What is the main feature of a butterfly valve?

The main feature of a butterfly valve is that it can be adjusted to either a fully open position or a fully closed position effectively. This binary operation is due to the design of the valve which consists of a disc that rotates perpendicular to the flow of the fluid. When the valve is fully open, the disc is parallel to the flow, allowing maximum flow area. Conversely, when fully closed, the disc blocks the flow entirely.

This characteristic makes butterfly valves particularly suitable for applications requiring tight shut-off capabilities, such as in water distribution systems. While butterfly valves can be used for throttling applications, they are primarily used in systems where quick shut-off and simple operation are valued.

Incremental flow adjustments, complex actuators, and high-pressure drop characteristics are more relevant to other types of valves or configurations. Therefore, the design and operational efficiency of a butterfly valve makes it a reliable choice for many water control applications.