Butterfly valves are mainly used to control a fluid’s flow rate.

Depending on what material the valve is made of, it can be used for different types of fluids: chemically neutral fluids such as water or oil, sludge, food products or pharmaceutical fluids and some butterfly valves can be specially designed to operate with corrosive fluids.

A butterfly valve cannot be used for fluids containing solid particles however as they could prevent it from closing completely.

The butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve. It requires a 90° rotation between the open and closed position to operate. For large diameters, it may require an actuating system equipped with a gearbox that compensates for the pressure exerted directly on the valve.

Butterfly valves are designed to ensure a good sealing system.

Large diameter butterfly valves often use flange mounting, and those intended for heating circuits, for example, are generally screw-in valves. Butterfly valves usually have a minimal space requirement, especially compared to ball valves.