Different options are available in the market today when it comes to choosing valves for your sanitary applications. Two popular choices are sanitary non-return valves and sanitary butterfly valves. Both valves have different advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to know the difference between the two to make an informed decision on which to choose. This article will delve into the differences between these two valve types in point-wise informative information.
Sanitary Non-Return Valve
A Sanitary Non-Return Valve is a check valve designed to stop the backward flow of liquid or gas in a sanitary process line. It uses two discs, one opening and one closing, depending on the pressure forced against it. This allows fluids to travel in one direction but blocks them from travelling in the opposite direction. The valves’ design ensures that only clean components are used, thus making them ideal for food and pharmaceutical processing applications.
Sanitary Butterfly Valve
A sanitary butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve designed for food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications. It consists of a disc mounted on a rod that passes through the center of the pipe or ducts it controls. When the handle is turned to open, the disk rotates on its axis, which pushes against the flow and allows fluid to pass through. Sanitary butterfly valves offer excellent sealing capabilities with low-pressure drops and are easy to install and maintain. They are also durable, efficient, cost-effective and highly hygienic – making them an ideal choice for many industries where hygiene is essential.
Difference Between Sanitary Non-Return Valve and Sanitary Butterfly Valve
Operating Mechanism
One of the significant differences between the two valves is the operation mechanism. A sanitary non-return valve operates by allowing fluid flow in one direction only, preventing the backflow of the fluid. It has a check mechanism that prevents the fluid from flowing back when the fluid pressure drops. On the other hand, the sanitary butterfly valve works by rotating its disc at a 90-degree angle to regulate fluid flow. It regulates the flow by changing the position of the disc, which controls the flow of the fluid in the direction of the disc opening.
Flow Control
Flow control is another significant difference between these two types of valves. Non-return valves are designed to provide a stop-gap measure against backflow. They are ideal for applications without regulating fluid flow, such as hydrogen or wastewater treatment plants. On the other hand, butterfly valves are designed with flow control in mind, making them suitable for regulating fluid flow in applications where precision flow control is necessary, such as food and beverage processing industries.
Maintenance
Maintenance is another essential consideration when choosing between these two valve types. The sanitary non-return valve is easier to maintain due to its simple design. It has fewer moving parts, which means that it requires less maintenance. They are also relatively easier to clean and can be sanitized, making them an ideal choice for applications requiring high levels of hygiene. On the other hand, Butterfly valves have more complex designs with several moving parts, making them more complex to maintain and repair.
Cost
Cost is another significant difference between these two valve types. Sanitary butterfly valves are generally more expensive than sanitary non-return valves. This is partly due to their complexity and precision, enabling them to accurately regulate the fluid flow. They are more suitable for applications where high precision flow control is necessary and are, therefore, cost-effective. Sanitary non-return valves are more affordable and ideal for fluid applications with low flow control requirements.
Application
Finally, applying these two valves is another essential factor to consider when choosing. Sanitary non-return valves are perfect for any application that requires backflow prevention, including the food and beverage industry, sewage treatment plants, and water supply networks. On the other hand, Butterfly valves are ideal for applications that require flow regulation and precision, including the food and beverage industry, pharmaceuticals, and chemical processing industries.
Conclusion:
Sanitary non-return valves and sanitary butterfly valves are essential components in fluid handling systems, each with distinct characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages. As highlighted in this article, the choice between the two valves is based on your specific application’s individual needs and requirements. By understanding the differences between these two valve types, you can make an informed choice that will meet the specific needs of your application, ensuring efficiency and high levels of safety.
A passionate metal industry expert and blogger. With over 5 years of experience in the field, Palak brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her writing. Whether discussing the latest trends in the metal industry or sharing tips, she is dedicated to helping others succeed in the metal industry.
