ZAVA MARINE

Significance of Marine Butterfly Valves and Selection Guidelines

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Edward Wang

General Manager

Marine butterfly valves play a crucial role in various marine applications, serving as essential components in controlling the flow of liquids. Their significance lies in their ability to regulate and isolate flow effectively, contributing to the smooth operation of marine systems.

What Is Butterfly Valve Used In Ship?

butterfly valve used in ship

Butterfly valves are commonly utilized in various industries and on ships for regulating the flow of mediums. These valves, which operate on a quarter-turn principle, are capable of both starting and stopping the flow. Their pivoted-disc design makes them particularly effective for controlling the flow within pipelines.

To comprehend how butterfly valves function, it is important to understand their structure. These valves consist of a central circular disc or plate that matches the dimensions of the pipe where the valve is installed. A rod passes through the center of the valve, perpendicular to the medium flow, and connects to an actuator that controls the valve’s movements.

When the actuator-operated rod moves, the valve’s position resembles a butterfly spreading its wings. This unique motion is why these valves are referred to as butterfly valves.

Marine Butterfly Valve Types

Single Flanged Butterfly Valve

The single flanged butterfly valve features a singular flange on one side, often placed between pipeline flanges. It is frequently employed in scenarios with space constraints or when a smaller footprint is necessary. Installation involves bolting to one side of the pipeline, providing a compact and cost-effective flow control solution.

Double Flanged Butterfly Valve

The double flanged butterfly valve is equipped with flanges at both ends, facilitating simple installation between two pipeline flanges. It is well-suited for applications demanding secure and leak-proof connections. This design offers a robust and dependable connection, rendering it suitable for high-pressure systems.

Wafer Butterfly Valve

The wafer butterfly valve, characterized by its compact and lightweight build, is tailored to slot between flanges sans additional gaskets. It finds utility in confined spaces and situations necessitating rapid installations. Positioned between flanges, these valves are effortlessly installed and removed without causing disturbances to the pipeline.

Lug Type Butterfly Valve

The lug type butterfly valve features threaded lugs on its body, facilitating straightforward installation and removal without pipeline disconnection. Typically applied in scenarios requiring regular valve maintenance or replacement, it provides convenience in certain piping systems. Its advantage lies in the ease of installation and removal, making it a practical choice for specific applications.

Marine Butterfly Valve Applications

utterfly valves play a crucial role in various ship operations, serving multiple functions from shut-off in pipelines to facilitating ballast systems for water removal. 

Butterfly Valve In Ship System

  • Stability through Ballast: Crucial systems for precise water flow management, ensuring the ship’s stability in varying sea conditions.

  • Engine Cooling Precision: Specialized systems regulating seawater flow to maintain optimal engine temperatures and facilitate efficient heat exchange processes.

  • Efficient Bilge Management: Integral for the controlled discharge of wastewater and bilge water, maintaining cleanliness and operational safety onboard.

  • Power Generation Control: Essential systems governing the flow of fuel oil for propulsion and electricity generation, vital for the ship’s power needs and movement.

Versatile Applications of Marine Butterfly Valves

  • Space Efficiency: Tailored for confined spaces, making them a perfect fit in areas with limited room for installation.

  • Fluid Versatility: Versatile in fluid handling, adept at transporting both corrosive and non-corrosive substances efficiently.

  • Precise Flow Control: Enables precise regulation of medium flow within various ship compartments, ensuring optimal functionality.

  • Leakage Prevention: Designed for a secure shut-off mechanism, effectively preventing any leakage occurrences.

  • Rig and Ballast Utility: Integral to rig operations and ballast systems, contributing to stability adjustments and operational efficiency.

  • Saltwater Resilience: Engineered for durability in saltwater environments, making them a reliable choice for underwater applications.

  • Efficient Actuation: Particularly suitable for rapid operations, especially when equipped with pneumatic actuators for swift rotation and responsiveness.

How To Choose Butterfly Valve For Your Ship?

When selecting a marine butterfly valve based on valve type, consider the following guidelines tailored to each type:

Wafer Butterfly Valve

  • Ideal for space-restricted areas due to their compact design.
  • Suitable for applications requiring quick installation without additional flange gaskets.
  • Ensure compatibility with flange standards and pipeline dimensions.

Lug Butterfly Valve

  • Lug butterfly valve is for applications requiring easy installation and removal without pipeline disconnection.
  • Commonly used in systems needing frequent maintenance or valve replacement.
  • Verify the threaded lugs on the valve body for secure installation and stability.

Double Flanged Butterfly Valve

  • Opt for applications demanding secure and leak-proof connections.
  • Suitable for systems requiring sturdy connections and high-pressure capabilities.
  • Ensure the flanges on both ends match pipeline flange specifications.

Triple Offset Butterfly Valve

  • Select for applications requiring tight shut-off and high-performance sealing.
  • Suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature applications.
  • Consider the advanced sealing mechanism for improved leak prevention.

High-Performance Butterfly Valve

  • Choose for demanding applications needing high flow capacity and pressure ratings.
  • Ensure compatibility with harsh operating conditions and corrosive fluids.
  • Consider special coatings or materials for enhanced durability and performance.

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