When to Use a Butterfly Valve: 6 Top Scenarios (HVAC, Water Treatment & More)
This article explains the basic structure and operating principles of butterfly valves, then focuses on six core application scenarios: those requiring rapid opening and closing/emergency shutdown, confined spaces, large-diameter pipelines, handling high-viscosity media, cost-effectiveness and maintenance, and basic flow control. It also identifies four situations where butterfly valves are not suitable (high pressure and high temperature, high-precision control, pipeline pigging requirements, and fluids containing hard solid particles). The article also analyzes the differences between butterfly valves and ball valves, gate valves, and globe valves through comparative tables. Real-world examples from water treatment plants, HVAC systems, food processing plants, and fire protection systems reinforce understanding. Finally, four practical tips for selecting butterfly valves are provided to help readers fully understand when and how to use them.