Lugged Vs. Wafer Butterfly Valve

Butterfly valves have been in use for many years; they were first used in the 1930s and have been used by many industries since then. The functionality of the disc is what gives butterfly valves their name. They are often made of cast iron. In piping, a butterfly valve is a valve that can be used for isolating or regulating flow. The closing mechanism takes the form of a disk that rotates around a central axis in order to open or close the valve. Butterfly valves are generally favored over other types of valves because they are less expensive and have a lower operating torque.

There are many types of butterfly valves. However, there are two main types: Lug and Wafer. These two valves can be used in different ways and are not interchangeable. This guide will explain the lug type vs wafer butterfly valve and how to choose the best valve for you.

What Is Lugged Butterfly Valve?

Lugged butterfly valves are butterfly valves that have been fitted with lugs in order to make them easier to install and remove. The lugs are usually on the valve’s body, although they can also be on the disk. Lugged butterfly valves are used in a variety of applications, including process control, water treatment, and pulp and paper production.

Metals such as steel and ductile iron are used to make lug-style butterfly valves. These valves have threaded-tapped lugs that are placed on the valve’s flanges to allow bolt ties. While lug-style butterfly valves can be used for end-of-line service, a blind flange should always be used. These butterfly valves can be used with either electric or pneumatic actuation. Based on the application and flow of media, the material of the disc and seat should also be considered.

Advantages Of Lugged Butterfly Valve

Lugged butterfly valves are one of the most versatile types of valves on the market. They can be used in various applications and offer many advantages over other valves. Here are five of the main benefits of lugged butterfly valves:

• They are highly durable and can withstand high pressure and temperature.
• They offer a tight seal and are less likely to leak than other types of valves.
• They have a wide range of options for customization.
• They have a very compact design, which makes them ideal for use in tight spaces.

Disadvantages Of Lugged Butterfly Valve

Lugged butterfly valves are one of the most popular types of butterfly valves on the market. But you should be aware of some disadvantages to using this type of valve before making a purchase.

• They are more expensive than other types of butterfly valves.
• They are not as easy to install because of the larger size.
• They are not as easy to maintain as different types of butterfly valves.
• They are not as versatile as other types of butterfly valves.

What Is Wafer Butterfly Valve?

A wafer butterfly valve is a type of valve used to control the flow of fluids in a piping system. This valve consists of a disk-shaped element that is attached to a stem. The disk can rotate around the stem, allowing the valve to open and close. The disk can also seal against the body of the valve, which prevents fluid flow when the valve is closed.

The majority of butterfly valves in wafer-style are designed with four holes that align to the pipeline. This valve clamps between two flanges within the pipe work. Most of the flange standards are compatible with wafer butterfly valves. The valve seat is made of rubber or EPDM and provides a substantial seal between the valve’s connection and the flange.

Wafer-style butterfly vas is not compatible with pipe ends or end-of-line uses. If the valve needs maintenance, it is necessary to shut down the complete line. The Wafer-style butterfly valves can be used with either electric or pneumatic actuation. Disc and seat material should also be considered based on the application and flow media.

Advantages Of Wafer Butterfly Valve

A wafer butterfly valve is a kind of valve with a circular disc attached to a rod in the center. The disc is able to rotate freely around the rod, and a rubber seat surrounds it. When the disc is in the closed position, the seat creates a seal that prevents the flow of fluid. The fluid can flow freely through the valve when the disc is in the open position. There are many advantages of a wafer butterfly valve, and here are 5 of them:

• Wafer butterfly valves are very versatile and can be used in various industries.
• Wafer butterfly valves offer a very tight seal, which is ideal for applications where the leakage is not tolerable.
• Wafer butterfly valves are very easy to install and maintain.
• Wafer butterfly valves are very cost-effective, making them an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers.
• Wafer butterfly valves have an excellent flow characteristic. They provide a linear control of flow and have a shallow pressure drop.

Disadvantages Of Wafer Butterfly Valve

Wafer butterfly valves are a popular choice for many industrial applications. However, you should be aware of some disadvantages to using this type of valve before making a decision.

• Limited Flow Control: Wafer butterfly valves have a limited range of flow control. This means that you may not be able to get the precise flow control you need for your application.
• Higher Pressure Drop: Wafer butterfly valves can cause a higher pressure drop across the valve. This can lead to decreased efficiency and increased costs.
• Vulnerable to Clogging: The design of wafer butterfly valves makes them vulnerable to clogging. This can be a severe problem if the valve is not regularly cleaned.

Lugged Vs Wafer Butterfly Valve: Which One Is Right?

The decision of which type of butterfly valve to use depends on the application and the user’s needs. Here is the comparison on wafer vs lug style butterfly valve. Check it out.

• Lugged butterfly valves have a body with two lugs cast or welded onto it. These lugs allow the valve to be bolted to a flat surface like a flange. Wafer butterfly valves have a body with a groove machined into it. This groove allows the valve to be squeezed between two flat surfaces, providing a seal.
• Lugged butterfly valves are more expensive than wafer ones but provide a stronger connection. Wafer butterfly valves are less costly but can be more challenging to install.
• Lugged butterfly valves have a round disc with lugs that attach the disc to the valve’s body. Wafer butterfly valves have a disc attached to the valve’s body with screws or bolts. Both types of butterfly valves are used to control the flow of liquids and gases.
• Lugged butterfly valves are easier to maintain than wafer butterfly valves because the lugs allow the disc to be removed without removing the entire valve. Wafer butterfly valves are less likely to leak than lugged butterfly valves because the sealing surfaces are more accurate.
• Lugged butterfly valves are typically used in high-pressure applications, while wafer butterfly valves are usually used in low-pressure applications.

How To Choose The Best Butterfly Valve?

There are many different types of butterfly valves on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. So how do you know which one is right for your needs? Below, we’ll discuss five key factors to consider when choosing a butterfly valve.

• Material

The first factor to consider is the material the valve is made of. Butterfly valves are available in a variety of materials, including metals like stainless steel and aluminum, as well as plastics like PVC and PP. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to choose the right one for your needs.

• Temperature

Another critical factor to consider is the temperature range the valve can handle. Some materials are only suitable for low-temperature applications, while others can handle high-temperature fluids. Make sure to choose a valve that can control the temperatures you expect to encounter.

• Pressure 

The third factor to consider is the pressure rating of the valve. Butterfly valves are available in various pressure ratings, so make sure to choose one that can handle the pressures you expect to encounter.

• Connection

The fourth factor to consider is the type of connection the valve has. Some butterfly valves have threaded connections, while others have flanged connections. Choose the type of connection that is compatible with your system.

• Actuation

The final factor to consider is how the valve will be actuated. Some butterfly valves are manually operated, while others are pneumatically or electrically actuated. Choose the type of actuation that is best suited for your application.

Bottomline

There are several factors to consider when choosing between butterfly valve lug type vs wafer type. Wafer valves are less expensive and take up less space, but lugged valves are more durable and have a higher pressure rating. It is essential to consider the application before making a decision. In general, lugged valves are a better choice for more demanding applications, while wafer valves are more suitable for low-pressure applications.  Contact the best industrial valves manufacturers for purchasing the reliable butterfly valve for all industrial uses.