Industrial Double-Eccentric Butterfly Valve
Industrial double-eccentric butterfly valves are flow control devices designed with two offsets between the shaft and the centerline of the disc. This design provides improved sealing performance, reduced friction, and enhanced durability compared to both concentric and single-eccentric butterfly valves. Here’s a detailed overview of these valves:
Design: Double-eccentric butterfly valves feature a circular body with a disc mounted off-center on the shaft. Unlike single-eccentric valves, which have only one offset, double-eccentric valves have two offsets: one between the shaft and the centerline of the disc and another between the shaft and the centerline of the body. This design creates a camming action during operation, lifting the disc away from the seat without rubbing against it, thus reducing friction and wear.
Seat Design: The seat of a double-eccentric butterfly valve is typically made of resilient materials such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), Nitrile, or Viton. When the valve is closed, the eccentrically positioned disc presses against the seat to form a tight seal, preventing leakage.
Materials: These valves are available in various materials to suit different applications and operating conditions. Common materials for the body, disc, and shaft include carbon steel, stainless steel, ductile iron, and various alloys. The choice of material depends on factors such as fluid compatibility, temperature, pressure, and corrosion resistance requirements.
Actuation: Double-eccentric butterfly valves can be operated manually using a hand lever or gear operator, or they can be automated using pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuators. Actuators allow for remote control and automation of the valve operation, which is essential in industrial processes where precise flow control is required.
Applications:
- Oil and Gas Industry: Double-eccentric butterfly valves find widespread use in the oil and gas industry for controlling the flow of various fluids, including crude oil, natural gas, and refined products.
- Chemical Processing: They are commonly employed in chemical processing plants for handling corrosive chemicals and aggressive fluids.
- Water Treatment: These valves are used in water and wastewater treatment facilities for regulating the flow of water, chemicals, and slurry.
- Power Generation: They find applications in power plants for regulating the flow of water, steam, and other fluids in power generation processes.
Advantages:
- Improved Sealing Performance: The double offset design provides superior sealing capabilities compared to concentric and single-eccentric butterfly valves, resulting in better leak-tightness and reduced maintenance requirements.
- Reduced Friction and Wear: The camming action of the double offset design reduces friction between the disc and the seat, extending the lifespan of the valve and minimizing maintenance needs.
- Lower Torque Requirements: Double-eccentric butterfly valves typically require lower torque to operate compared to other valve designs, reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.
- Enhanced Durability: The robust construction and improved sealing performance of double-eccentric valves make them highly durable and suitable for demanding industrial applications.
Disadvantages:
- Cost: Double-eccentric butterfly valves may be more expensive than other valve designs due to their more complex construction and enhanced sealing performance.
- Limited High-Temperature Applications: While suitable for many industrial applications, double-eccentric butterfly valves may have temperature limitations compared to specialized high-temperature valves.
Overall, industrial double-eccentric butterfly valves offer superior sealing performance, reduced friction and wear, lower torque requirements, and enhanced durability compared to other butterfly valve designs, making them a reliable choice for flow control in various industrial applications.