How to choose hard seal butterfly valve or soft seal butterfly valve
Choose hard seal butterfly valve or soft seal butterfly valve are two common types of valves. They have great differences in sealing performance, temperature range, applicable media, etc.
Advantages of choosing a hard seal butterfly valve or a soft seal butterfly valve
Butterfly valves are widely used in a variety of industries due to their ease of use and low maintenance requirements. They are popular for regulating flow in pipelines, especially in applications that need to quickly control a large volume of fluid. There are two main types of butterfly valves – hard seal butterfly valves and soft seal butterfly valves.
Soft seal butterfly valve
High-Performance Butterfly Valve Rubber and other soft materials are usually used as the sealing ring. Which has good elasticity and can achieve better sealing effect because of its soft material. It has good adaptability to pipeline vibration and changes in thermal expansion and cold contraction. However, the temperature resistance of the soft seal of the electric actuator butterfly valve is relatively poor. It can generally only withstand low temperatures and is not suitable for pipelines containing particles or crystalline media.
Steel seal butterfly valve
In contrast, a solid seal butterfly valve uses solid materials such as metal as the sealing surface. Which features higher corrosion resistance and temperature resistance. This butterfly valve can withstand high temperatures and pressure. It is suitable for a variety of harsh working environments, such as petrochemical, metallurgy, and other industries. The solid sealing performance of the flanged butterfly valve is stable and reliable, but the price is relatively high.
How to choose hard seal butterfly valve or soft seal butterfly valve
In practical applications, when selecting a soft seal or hard seal for butterfly valve operation it should be considered according to the specific working conditions and nature of the medium. For example, for medium pipelines with high temperatures or containing particles, sealed solid butterfly valves should be preferred to ensure the sealing effect and service life. For pipelines with low temperatures and stable medium characteristics, soft-sealing rubber butterfly valves are the most suitable choice to reduce costs.
Key Differences Choose a hard seal butterfly valve or a soft seal butterfly valve
Here are the main differences between these two valves and some factors you should consider when choosing between the two:
Sealing materials
Soft-close butterfly valves are designed to have a seal made of rubber or other synthetic rubber that compresses and bends to create a seal around the valve disc. Solid seal butterfly valves, on the other hand, use a metal or polymer seal that is pressed against the valve seat to create an airtight seal. Material selection plays an important role in determining the valve’s corrosion resistance, temperature resistance, and sealing performance level.
Application type
The type of application and characteristics of the fluid to be handled play a vital role in selecting the type of butterfly valve. Soft-seal butterfly valves are suitable for low-pressure applications where a high level of sealing performance is not required. On the other hand, solid seal butterfly valves are better suited for applications with high operating temperatures and high-pressure fluids.
The budget
Price is also a deciding factor in choosing between soft and hard butterfly valves. Soft seal valves are less expensive than hard seal valves and require less maintenance throughout their life cycle. However, solid seal valves are more durable and can handle a wider range of applications without breaking down.
In conclusion, soft seal and hard seal butterfly valves have advantages and disadvantages. The most suitable valve type should be selected according to actual needs. The choice between hard and soft butterfly valves depends on several factors such as the type of application, required sealing performance, and budget. It is essential to consult a qualified valve specialist to ensure you select the valve that best suits your application requirements. Ultimately, whether you choose hard or soft butterfly valves, you can benefit from low maintenance requirements, long service life, and excellent performance.
