Gate valve and butterfly valve are two very commonly used valves. Both of them are very different in terms of their own structure and using methods, adaptability to working conditions, etc. This article will help users understand the difference between gate valves and butterfly valves more deeply, so as to better help users choose valves.
Before explaining the difference between gate valve and butterfly valve, let’s take a look at the definitions of the two. Maybe from the definition, you can carefully find the differences.
Gate valves, as the name implies, can cut off the medium in the pipeline like a gate, which is a kind of valve that we will use in production and life. The opening and closing part of the gate valve is called the gate plate. The gate plate is used for lifting motion, and its movement direction is perpendicular to the flow direction of the medium in the fluid pipeline. The gate valve is a kind of truncation valve, which can only be fully turned on or closed, and the flow rate cannot be adjusted.
Butterfly valve, as known as flip valve.Its opening and closing part is a disc-shaped butterfly plate, which is fixed on the stem and rotates around the stem shaft to open and close. The direction of motion of the butterfly valve is rotated where it is and it only takes 90°rotate from full open on to full close. In addition, the butterfly plate of the butterfly valve itself does not have self-closing ability. A turbine reducer needs to be installed on the stem. With it, the butterfly valve has self-locking ability, and at the same time, it can also improve the operation performance of the butterfly valve.
After understanding the definition of gate valve and butterfly valve, the difference between gate valve and butterfly valve is introduced below:
1. Difference in motor ability
In terms of surface definition, we understand the difference between the direction and mode of movement of the gate valve and the butterfly valve. In addition, because the gate valve can only be fully turned on and closed, the flow resistance of the gate valve is smaller when it is fully opened; while the butterfly valve is fully open, and the thickness of the butterfly valve has resistance to the circulation medium. In addition, the opening height of the gate valve is relatively high, so the opening and closing speed is slow; while the butterfly valve only needs to rotate 90° to achieve opening and closing, so the opening and closing are fast.
2. Differences in roles and uses
The sealing performance of the gate valve is good, so it is mostly used in pipes that require strict sealing and do not need to be switched repeatedly to cut off circulation media. The gate valve cannot be used to regulate the flow. In addition, because the opening and closing speed of the gate valve is slow, it is not suitable for pipes that need to be cut off urgently. The butterfly valve is relatively widely used. The butterfly valve can not only be truncated, but also has the function of adjusting the flow. In addition, the butterfly valve opens and closes quickly, and can also open and close frequently, especially suitable for use in situations where fast opening or cutting is required.
The shape and weight of the butterfly valve is smaller than that of the gate valve, so in some environments with limited installation space, it is recommended to use a more space-saving clip butterfly valve. Butterfly valves are the most used in large-calibre valves, and butterfly valves are also recommended in medium pipelines containing impurities and small particles.
In the selection of valves in many working conditions, butterfly valves have gradually replaced other types of valves and become the first choice for many users.
3. Differences in price
Under the same pressure and calibre, the price of the gate valve is higher than that of the butterfly valve. However, the calibre of the butterfly valve can be very large, and the price of the large-calibre butterfly valve is no cheaper than the gate valve.
Post time: Feb-09-2023
