Butterfly valve operating mechanism accumulator

How do butterfly valves work?

Butterfly valves can be operated manually by handles and gears or automatically by electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic actuators. These devices allow precise disc rotation to positions ranging from fully open to fully closed. A brief description of the different types of actuation methods is below.

What is a butterfly valve actuator?

Actuator: This part is also called a handle or operator. It controls how far opened or closed the butterfly valve is. It is often a handle that moves 90 degrees, but can also be a spigot-like turning handle. On the valve above, you would squeeze the handle to operate the actuator.

What is manual actuation for butterfly valves?

Manual actuation for butterfly valves involves either a hand lever or gears. Hand levers are used primarily on smaller valves, and much like their name implies, are a lever on top that is rotated up to 90 degrees to open, close, or regulate flow. Gear operated valves are used on bigger valves and utilize a gearbox to help open and close the valve.

How do you actuate a butterfly valve?

The default state for a butterfly valve is closed; this allows no fluid to pass through. If you want fluid to flow through with hardly any reduction in flow pressure, you turn the handle 90 degrees to fully actuate the butterfly valve. When people usually talk about actuation in butterfly valves, they are actually talking about automation.

What is a butterfly valve?

In the world of industrial valves, the butterfly valve stands as a versatile and widely used component, playing a pivotal role in controlling the flow of fluids in various applications. Its unique design and efficient operation have earned it a significant place in industries ranging from water treatment and power generation to oil and gas.

How does a butterfly valve O-ring work?

An o-ring (Figure 2 labeled C) in the stem packing seals against leakage along the stem. When the actuator or handle rotates the butterfly valve stem 90°, the disc also rotates 90° to become parallel to the flow. Partial rotation allows for the flow to be throttled or proportional.