Ball valve, Butterfly valve & Control Valves: A Guide for the Fluid Industry
Choosing a suitable valve for your specific application is essential in the industrial process. This article will explore the properties and characteristics of the Ball valve, Butterfly valve, and Control valve the difference between each type, knowing how to set these valves apart, and what you should consider before choosing the one for your application.
Valves are an integral part of industrial processes, as they create passes on liquids and gas they are the most common components found across most industrial sectors.
They control liquid or gas flow by allowing it to start and stop, and they must operate properly to avoid leaks and undesired discharges. They are also an effective way to direct flows or isolate areas of the pipe system for maintenance or monitoring. At Aira Euro Automation, we are the best valve manufacturer of Pneumatic Valves, Manual Valves, and Pneumatic Actuators.
Valves are available in various types of sizes and shapes, but their main purpose is to regulate and control the gas or liquid that flows through the pipe. This article covers the three most popular valve types: Ball Valves, Butterfly Valves, and Control Valves. We’ll start by defining each component, looking at what it can do and what makes it an effective, reliable equipment.
What is a Ball Valve?
Ball valves are quarter-turn valves that regulate gas and fluid flow using a rotatable ball with a bore. They are also known as shut-off valves and can withstand temperatures up to 350°C and 700 bar pressures. Ball valves are durable, reliable, and high-pressure valves. They have a strong seal, are resistant to contaminated media, and provide a good seal despite unclean mediums. They are ideal for control and shut-off applications but lack the power of gate valves in throttling applications. They are best used with gases due to their robust seal and durability.
What is a butterfly valve?
Butterfly valves, also known as flap valves, are quarter-turn rotational motion valves used to shut off flow in pipelines. They consist of a rotating disc on the valve’s stem, which rotates around the stem to control the flow of the medium. They are quick and simple to use, requiring only 90 degrees of movement. They are used in various industries, including Water Supply Systems, Distribution, Collections, and Plumping Stations. These valves are lightweight and cost-effective, as well as they have smaller installation footprints.
What is a Control Valve?
Control valves play an important role in regulating fluid flow in a variety of systems by adjusting flow rates in response to controller inputs. They control process parameters such as pressure, temperature, and liquid level. Control valve is widely making their mechanisms, and best placement is essential which is essential for industrial decision-making effective control operation, and maintenance of the systems they regulate.
Key Difference Between Ball, Butterfly & Control Valve
| Ball Valve | Butterfly Valve | Control Valve |
| Named for the rotated disk which is in the shape of a Ball. | Named for the rotating disk that opens and closes the valve. | Named for the work which is to control the flow. |
| It is designed to start and stop the flow of liquids and gases. | It is designed to regulate the flow of corrosive and abrasive liquids at low temperatures and low pressure. | It is designed to regulate the flow of fluids, such as Gas, Oil, Water, and Steam. |
It doesn’t require lubrication and fluid flows unimpeded through the valve. | It is capable of throttling the flow. | It provides precise flow control, frequent, and wide throttling of media, and high-pressure drops. |
| It is suitable for flow and pressure control. | These valves are easy ti install and remove. | It is well-suited for precise flow control, frequent, and wide throttling of media, and high-pressure drop. |
| Most cost-effective compared to other valves | Reliable with low-maintenance requirements. | It has advantages in terms of maintenance, such as precise and flexible control of processes, it improves efficiency and quality. |
Structural Design of Ball Valve, Butterfly Valve and Control Valves
Ball Valves
Ball Valves contain a stem and ball-type disk that turns horizontally. These valves are mostly used in applications that require on and off control without pressure drop. Ball valves have a long service life and ensure dependable sealing throughout their lifetime, even when not in use for an extended period.. As a result, they are more popular shut-off valves than other types of quarter-turn valves.
Butterfly Valves
Butterfly valves are small and simple compared to Ball valves. They are lightweight and compact designed, which makes them, ideal for installation in tight spaces. Furthermore, the disc has a 90-degree rotating movement capacity, making it easier to regulate flow and achieve a full, leak-proof shut-off.
Control Valves
Control Valves are designed to maintain a process variable, such as pressure, flow level, and temperature, within the required operating range to ensure quality and product.
Working Mechanism of Ball Valve, Butterfly Valve and Control Valves
Ball Valves
Ball Valves use a transmission to force the valve handle to revolve, causing the Ball to pivot perpendicular to the media flow; it opens when the Ball’s hole is parallel to the flow and shuts when the valve handle is rotated 90 degrees.
While mainly used for non-slurry applications.
Butterfly Valves
The Disc rotates around its axis in the Butterfly valve, allowing for full or partial opening and shutting. This makes the butterfly valve appropriate for partial isolation as well as controlled flows. The primary characteristic of this valve is the change in the deflection of the Butterfly disc, which makes it an appropriate choice for large-diameter applications.
Control Valves
Control valves receive a signal from a controller such as a PLC or a DSC to operate. The controller compares the actual flow rate to the desired flow value, termed the setpoint. The controller will produce an output to move the valve and bring the flow rate to the setpoint value.
Applications of Ball Valve, Butterfly Valve and Control Valves
Ball Valves
Ball valves have a simple construction and provide strong sealing performance.
They are lightweight, easy to operate, have low material consumption, small operating torque, trim installation size, and offer minimal pressure drop. The ball valve is best used for general working fluids such as waster, acids, solvents, and natural gas, and media with extreme working conditions, such as oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, methane, ethylene, making it a versatile option. These valves are often utilized in low-pressure applications.
Butterfly Valves
The Butterfly valve’s speedy opening and closing make it suitable for throttling flow regulation, and adjustment control. However, the pressure loss is more than the Ball valve. As a result, while selecting a Butterfly valve, it is important to consider pressure loss and operating temperature constraints.
Control Valves
Control valves are extensively used in various types of industries and applications. They feature versatility and importance in regulating fluid flow, pressure, and other parameters. These valves are mostly used in the oil and Gas industry, Chemical Processing, Power Generation, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants, HVAC Systems, Food and Beverages Industry, Pulp and Paper Manufacturing, Mining and Mineral Processing, Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology, Steel and Metal Processing.
What to Consider Before Buying a Butterfly Valve, Ball Valve & Control Valve
When selecting a ball or butterfly control valve for water industry applications, consider factors such as water quality, temperature, pressure, and flow. Different types of valves are suitable for different situations, such as high-pressure applications with round valves for excellent closing power and durability, or low-pressure, large-scale applications with butterfly valves for compact design and cost-effectiveness. Factors like valve material, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with equipment and piping should also be considered. Evaluating the reliability, maintenance needs, and lifetime costs of each type is crucial to make an informed decision.
At Aira Euro Automation we are one of the well-known Pneumatic Actuator manufacturers in Ahmedabad, India. Our professional team will guide you in selecting the best valve according to your application’s requirements. Simply just ask for a quote!