Industrial butterfly valves are one of the most commonly used flow control devices in process industries. Their compact design, cost-effectiveness, and ease of operation make them ideal for a wide range of applications, from water treatment and HVAC to chemical processing and oil & gas. In this guide, we explore the key types of butterfly valves—including wafer, lug, and flanged designs—and how each suits specific industrial needs.

What Is a Butterfly Valve?

A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn rotational motion valve used to stop, regulate, and start flow in a pipeline. It features a disc mounted on a rotating shaft. When the valve is closed, the disc blocks the passage of fluid. When open, the disc rotates to allow flow with minimal obstruction.

Butterfly valves are known for:

• Compact size and lightweight design

• Fast quarter-turn operation

• Low-pressure drop and energy efficiency

• Versatility in materials and end connections

Key Types of Industrial Butterfly Valves

Industrial applications require different butterfly valve types based on factors such as pressure rating, pipeline design, fluid type, and operational preferences. Here’s a detailed look at the most common variants:

1. Wafer Type Butterfly Valves

Overview:
Wafer butterfly valves are the most basic and commonly used type. They are designed to fit between two pipe flanges and are held in place by flange bolts.

Features:

• Economical and compact design

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Bi-directional flow capabilities

• Requires support from flange pressure

Applications:
Ideal for water distribution, cooling water systems, compressed air systems, and general-purpose industrial applications.

2. Lug Type Butterfly Valves

Overview:
Lug-style butterfly valves have threaded inserts (lugs) around the valve body, allowing them to be bolted directly into the pipeline without nuts on the opposite side.

Features:

• Can be installed between flanges using bolts

• Allows for one-side pipeline maintenance

• Provides isolation for downstream maintenance

• Slightly heavier than wafer valves

Applications:
Common in systems where one side of the piping needs to be removed without affecting the other, such as in fire protection systems and isolated process lines.

3. Flanged Butterfly Valves

Overview:
Flanged butterfly valves are bolted directly between two pipeline flanges. They provide a more robust connection, especially in higher pressure systems.

Features:

• Heavy-duty design for higher pressure ratings

• Simple alignment and secure installation

• Less prone to leakage due to bolted connections

• More space-consuming and costlier than wafer or lug valves

Applications:
Used in oil & gas, steam applications, chemical processing, and power plants—especially where reliability and tight shut-off are critical.

4. Double Offset Butterfly Valves

Overview:
Double offset (also called high-performance) butterfly valves feature a disc that is offset from the shaft center, reducing friction during operation and enhancing durability.

Features:

• Longer service life

• Lower torque requirements

• Better sealing and tight shut-off

• Suitable for moderate pressure and temperature

Applications:
Great for chemical, petroleum, and HVAC systems where leakage control and durability matter.

5. Triple Offset Butterfly Valves

Overview:
Triple offset valves have an additional geometric offset, allowing for a metal-to-metal seal with zero leakage under high pressure and temperature.

Features:

• Zero-leakage design

• Metal sealing surfaces for high-temperature/pressure

• Ideal for extreme service conditions

• Longer lifespan in harsh environments

Applications:
Common in critical isolation services like power generation, petrochemical processing, and high-pressure steam systems.

6. Actuated Butterfly Valves

Overview:
Butterfly valves can be operated manually or via actuators—electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic—for remote or automated control.

Types of Actuation:

• Manual (lever or gear operated)

• Electric (for precise, automated control)

• Pneumatic (fast operation for frequent cycling)

• Hydraulic (used in high-force systems)

Applications:
Used in automated systems such as water treatment plants, packaging lines, and automated process facilities.

Choosing the Right Butterfly Valve Type

Selecting the correct butterfly valve depends on several factors:

Material Options for Industrial Use

To handle various fluids and environments, butterfly valves are made from different materials:

• Body Materials: Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Stainless Steel, Carbon Steel, PVC

• Disc Materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminum Bronze, Ductile Iron

• Seat Materials: EPDM, NBR, PTFE, Viton, Metal (for high-temp use)

Choosing compatible materials ensures resistance to corrosion, pressure, temperature, and chemical attacks.

Advantages of Industrial Butterfly Valves

• Quick 90° turn for fast shutoff

• Low torque operation

• Compact, saving space and weight

• Wide range of sizes (from 2” to 72” and more)

• Cost-effective compared to gate and ball valves

• Suitable for throttling and on-off applications

Common Industries Using Butterfly Valves

• Water & Wastewater Treatment

• HVAC & Building Automation

• Oil & Gas

• Power Generation

• Marine & Shipbuilding

• Food & Beverage Processing

• Pulp & Paper

• Chemical & Pharmaceutical

Final Thoughts

Butterfly valves offer unmatched versatility in industrial flow control systems. Whether you need a wafer valve for a simple water line or a triple offset butterfly valve for high-pressure steam, there’s a design to meet your operational demands. By understanding the unique advantages of wafer, lug, flanged, and offset valves, industrial users can make informed choices that improve efficiency, reliability, and safety across their systems.