Difference Between Ball Valves And Butterfly Valves

By Author: Jeeten Gupta
Total Articles: 723
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Both, Ball valves and butterfly valves are both quarter-turn (90-degree turn from fully opened to fully closed) rotary valves. Both these Valves are used to control the flow of most types of gases or liquids coming across a wide range of temperatures and pressures. Butterfly and ball valves are both among the type of valves that are popular for their relatively low cost, long service life and dependability. However, there are a few differences to help the user to choose between them. So, lets start by knowing what are they and their pros and cons.

Ball Valves

Ball Valves as the Name Suggests, is the most popular valve which uses a ball to control the flow of Elements from one end to another. They are Versatile and offer better Sealing. Ball Valve is Similar to Butterfly Valve, the difference is only the Shape of Rotating plugs. Ball Valves is in a Spherical form and has a hole drilled in it. These valves are in high demand in the industrial Sectors because of their reliable and air-tight sealing when in the closed position.

Advantages of Ball Valves:

• Ball Valves can function without side loads
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... • Has Low Maintenance Cost
• Has a quick opening and closing
• Provides Leak Proof Service
• This Valves has a low purchase and low maintenance cost
• Ball Valves has a long service life
• It can be used in high temperature flow and also in high pressure
• Ball Valves does not Requires Lubrication
• Ball Valves provides leak-proof service
• They open and close quickly

Disadvantages of Ball Valves:

• Ball Valves is difficult to clean, an improper cleaning process can lead to contamination to the valve
• This Valves has a poor throttling characteristic
• Ball valves are not suitable for permanent throttling

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly Valves is a simple piping system which has a rotating disc Rotating across the Flow. Butterfly Valves are designed to regulate flow with limited control capability. Butterfly valves are operated easily by rotating the handle at 90 degrees and can be operated both Automatically and manually. It consists of a metal disc in the body of the valve which is positioned perpendicular to the flow in the closed position. These valves can be operated by handles, gears or actuators according to specific needs.

Advantages of Butterfly Valves:

• This Valve requires very little maintenance.
• Butterfly Valves has a low pressure drop and high-pressure recovery
• Can be used with chemical or corrosive media
• This Valves has an open port
• Butterfly Valves is compact and has a light-weight design
• This Valves are available in Larger Size
• Highly Efficient of Flow
• Butterfly valves are very accurate
• Has the capability to throttle flow.
• Butterfly Valves can be installed or removed without pipe system dislocation.

Disadvantages of Butterfly Valves:

• Butterfly Valves is difficult to clean, and it also consumes a lot of Time
• Throttling of a butterfly valves is limited to low pressure
• Disc movement is affected by flow Turbulence
• Butterfly valves have no tight shut offs

Common Characteristics Between Ball Valves and Butterfly Valves

Both Ball Valves and Butterfly Valves have some several Characteristics in common between them, which includes
• Both are relatively inexpensive, Long lasting and Dependable.
• Both are the most common type of valve used and is easily available through a Valve Distributor.
• Brass, cast iron, Stainless Steel are the components used for making this Valves.
• Both Ball Valves and Butterfly Valves are Quarter-turn Rotary Valves i.e., it requires a 90-degree turn from open to close.
• Each Valve is effective for regulating the flow of most types of gas and liquid at a wide range of temperature.

Difference Between a Ball Valve and Butterfly Valve

Know that we are aware about these two valves, let us know understand their Difference as they both are unique in their own Functions

• Ball Valves provides a reliable seal, whereas Butterfly Valves do not seal as it is rarely used to control gas flows.
• Butterfly Valves uses a disc for its opening and Closing, whereas Ball Valve uses a Ball for its Opening and Closing. Both the Disc and Ball rotates around its axis at 90-degree. Butterfly valves can adjust its flow, as ball valve take time and it cannot be adjusted quickly
• Butterfly Valves can be operated Manually, whereas Ball can be operated by both automatically and Manually.
• Butterfly valves are less expensive and generally lighter weight than other types of valves. A butterfly valve for a large diameter pipe is much smaller than its ball valve equivalent.

Useful Links:

• 14 Different Types of Ball Valves
• Butterfly Valves Applications in the Pipeline Industry
• 20 Different Types of Valves with its Uses, Specifications and Applications