And When To Use A Lug-type Butterfly Valve?

The choice between a silicon butterfly valve and a lug butterfly valve depends on the piping system's installation space, disassembly requirements, rated pressure, and the need for bidirectional sealing or independent support. The two valves have distinct application scenarios.
This is important to choose the right valve type to avoid installation difficulties or late seal failure. The core variances and their application are detailed below.
1.Core differences: key differences in structure and performance
First, clarify the core difference between the two valves, which provides the basis for your choice. Comparison Dimensions: Wafer-Type Butterfly Valve and Lug-Type Butterfly Valve
Installation Method: The valve body is ``clamped"the pipe flanges at both ends, with separate flanges. This valve has built-in lugs (flange ears with bolt holes) that are bolted directly to the pipe flange or device.
Convenience of removal: one pipe flange needs to be removed before the valve is removed. The valve can be removed independently by loosening the lug bolts without removing the pipe, thus providing greater flexibility.
Pressure Rating: more suitable for low and medium pressure systems (typically ≤1.6 MPa), with poor sealing stability at high pressure. Suitable for medium-and high-pressure systems (some models can reach over 10 MPa) with great structural strength.
Bidirectional Sealing Capability: Most designs are one-way and require media to flow in the direction indicated by the arrow on the valve body. This design is easy to seal in both directions and is suitable for situations where reverse flow may occur.
Cost and weight: simple structure, compact size, light weight, low cost. Lug-type structures are bulky, heavy and relatively expensive.
2. Wafer-Type Butterfly Valve: Suitable Applications: when piping system meets the standard of ``low to medium pressure, limited installation space, infrequent removal ''. When meeting the requirements, it is best to choose Wafer-type butterfly valves.
Scenario 1: Low to mediumpressure fluid transport: For applications such as tap water pipes, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, and general industrial cooling water pipes, the pressure is generally below 1.6 MPa. Wafer-type butterfly valves has excellent sealing performance.
Scenario 2: Small installation spaces: Wafer butterfly valve does not have a independent flanges and is generally thin. It is suitable for tight piping and limited space (e.g., internal equipment piping, ceiling piping, etc.), saving installation space.
Scenario 3: one-time installation, long-term maintenance: for fixed water supply drainage pipes, common process piping and other applications that rarely require to be dismantled and maintained after installation, silicate butterfly valves have the advantages of low cost and easy installation.
3. Lug-type butterfly valve: Applicable scenarios
When the system requires "high pressure, frequent disassembly, bidirectional flow, independent support," cam-butterfly valves are a more appropriate option. Scenario 1: Medium to high pressure piping systems: such as petrochemical piping, high pressure cooling water systems, hydraulic systems, etc. Camshaft valves are structurally strong enough to withstand high pressure to prevent valve body deformation or seal leakage when the pressure exceeds 1.6 MPa.
Scenario 2: Frequent dismantling and maintenance: For example, valves must be periodically removed for cleaning or replacement of seals during filtration in sewage treatment systems or in pipelines prone to blockages during chemical production. Cam valves save the need for pipeline removal and greatly reduce maintenance time.
Option 3: Reverse flow potential: for example pump outlet (which may experience reverse flow when closed) and bidirectional water supply pipes. The camshaft valve is designed to be sealed in both directions, effectively preventing reverse leakage.
Scenario 4: Separate valve support are required: for large diameter piping (DN300 and above), camshaft valves may be independently secured with brackets to prevent the full weight of the piping from pressing against the valve body, extending its service life.
If you need to select butterfly valve for a specific system (e.g. chemical piping or water supply project), do you need me to compile a comparison of butterfly valve selection parameters? It includes specific model recommendations for different pipe diameters and pressures, as well as installation precautions to help you match your needs accurately.