Application Case Analysis of Butterfly Valves And Gate Valves in The Chemical Industry

Butterfly Valves in the Chemical Industry

Design and Performance

• Compact Structure: Butterfly valves are known for their compact design, which makes them suitable for applications with limited space. They consist of a circular disc that rotates around a central axis to control fluid flow.

• Low Flow Resistance: When fully open, butterfly valves offer minimal flow resistance, allowing for efficient fluid passage. This feature is particularly beneficial in systems requiring high flow rates.

• Quick Operation: Butterfly valves can be quickly opened or closed, making them ideal for applications that require rapid response and frequent operation.

• Material Options: They are often made from materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or alloy steel, with seals made from PTFE or other high-temperature materials to ensure durability and corrosion resistance.

Application Cases

Case 1: High-Temperature Application

In a catalytic cracking unit at a chemical plant, butterfly valves are used in the energy recovery system for flue gas. These valves must withstand extreme temperatures, with operating temperatures reaching up to 680°C and peak temperatures up to 800°C. To meet these requirements, butterfly valves are constructed from high-temperature materials like 304H and Inconel X-750. The design also considers thermal expansion and alternating thermal effects to ensure long-term reliability.

Case 2: High-Pressure Application

In the coal chemical industry, butterfly valves are employed for high-pressure applications. For example, a triple-eccentric hard-seal butterfly valve is chosen for its high cost-effectiveness and ability to handle large-diameter, high-temperature, and high-pressure conditions. The valve features an integrated valve body and seat structure, with a sealing surface layer made of wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant alloy materials. This design ensures excellent sealing performance even under high pressure.

Case 3: High-Speed Application

In water treatment systems, butterfly valves are used to regulate water flow during different treatment stages. Equipped with pneumatic actuators, these valves allow for rapid and precise flow control, ensuring consistent product quality. The low flow resistance and quick operation of butterfly valves make them suitable for high-speed fluid systems.

Gate Valves in the Chemical Industry

Design and Performance

• Reliable Sealing: Gate valves are designed to provide excellent sealing performance, with a gate that moves vertically to control fluid flow. The large contact area between the gate and seat ensures minimal leakage.

• High Pressure Handling: Gate valves are capable of withstanding high pressures, making them suitable for demanding industrial applications.

• Material Options: Gate valves are typically made from high-strength materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel to ensure durability and corrosion resistance.

Application Cases

Case 1: Petrochemical Refinery

In a large-scale petrochemical refinery, gate valves are used in various processing units, including crude oil distillation, catalytic cracking, and hydroprocessing. These valves are made from special corrosion-resistant alloy materials to withstand the corrosive nature of petroleum products. Equipped with high-precision electric actuators, the gate valves enable remote control and real-time monitoring, ensuring stable operation and reducing manual intervention.

Case 2: Municipal Water Treatment

In a municipal water treatment plant, gate valves are used to control the flow of wastewater through different treatment units, such as sedimentation tanks, filters, and reaction basins. The excellent sealing performance and wear resistance of gate valves ensure the reliable operation of the wastewater treatment system, preventing leaks and ensuring environmental compliance.

Comparative Analysis

Key Differences