Both wafer and flanged butterfly valves are constructed with a central disc that rotates 90 degrees to control fluid flow. The disc is mounted on a stem that connects to an actuator, which is used to control the position of the disc. The valve body is typically constructed of cast iron, stainless steel, or other metals, with a rubber or elastomer seal around the disc to provide a tight seal when the valve is closed.
One of the most significant differences between wafer and flanged butterfly valves is how they are mounted. A wafer valve is designed to fit between two flanges, with bolts passing through the valve body and flanges to hold the valve in place. This design offers a compact, lightweight solution that is easy to install and is commonly used in low-pressure applications.
On the other hand, a flanged butterfly valve is designed to be directly bolted to a pipeline or vessel flange. The valve body of a flanged valve typically has a raised face or ring-type joint that ensures a secure and leak-free connection to the pipeline or vessel flange. This connection provides greater stability and rigidity than a wafer valve and is ideal for higher-pressure applications.
Another important factor to consider when choosing between wafer and flanged butterfly valves is the size range available. Wafer valves generally come in smaller sizes, typically ranging from 1/2 inch to 12 inches in diameter. In contrast, flanged butterfly valves are available in a wider range of sizes, from as small as 2 inches up to 72 inches or more. This makes flanged valves a better choice for larger pipeline applications.
Pressure ratings are another important consideration when choosing between wafer and flanged butterfly valves. Wafer valves typically have lower pressure ratings than flanged valves due to their mounting style. Wafer valves are designed to be installed between PN 10/16 and ANSI 150/300 flanges, which limits their pressure range to a maximum of roughly 300 psi. Flanged butterfly valves can be installed on PN10/16 or ANSI 150-2500 flange connections. This gives them a much broader pressure range, with some models able to handle pressures up to 1500 psi or more.
Finally, it is important to consider the specific application requirements when choosing between wafer and flanged butterfly valves. Wafer valves are ideal for low-pressure applications where space is limited, such as in HVAC systems or smaller water treatment applications. Flanged valves are ideal for high-pressure applications, such as oil and gas pipelines or chemical processing plants.
