Selecting the Right Butterfly Valve for Your Ship

Butterfly valves play a crucial role in marine applications, controlling the flow of liquids and gases within a ship’s complex piping systems. Their compact design, ease of operation, and reliability make them essential for various shipboard systems, including ballast, fuel, and cooling operations. Selecting the right butterfly valve ensures efficiency, safety, and long-term durability at sea. Here’s how to make the best choice for your vessel.

1. Understand the Application Requirements

• Pressure and Temperature Ratings: Ensure the valve can handle the operational pressures and temperatures of the system.
• Media Type: Identify if the valve will handle seawater, fuel, oil, or air. Different media may require specialized materials to prevent corrosion or contamination.
• Flow Control Needs: Determine if the valve will be used for throttling or full open/close operations.

2. Choose the Right Valve Type

• Wafer-Type: Lightweight and cost-effective, suitable for low-pressure applications.
• Lug-Type: Provides higher strength and allows for easier maintenance without removing the entire line.
• Double Offset (High Performance): Designed for high-pressure systems, offering reduced wear and increased sealing performance.
• Triple Offset: Ideal for critical applications, providing zero leakage and maximum durability under extreme conditions.

3. Material Selection

• Body Materials: Stainless steel, bronze, and duplex stainless steel are common for marine applications.
• Disc and Seat Materials: Coatings like PTFE (Teflon) or rubber linings enhance corrosion resistance and sealing efficiency.

4. Compliance with Marine Standards

• DNV, GL, ABS, or LR Certification – Guarantees that the valve is suitable for shipboard use.
• ISO 9001 Certification – Ensures the manufacturer adheres to quality management practices.

5. Prioritize Ease of Maintenance

Select valves that are easy to inspect, maintain, and replace. Lug-type and double-offset valves are often preferred due to their minimal downtime during maintenance.