Choosing the Right Manual Butterfly Valve

 

How to Select the Right Manual Butterfly Valve for Your Application

When it comes to efficient flow regulation, Manual Butterfly Valves are a smart, reliable, and cost-effective choice for many industries. But not all butterfly valves are created equal. The right valve for one system might not be suitable for another, and choosing the wrong one can lead to leaks, pressure issues, or early system failure. That’s why it’s critical to select the correct valve from the start—based on the exact requirements of your application.

At Concorde Valves & Automation, we’ve worked with clients across a wide range of sectors—from water treatment and HVAC systems to chemical processing and power generation. We understand the variables that impact valve performance and how to help clients choose the right Manual Butterfly Valve to meet operational goals without overspending.


Understand the Application Requirements

The first step in selecting a manual butterfly valve is understanding the specific needs of your application. Consider:

  • Type of fluid or gas: Is the media corrosive, abrasive, or clean?

  • Operating pressure: What is the maximum pressure the valve must withstand?

  • Temperature range: Will the valve be exposed to extreme heat or cold?

  • Flow characteristics: Do you need tight shutoff or throttling capability?

Different conditions call for different valve designs. For example, handling water in a municipal system is very different from managing a chemical slurry in an industrial plant. At Concorde Valves & Automation, we help customers assess all these parameters to determine the most suitable Manual Butterfly Valve for their needs.


Choose the Right Valve Body Material

Material compatibility is one of the most critical factors. A mismatch between the valve material and the process media can result in corrosion, leaks, or even dangerous failures. Common body materials include:

  • Cast Iron – cost-effective for general-purpose water or HVAC applications

  • Ductile Iron – stronger than cast iron, ideal for higher pressures

  • Stainless Steel – excellent for corrosive chemicals and sanitary environments

  • PVC/Plastic – lightweight and chemical-resistant, often used in low-pressure systems

At Concorde Valves & Automation, we supply Manual Butterfly Valves in a wide range of body materials to suit everything from food-grade systems to aggressive industrial environments.


Select the Proper Disc and Seat Material

The disc and seat are where the valve does its actual work—controlling flow and forming a tight seal. Therefore, their material and quality matter just as much as the body.

  • Disc materials: Stainless steel for durability and corrosion resistance; aluminum bronze for seawater applications; plastic or coated discs for lightweight chemical handling

  • Seat materials: EPDM for water and some chemicals; Viton for higher temperature or aggressive chemical use; NBR for oil-based fluids

Matching the disc and seat to the media ensures longer service life and consistent performance. Concorde Valves & Automation offers expert consultation to ensure our Manual Butterfly Valves are fitted with the right internal components.


Consider the Valve Size and Pressure Rating

One of the most common mistakes in valve selection is sizing. A valve that's too large or too small will not perform efficiently. Always base the valve size on system flow requirements—not just on pipe diameter.

In addition, pressure rating (usually in bar or psi) must align with your system’s operating and peak pressures. Our team at Concorde Valves & Automation provides flow and pressure calculation support to make sure your Manual Butterfly Valve selection is spot-on.


Determine the End Connection Type

End connections determine how the valve attaches to the piping system. The main types for Manual Butterfly Valves are:

  • Wafer style – lightweight and cost-effective, fits between two flanges

  • Lug style – allows one side of the piping to be disconnected without disturbing the other, suitable for dead-end service

  • Flanged – easy to install and remove, ideal for high-pressure applications

Each connection type has pros and cons depending on system layout, maintenance needs, and pressure class. Concorde Valves & Automation can provide custom solutions or standard designs based on your piping configuration.


Actuation Method: Manual, Gear, or Lever

As the name suggests, Manual Butterfly Valves are hand-operated. However, the method of operation can vary:

  • Lever handle – simple and fast for smaller valves or low-pressure systems

  • Gear operator – better for larger valves or systems with high torque requirements

Gear-operated valves reduce strain on the user and allow finer control. If your operation involves frequent flow adjustments, a gear mechanism might be a better choice. We offer both types at Concorde Valves & Automation, depending on valve size and application needs.


Don’t Forget Standards and Certifications

If you’re in a regulated industry—like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or municipal water—ensure the valves you choose meet necessary standards. Look for:

  • ISO certifications

  • API or ANSI compliance

  • NSF approval for potable water

  • Fire-safe or ATEX-rated valves for hazardous environments

All Manual Butterfly Valves from Concorde Valves & Automation are sourced or manufactured in compliance with relevant industry standards to ensure reliability, safety, and peace of mind.

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