The Advantages of Lug Type Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are used in industrial applications to control the flow of fluids. They are also useful in regulating pressure and temperature. There are several different types of butterfly valves, and each has its own advantages. One of the most common is the lug type. While this valve offers heavy duty construction and a tight seal, it is not without its drawbacks. If you're considering using a lug butterfly valve in your system, it's important to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

The lug-type butterfly valve is composed of two parts, including the body and the fitted disc. The body is made of metal, typically steel or ductile iron. It has threaded lugs that can accept bolts from the flanges on the ends of each section of pipe. This design allows the valve to be dismantled for maintenance without affecting the other end of the line. In addition, it can be cleaned, inspected, and repaired without shutting down the entire system.

Another benefit of the lug-type butterfly valve is its ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including those in the power industry. For example, it can handle corrosive liquids such as nitric acid and hydrochloric acid. It can also withstand temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

While a lug-type butterfly valve is designed to handle a variety of conditions, it is not immune to wear and tear. In order to prevent damage, it is crucial to use the right materials for your application. For instance, you should use a Hastelloy butterfly valve for applications that require high strength and resistance to corrosion and cracking. Additionally, you should perform regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the valve is in good condition.

The operation of a lug-type butterfly valve is similar to that of other types of valves. When the disc is closed, it creates a tight seal to prevent fluid from flowing through the system. To open the valve, you simply rotate the disc a quarter turn. This allows the flow of liquid to resume. When you need to close the valve, you simply rotate the disc back a quarter turn.

Unlike other valves, lug-type butterfly valves are usually mounted between the flanges of two lengths of pipe. This design makes it difficult for them to operate as a dead-end service, meaning that the downstream pipe can be disconnected or removed. It's important to note that most lug-style valves will have a lower pressure rating when mounted on two flanges than when they're mounted on one flange.

While both the lug and wafer designs of butterfly valves offer high durability, they are slightly different in installation and maintenance. Wafer butterfly valves are lighter in weight than lug varieties and they don't require any additional hardware. They are also easier to install and can be adjusted with simple hand tools. In contrast, lug-style valves have a larger body and require additional hardware such as bolts and nuts for installation. They also have more moving parts, so it's important to lubricate them frequently and make sure that the disc is seating properly.