There are many valve options when it comes to controlling the flow of fluids in a piping system. One such option is the double eccentric butterfly valve. These valves have been widely adopted worldwide due to their versatility, reliability, and ease of use. However, like any other valve, they have advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before investing in them. In this blog post, we will delve into the pros and cons of double eccentric butterfly valves to help you make an informed decision regarding your valve choice.
Advantages of Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve
Zero leakage:
Double eccentric butterfly valves are designed to have zero leakage, which is critical for industries dealing with hazardous fluids. The valve’s design enables it to handle high-pressure applications and maintain a tight seal, minimizing the risk of spillage and other potential hazards. Additionally, these valves come with a soft-seated design that ensures that the valve will not damage the pipeline’s sealing surface.
Easy Installation:
Unlike other valves that take time and require several bolts and nuts, installing double eccentric butterfly valves is relatively easy. The valves have a lug or wafer-based body that can easily be bolted to the piping system. This means the installation process can be completed quickly, reducing downtime and labour costs.
Cost-effective:
Double eccentric butterfly valves are affordable compared to ball, globe, and gate valves. The initial purchase cost of these valves is low, and they require less maintenance, which saves on operational costs. Additionally, these valves are lighter and smaller, leading to reduced material and shipping costs.
Bi-directional flow capability:
One of the main advantages of double eccentric butterfly valves is that they can handle flow in either direction. Therefore, these valves are versatile and can be used in applications like throttling, isolation, and fluid flow control.
Disadvantages of Double Eccentric Butterfly Valve
Limited temperature range:
Double eccentric butterfly valves have limited temperature range capabilities. The valve’s materials may deform or become less effective at high temperatures. As a result, these valves may not be suitable for high-temperature applications.
Limited Pressure Rating:
Due to the design of double eccentric butterfly valves, they have a limited pressure rating compared to other valves like globe and gate valves. This means that it could be better for high-pressure applications.
Limited valve size range:
Double eccentric butterfly valves tend to have a limited size range, which can be challenging when considering pipeline diameter and flow rates.
Uncertainty of throttling:
Another disadvantage of double eccentric butterfly valves is that they could be more effective in throttling fluid flow. They experience cavitation and wear and tear when repeatedly throttling the fluid flow.
Conclusion:
Double eccentric butterfly valves are an excellent option for fluid flow control due to their many advantages, including zero leakage, ease of installation, cost-effectiveness, and bi-directional flow capabilities. However, they also have limitations, such as limited temperature range and pressure rating, uncertainty with throttling, and size range. Therefore, it is important to consider all the pros and cons before deciding to use double eccentric butterfly valves in your piping system. By carefully weighing all the advantages and limitations, one can determine if these valves are right for their specific application and ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the valve system.
