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Wafer Type Butterfly Valve: Superior Sealing & Easy Installation

Jul . 25, 2025 13:01

About Ningjin Thriveon Valve Co., Ltd.

Ningjin Thriveon Valve Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of industrial valves with over 15 years of expertise in designing and producing high-performance flow control solutions. Based in China's valve manufacturing hub, we specialize in engineered valve solutions for demanding industrial applications worldwide.

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Phone: +86-311-86935302
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Email: info@thriveonvalve.com
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South of Huanmadian Village Town, Ningjin County, Xingtai, Hebei Province, China
Wafer Type Butterfly Valve: Superior Sealing & Easy Installation

Wafer Type Butterfly Valve

The Wafer Type Butterfly Valve has a simple structure, compact design, and excellent flow regulation capabilities. Characterized by its wafer-style installation between flanges, this valve type offers significant advantages in weight reduction, cost savings, and installation flexibility across numerous industrial applications. The rotating disk mechanism provides quick shut-off capabilities while minimizing pressure drop, making it ideal for flow control in large diameter piping systems.

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Industry Trends in Butterfly Valve Technology

The global valve market has shown significant growth, projected to reach $85 billion by 2026 according to McIlvaine Company analysis. Within this expansion, Wafer Type Butterfly Valve solutions have gained approximately 15% market share in the industrial flow control segment. This growth is driven by several key trends:

1. Material Advancements: Developments in composite materials and specialized coatings extend valve lifespan in corrosive environments. Enhanced polymeric seat materials enable the Wafer Type Butterfly Valve to handle temperatures up to 400°F (204°C) with improved chemical resistance.

2. Smart Valve Integration: IoT-enabled valve solutions incorporating position sensors and wireless communication modules are becoming industry standard. These allow real-time monitoring of Wafer Type Butterfly Valve performance parameters including torque, cycles, and seal integrity.

3. Zero-Leakage Standards: Recent API 598 and ISO 5208 revisions have increased pressure testing requirements, driving improvements in seat design and disk sealing technologies for higher performance wafer valves.

4. Sustainable Manufacturing: Environmental regulations are influencing design priorities, with reduced fugitive emissions (ISO 15848 standards) and longer service intervals being key product differentiators in modern valve manufacturing.

Technical Specifications of Wafer Type Butterfly Valve

Parameter Standard Range Max Performance Standard Compliance
Pressure Rating (PN) PN6-PN40 PN64 (special design) ASME B16.34, EN 1092
Size Range DN40-DN1200 (1.5"-48") DN2000 (80") ASME B16.10, ISO 5752
Temperature Range -20°C to 150°C -50°C to 400°C MSS SP-67, API 609
Body Materials Cast Iron, Ductile Iron SS316, Duplex, Super Duplex ASTM A216, A351
Seat Materials EPDM, NBR, Viton PTFE, Metal Seat, UHMWPE FDA, USP Class VI
Leakage Class Class IV (ISO 5208) Class VI (Zero Leakage) API 598, ISO 5208
Operation Torque 10-150 Nm 2-600 Nm (size dependent) ISO 5211, MSS SP-90

Wafer Type Butterfly Valve Applications Across Industries

Water & Wastewater Treatment

The compact design and chemical resistance of Wafer Type Butterfly Valve make them ideal for water distribution, filtration systems, and sludge handling applications. EPDM-seated valves handle water at temperatures up to 120°C with low torque requirements.

Chemical Processing

Specialized alloy bodies with PTFE or PFA-lined seats provide superior corrosion resistance for aggressive media. Concentric Wafer Type Butterfly Valve designs offer bubble-tight shutoff for volatile chemicals at pressure classes up to PN40.

Power Generation

In power plants, high-performance wafer valves handle cooling water, condensate, and auxiliary systems. Fire-safe designs with metal seats ensure reliability in critical thermal applications with temperatures reaching 400°C.

HVAC Systems

Energy efficiency demands have increased adoption of Wafer Type Butterfly Valve in heating and cooling circuits. Low-pressure drop designs improve system efficiency with precise flow modulation capabilities.

Food & Beverage

Sanitary wafer valves with FDA-compliant materials (EPDM, silicone) and smooth finishes meet 3-A standards. Drainable designs prevent bacterial growth with CIP/SIP compatibility for pharmaceutical applications.

Marine & Offshore

Seawater-resistant valves with duplex stainless steel bodies and corrosion protection systems withstand harsh maritime environments. Compact wafer design saves critical space in vessel engine rooms and piping systems.

Installation and Maintenance Best Practices

Proper installation extends service life and maintains performance of Wafer Type Butterfly Valve systems:

Installation Guidelines:

  • Always inspect flange faces for damage and ensure proper gasket selection per ASME B16.20
  • Position valve with disk partially open (approximately 15°) during installation
  • Use properly torqued bolts in star pattern sequence per ASME PCC-1 guidelines
  • Maintain alignment within 1° angular offset and 1.5mm parallel offset per MSS SP-68
  • Ensure proper clearance for actuator installation and operation

Maintenance Recommendations:

  • Implement quarterly inspections for critical service valves (API 598)
  • Monitor operating torque trends to predict seal degradation
  • Exercise valves monthly in stationary applications to prevent seat adhesion
  • Implement condition-based maintenance using IoT monitoring systems
  • Follow OEM-recommended lubrication schedules using compatible lubricants

Technical FAQs: Wafer Type Butterfly Valve

What are the pressure limitations of wafer-style butterfly valves compared to lug-type designs?

Wafer valves typically have lower pressure ratings (PN10-PN40) compared to lug-type valves (up to PN64). This difference results from the wafer design relying entirely on flange compression for sealing integrity. At high pressures (>150 psi), the through-bolt compression system may become insufficient, potentially leading to joint failure. For applications exceeding PN40, lug-type valves provide more reliable sealing through independent bolt circle connections. (Ref: ASME B16.34 Valve Pressure Ratings)

Which seat materials offer the best chemical resistance for aggressive media?

Seat material selection depends on temperature and chemical compatibility:

  • Viton® (FKM): Best for hydrocarbons, oils, acids, and temperatures up to 200°C. Limited steam compatibility.
  • PTFE: Universal chemical resistance except for alkali metals, temperatures up to 260°C. Higher friction coefficient.
  • PFA: Expanded chemical compatibility vs. PTFE, improved permeation resistance.
  • EPDM: Excellent for steam, hot water, and caustic solutions. Avoid petroleum-based media.
  • Metal Seats: SS316, Stellite for abrasive/very high temperature (>400°C) applications

Always consult chemical compatibility charts and conduct material testing for critical applications. (Ref: ASTM D471 Elastomer Compatibility Testing)

What leakage rate standards apply to wafer butterfly valves?

Industry standards define leakage classes:

  • Class I/CI: No formal leakage requirements (industrial applications)
  • Class IV/CIV: 0.1% of nominal capacity (standard shut-off)
  • Class VI/CVI: Zero leakage requirements (bubble-tight) - 0 mL/min water per inch diameter per minute per psi differential

High-performance Wafer Type Butterfly Valve can achieve Class VI leakage with PTFE or metal seats following API 598/ISO 5208 test methods. (Ref: API 598 Valve Testing Standards)

How does pressure direction affect wafer valve installation?

Wafer valves should be installed with proper pressure orientation. Most wafer designs are bidirectional, but eccentric valves (double/triple offset) function unidirectionally with pressure against the seal side. Installing valves against flow direction can cause:

  • Increased operating torque (up to 40% higher)
  • Premature seat wear and shortened lifespan
  • Potential disk instability at partial open positions
  • Reduced shutoff capability (possible leakage)

Always verify flow direction indicators on valve bodies. (Ref: MSS SP-67 Installation Guidelines)

What are the torque requirements for actuated wafer valves?

Operating torque varies significantly with:

  • Valve size (diameter)
  • Pressure differential (ΔP)
  • Seat material (PTFE > EPDM)
  • Mechanical design (concentric > triple offset)

General torque ranges:

  • DN50 (2"): 5-20 Nm
  • DN150 (6"): 25-80 Nm
  • DN300 (12"): 100-350 Nm

Breakaway torque exceeds running torque by 25-40% for soft-seated valves. Specify actuators at 125% of maximum required torque for reliability. (Ref: ISO 5211 Actuator Mounting Standards)

Which industry standards govern wafer butterfly valve design?

Key international standards include:

  • API 609: Butterfly Valves: Double Flanged, Lug- and Wafer-Type
  • ASME B16.34: Valves - Flanged, Threaded and Welding End
  • ISO 5752: Metal valves for use in flanged pipe systems - Face-to-face and center-to-face dimensions
  • EN 593: Industrial valves - Metal butterfly valves
  • MSS SP-67: Standard for Butterfly Valves
  • ISO 5211: Industrial valves - Part-turn actuator attachments

Industry-specific standards (API, AWWA) often incorporate these base specifications with additional requirements. (Ref: API Standards for Valve Manufacturers)

How do I verify the fire safety certification of wafer valves?

Valid fire safety certifications for valves include:

  • API 607/API 6FA: Standard for fire testing of valves
  • ISO 10497: Fire testing requirements
  • BS 6755 Part 2: Testing specification

Certified valves undergo rigorous testing:

  • 30-minute burn test at 1400-1700°F
  • External leakage
  • External gland leakage
  • Post-fire seat leakage within Class IV requirements

Always request original certification documents with purchase of fire-safe rated valves. (Ref: API Technical Report on Fire Test Valves)

Technical References & Industry Publications

  • ASME (2022). "Pressure Ratings for Valve Design Standards". ASME B16.34-2022
  • American Petroleum Institute (2021). "API Standard 609: Butterfly Valves: Double Flanged, Lug- and Wafer-Type". 9th Edition
  • European Standard (2020). "Industrial Valves - Metallic Butterfly Valves for General Purposes". EN 593:2017+A1:2020
  • Valve World Journal (2023). "Material Innovations in Sealing Technologies". Vol. 27 Issue 4
  • International Organization for Standardization (2018). "Valve Testing Requirements". ISO 5208:2018
  • Fluid Handling Systems Magazine (2022). "Market Analysis: Valve Technology Trends". Industry Report
  • McIlvaine Company (2023). "Global Valve Market Analysis 2023-2028". Market Report
  • ASTM International (2021). "Standard Test Method for Rubber Property". ASTM D471-16a


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