What is a Butterfly Valve with a Pneumatic Actuator? Learning the Pros & Cons

Controlling the flow of liquids within pipes is pretty crucial in industries. This is possible using valves. The simplest valves to use are the butterfly valves making them a desired pick. Connect a pneumatic actuator to the valve and you’ll never have to manually control the valves ever! 

The main issue that’s brought up is when should one be obtaining these pneumatic butterfly valves. As you continue on, you’ll learn about butterfly plumbing and the pros & cons of it. Once you’ve completed the article, you’ll know exactly when to reach out to a butterfly valves manufacturer. 

Understanding Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves are identifiable through their butterfly-esque disc shape. They follow a quarter turn rotation which moves 90 degrees and controls the usage of the valve. Just like standard valves, opening the valve allows the liquid to flow, and closing it, blocks it off.

What is a Pneumatic Actuator?

Pneumatic actuators are tools that generate motion by converting compressed air. These actuators are generally used in industries to open or close valves and other devices. Actuated valves work by converting the compressed air into motion to revolve the disc, controlling the opening and closing. An air actuated butterfly valve automates this, thereby reducing the requirement for manual labor.

The Pros of Using Butterfly Valves with Pneumatic Actuators

Cheaper and Cost-Effective

As we mentioned earlier, pneumatic butterfly valves automate the use of valves using compressed air. And because of this, these valves tend to be more efficient when it comes to energy usage, using up to 71% less energy. As a result, these tools are also much cheaper than other kinds of valves.

Easy to Maintain

Butterfly plumbing requires very little upkeep as regular servicing isn’t necessary. Air actuated butterfly valves work for longer time periods without needing to be lubricated. In turn, this plays a part in making these valves generally cheaper.

Easy to Use

Butterfly valves open and close based on a 90-degree axis. When combined with a pneumatic actuator, this process is completely automatic. Overall, this gives you much better control of the liquid flow while needing little to no effort whatsoever.

The Cons of Butterfly Valves with Pneumatic Actuators

Risk of Damage

When air actuated butterfly valves are open, one side of the valve faces all the pressure of the liquid due to an incomplete port. This makes the valve’s disc generally more susceptible to cavities and damage.

Temperature Limitations

A butterfly valve actuator isn’t suited for higher temperature situations. Therefore, the use of these valves can lead to problems, so always reach out to a butterfly valves manufacturer to confirm whether you can use them or not.

Pressure Constraints

Pneumatic butterfly valves work with a thin disc and elastomer seals. This structural makeup makes them unsuitable for pressures greater than 200 psi.

The Bottom Line — Choosing the Right Butterfly Actuated Valve

Selecting the right pneumatic butterfly valves entirely relies on the conditions of your system. Still iffy about whether or not you’re making the right decision? Reach out to a butterfly valves manufacturer like GOWIN Industrial Valve so they can answer any questions you have.