People looking for a valve to regulate the flow of liquid and gasses often turn to ball valves and butterfly valves. Both types of valves are quarter-turn rotary valves and are durable. Both are inexpensive and excellent at controlling the flow. You might be wondering what is the difference between the two then. Despite many similarities, there are many differences between the two types of valves that make them suitable for different functions.

About Butterfly Valve

Butterfly valves use a disc to isolate and control the flow of fluids in a pipeline. They are lightweight and long-lasting. Butterfly valves get their name from the way they function, which resembles the motion of a butterfly. The disc spins a quarter-turn every time the valve is open or closed, making it a member of the quarter-turn family. Butterfly valves come in one-piece and two-piece designs. You can find a  butterfly valve manufacturer that manufactures many types and sizes of butterfly valves.

Advantages

Butterfly valves are simple to use and have a compact structure that allows them to be employed in tight spaces. They also have an excellent low-pressure drop and high-pressure recovery. These valves are available in multiple sizes including small ones.

Disadvantages

• It is difficult to clean the internal parts of a butterfly valve. They are not suitable for industries where hygiene is a priority, such as the food and beverage industry.

• Butterfly valves are also more expensive than ball valves as they require additional controls to function properly.

Applications

In large-scale projects, butterfly valves are frequently used. Agricultural, chemical, water, and sewage treatment industries all utilize them. They can be utilized in areas where there is a floating boat dock for sale.

Some applications include high-pressure and high-temperature steam applications, slurry services, and fire protection. 

About Ball Valves

Ball valves contain a pivoting ball to regulate the flow of liquids and gasses. As part of the quarter-turn valve family, the ball rotates 90-degrees to open and shut down the flow. They are one of the most common valves used for shutting and opening purposes. 

Advantages

Ball valves have several benefits over other valves, which is the reason for their extensive usage. Ball valves are easy to use and inexpensive. They are reliable and can be used even after a long time of disuse. They offer a tight seal and no leakage when closed. It's easy to replace and repair ball valves.

Disadvantages

The particles during throttling applications can become trapped in the moving parts of ball valves. This makes them unsuitable for sustained throttling applications. 

Applications

Ball valves are used in high-pressure gas or liquid lines when total and instant cut-off is critical. They are employed in applications that require bubble-tight seals. 

In applications where no contamination is a priority, ball valves are used. Safety requirements are also necessary while working with valves in a dangerous environment. A good quality China jacket manufacturer mskes jackets that can be worn while working in such conditions.

Similarities 

• Both the valves are a part of quarter-turn valves.

• Both of them are resistant and made out of durable materials. 

Comparison Between Ball Valves and Butterfly Valves

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1. Sealing

Sealing performance is an important measure to consider while choosing the valve. In this aspect, both the ball and butterfly valve are good.

However, ball valves are better at sealing than butterfly valves. Ball valves provide complete shut-off, while butterfly valves do not seal as effectively. So where avoiding leakage and contamination is important, ball valves are preferred.

2. Function

Isolation is the most common application for ball valves. For regulatory purposes, they are not the best option. Butterfly valves, on the other hand, are used to isolate and control the flow.

3. Valve Life

While both types of valves have a long service life, butterfly valves are longer-lasting. It is because of the metal-to-metal seal in butterfly valves. 

4. Weight and Size

Butterfly valves are lightweight and compact, making them ideal for usage in a limited space. They also have a lighter weight due to the less weight of the disc. The hollow perforated ball present in the ball valves makes them heavier in comparison to butterfly valves.

5. Temperature Range

The structure and elasticity of the sealing material used in ball valves make them unsuitable for extreme industrial temperatures. Butterfly valves, which have metal-to-metal sealing, have better high-temperature ratings. They are more suitable for high-temperature applications.

6. Cost-Effectiveness

Ball valves are more cost-effective than butterfly valves. But after they exceed 6 inches in diameter, their design makes them less cost-effective. Butterfly valves are more economical in this case. They are also easy to manufacture and lightweight, which makes them a more affordable option in large-scale projects.

Conclusion

The choice between the two options completely depends on the applications of your project to decide which valve will suit you better. In some aspects, ball valves are better than butterfly valves, and in others, butterfly valves are better than ball valves. Both types have their applications and are used in the best possible manner.