Valve Knowledge: Installation Steps and Precautions for Wafer Butterfly Valves

The wafer butterfly valve is one of the most common types of valves in industrial pipelines. It has a compact structure and is installed by placing the butterfly valve between the flanges at both ends of the pipeline, securing it with double-end bolts that pass through the pipeline flanges and the valve itself. This design allows for easy control of the flow medium in the pipeline. Wafer butterfly valves are particularly suitable for narrow spaces or short-distance pipelines. When the butterfly valve is fully open, the disc thickness is the only resistance to the medium flow, which results in minimal pressure loss, making it an efficient flow control option.

I. Precautions Before Installing a Wafer Butterfly Valve

1. Before installation, blow out any debris in the pipeline using compressed air, and thoroughly clean the inner surface of the pipeline with water.

2. Carefully verify that the valve’s specifications match the intended usage.

3. Inspect the valve passage and sealing surface for any debris and remove it if necessary.

4. After unpacking, install the valve as soon as possible. Do not loosen any bolts or nuts on the valve randomly.

5. Wafer butterfly valves must be used with specialized butterfly valve flanges.

6. Electric butterfly valves can be installed at any angle within the pipeline, but for ease of maintenance, it is recommended not to install them upside down.

7. During flange installation, ensure the flange face and sealing rubber are aligned, and tighten the bolts evenly. If the bolts are tightened unevenly, the rubber may bulge and block the disc, or press against the disc, causing leakage at the valve stem.

II. Installation Steps for a Wafer Butterfly Valve

Proper installation of a wafer butterfly valve directly affects its sealing performance and the prevention of leakage. It is also crucial for operational safety during industrial applications. Users should follow the correct installation procedures carefully.

1. Place the valve between the pre-installed flanges, ensuring the bolt holes align properly.

2. Insert four pairs of bolts and nuts lightly into the flange holes and slightly tighten the nuts to correct the flange’s flatness.

3. Tack weld the flanges onto the pipeline to fix their position.

4. Remove the valve from between the flanges.

5. Fully weld the flanges to the pipeline.

6. Once the welds have cooled, reinstall the valve. Ensure there is enough space for the valve to move freely, preventing damage and allowing the disc to have some degree of opening.

7. Align the valve correctly and tighten the four pairs of bolts (avoid over-tightening).

8. Open the valve to ensure the disc moves freely, then slightly open the disc.

9. Tighten all nuts evenly in a crisscross pattern to ensure a uniform seal.

10. Finally, confirm that the valve operates smoothly and that the disc does not touch the pipeline.

During installation, wafer butterfly valves must be handled with care. They should be placed flat and not be subjected to rough impacts. The valve should be installed at the designed installation length. In pipeline designs, wafer butterfly valves should not be dismantled without special authorization. Additionally, although wafer butterfly valves can be installed in any position, once installed, a support bracket should be provided along the pipeline. Once the support bracket is in place, it must not be removed during use.