Sanitary butterfly valves have become increasingly popular over the years. They are widely used in food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and other industries that require hygienic processing. However, with the many options available, choosing the right sanitary butterfly valve for your application can be daunting. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the key factors to consider when choosing the right sanitary butterfly valve for your application.
What is Sanitary Butterfly Valves?
Sanitary Butterfly Valves are a type of quarter-turn rotary valve used to control the flow of liquids, gases and other materials through a pipeline. These valves feature thin round bars, forged bars, hollow bars or hex shaped wings that rotate inside the system to regulate the material’s direction and rate of flow. In addition, these valves are known for their tight seals, which reduce the risks of contaminants entering the systems. They are also very easy to install, even in areas with limited space due to their compact size. All these characteristics make Sanitary Butterfly Valves perfect for controlling fluids in pharmaceuticals and food processing industries.
Choosing the Right Sanitary Butterfly Valves for Your Application
Material and Construction
When choosing sanitary butterfly valves, material and construction are key factors. The valve material must be compatible with the product being processed. For example, stainless steel is preferred for food and beverage processing because it is easy to clean, durable, and noncorrosive. The valve construction also determines the valve’s cleanability, an important attribute in sanitary processing. Opt for sanitary butterfly valves that are easy to clean, disassemble, and reassemble.
Size and Connection Type
Sanitary butterfly valves come in different sizes and connection types. The valve size should match the pipeline size to minimize pressure drop and flow restriction. The connection type should also be compatible with the existing piping system. Common connection types include tri-clamp, butt-weld, and flanged.
Valve Operation
The type of valve operation should be carefully considered when choosing sanitary butterfly valves. Options include manual, pneumatic, and electric actuated valves. Manual valves are simple and cost-effective, but they may not be suitable for applications that require frequent valve adjustments. Electrically actuated valves are ideal for applications that require remote control, while pneumatic valves are ideal for applications that require quick, accurate valve positioning.
Application
The application determines the characteristics of the valve that will best suit your application. Factors such as the temperature and pressure of the product being processed, the degree of cleanliness required, and the level of control required will determine the type of valve most suitable.
Regulatory Compliance
In the food and pharmaceutical industries, regulatory compliance is essential. Ensure that the sanitary butterfly valve you choose meets all industry regulatory requirements, such as FDA, 3-A, and EHEDG.
Conclusion:
Sanitary butterfly valves play an important role in hygienic processing. Choosing the right sanitary butterfly valve for your application requires careful consideration of the valve material and construction, size and connection type, valve operation, application, and regulatory compliance. Considering these factors, you can select the right sanitary butterfly valve to meet your application’s requirements.
