¿Qué es una válvula de mariposa? Guía completa para 2025

¿Qué es una válvula de mariposa?

A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve that controls fluid flow using a rotating disc. When the disc turns 90 degrees, it either opens or closes the flow completely. Think of it like a circular gate that swings open and closed inside a pipe.

Bastante sencillo, ¿verdad?

Pero aquí está la cosa:

Even though butterfly valves have a straightforward design, they’re INCREDIBLY versatile. They’re used everywhere from water treatment plants to chemical processing facilities.

In fact, butterfly valves are one of the most popular valve types in industrial applications today.

Why?

Because they’re compact, cost-effective, and super easy to operate.

En esta guía, voy a desglosar todo lo que necesitas saber sobre válvulas mariposa. Including how they work, different types, and when you should (and shouldn’t) use them.

Vamos a sumergirnos.

How Does a Butterfly Valve Work?

The working principle of a butterfly valve is actually pretty straightforward.

Here’s how it works:

A butterfly valve has a circular disc mounted on a rotating shaft (called the stem). When you turn the handle or actuator, the stem rotates the disc.

When the disc is parallel to the flow? The valve is fully open.

When the disc is perpendicular to the flow? The valve is completely closed.

And get this:

You only need to turn the handle 90 degrees to go from fully open to fully closed. That’s why butterfly valves are called “quarter-turn valves.”

But here’s where it gets interesting:

You can also position the disc at different angles to control flow rate. Want 50% flow? Position the disc at about 45 degrees. Need just a trickle? Open it slightly.

This throttling capability makes butterfly valves super versatile for flow control applications.

¿En resumidas cuentas?

Butterfly valves offer simple, reliable flow control with minimal moving parts. And that’s exactly why they’re so popular in industrial applications.

Key Components of a Butterfly Valve

Every butterfly valve has four main components that work together. Let me break them down for you:

1. Valve Body

The valve body is the main housing that contains all the internal parts. It’s usually made from tough materials like cast iron or stainless steel.

The body connects to your piping system and protects the disc and other components from damage.

Think of it as the valve’s protective shell.

2. Disc

The disc is the star of the show. It’s the round plate that actually controls the flow.

When you rotate the disc, it either blocks the flow path (closed) or aligns with it (open).

Here’s something cool:

The disc always stays in the flow path, even when fully open. This creates a slight pressure drop, but it also means the valve can respond instantly to control changes.

3. Stem (Shaft)

The stem connects the disc to the external handle or actuator. When you turn the handle, the stem rotates the disc.

Most stems pass through the valve body and are sealed with O-rings to prevent leaks.

Some valves use a one-piece stem. Others use a two-piece design for easier maintenance.

4. Seat

The seat is the sealing surface that the disc closes against. It’s what prevents leakage when the valve is closed.

Seats come in two main types:

• Soft seats (made from rubber or PTFE) for tight shutoff
• Asientos metálicos for high-temperature applications

The seat material often determines the valve’s temperature and pressure ratings.

Tipos de válvulas de mariposa

Not all butterfly valves are created equal. There are several different designs, each with its own advantages.

Let me walk you through the main types:

Zero Offset (Concentric) Butterfly Valves

Zero offset valves are the simplest design. The stem runs straight through the center of the disc.

These valves use a soft rubber seat that wraps around the disc edge. When closed, the disc compresses the seat for a tight seal.

Lo mejor para:

• Low-pressure applications (up to 250 PSI)
• Water and air service
• Proyectos con presupuesto ajustado

Inconvenientes: The disc constantly rubs against the seat, which can cause wear over time.

Double Offset (High-Performance) Butterfly Valves

Double offset valves have two stem offsets:

1. The stem is offset from the disc centerline
2. The stem is offset from the pipe centerline

This design reduces seat wear because the disc “lifts” away from the seat during opening.

Lo mejor para:

• Higher pressures and temperatures
• Longer service life needed
• Chemical processing applications

Triple Offset Butterfly Valves

Triple offset valves add a third offset: an angular offset in the sealing cone.

Here’s why this matters:

The disc only contacts the seat at the moment of full closure. Zero friction during operation means virtually no wear.

Lo mejor para:

• Extreme temperatures and pressures
• Steam service
• Zero-leakage applications
• Critical process control

The trade-off? Triple offset valves cost significantly more than other types.

Butterfly Valve Connection Types

How you connect a butterfly valve to your piping system matters. A lot.

Here are the main connection types:

Wafer Style

Wafer butterfly valves fit between two pipe flanges. Long bolts pass through the flanges and clamp the valve in place.

Pros:

• Diseño compacto
• Lightweight
• Económico

Cons:

• Can’t be used for end-of-line service
• Requires system shutdown for maintenance

Lug Style

Lug valves have threaded holes around the body. You bolt each pipe flange directly to the valve.

Big advantage: You can disconnect one side of the piping without removing the valve.

This makes lug valves perfect for:

• End-of-line service
• Applications needing isolation capability
• Systems requiring frequent maintenance

Brida

Flanged butterfly valves have raised faces on both sides that match standard pipe flanges.

When to use them:

• Large diameter pipes
• Sistemas de alta presión
• When maximum stability is needed

Butt-Weld

These valves are welded directly into the pipeline. No flanges needed.

Perfecto para:

• Permanent installations
• High-pressure/high-temperature service
• Applications where leakage absolutely cannot occur

The downside? They’re tough to remove for maintenance.

Materials and Temperature Ratings

The materials used in butterfly valve construction directly impact performance and lifespan.

Let me break down the most common options:

Materiales de la carrocería

Hierro fundido

• Temperature range: -20°F to 450°F
• Good for water and air service
• Cost-effective option

Acero carbono

• Temperature range: -20°F to 800°F
• Handles higher pressures than cast iron
• Common in oil and gas applications

Stainless Steel (316/316L)

• Temperature range: -320°F to 1000°F
• Excellent corrosion resistance
• Ideal for chemical and food processing

Hastelloy/Inconel

• Extreme temperature and corrosion resistance
• Used in highly aggressive chemical services
• Premium price point

Seat Materials and Their Limits

The seat material often determines the valve’s temperature rating:

EPDM (Ethylene Propylene)

• Range: -20°F to 250°F
• Great for water service
• Not compatible with oils or hydrocarbons

Buna-N (Nitrile)

• Range: -35°F to 250°F
• Good for oils and fuels
• Not suitable for strong oxidizers

PTFE (Teflon)

• Range: -100°F to 450°F
• Universal chemical resistance
• Higher cost but longer life

Asientos metálicos

• Range: Up to 1000°F+
• Used for extreme temperatures
• May have slight leakage

Applications and Use Cases

Butterfly valves show up in tons of different industries. Here’s where you’ll commonly find them:

Water and Wastewater Treatment

This is probably the biggest market for butterfly valves.

Why?

Because they handle large flow volumes efficiently and resist the corrosion common in water treatment.

Common applications:

• Raw water intake
• Distribution mains
• Pump isolation
• Backwash systems

Sistemas HVAC

Building mechanical systems love butterfly valves for chilled and hot water control.

They’re perfect here because:

• Compact size fits in tight mechanical rooms
• Quick actuation for temperature control
• Cost-effective for large pipe sizes

Procesado químico

Chemical plants use butterfly valves for:

• Reactor feed control
• Storage tank isolation
• Corrosive service (with proper materials)

The key? Selecting the right materials for chemical compatibility.

Alimentos y bebidas

Sanitary butterfly valves are huge in food processing.

They feature:

• Polished surfaces for easy cleaning
• FDA-approved materiales
• CIP (Clean-in-Place) capability

Generación de energía

Power plants use butterfly valves for:

• Sistemas de agua de refrigeración
• Steam condensate service
• Sistemas de manipulación de cenizas

Actuation Options

How you operate a butterfly valve depends on your application needs.

Here are your main options:

Manual Operation

Lever Handle

• Used on smaller valves (typically 2-6 inches)
• Quick operation
• Visual position indication

Gear Operator

• For larger valves or high-torque applications
• Provides mechanical advantage
• Self-locking worm gear prevents unwanted movement

Funcionamiento automatizado

Actuadores eléctricos

• Precise position control
• Easy integration with control systems
• Requires power source
• Best for: Frequent operation, remote control needs

Pneumatic Actuators

• Fast operation (typically 1-2 seconds)
• Fail-safe options available
• Requires compressed air
• Best for: Safety applications, frequent cycling

Hydraulic Actuators

• Extremely high torque capability
• Smooth operation
• Best for: Large valves, high-pressure systems

Ventajas y desventajas

Let’s get real about the pros and cons of butterfly valves.

Ventajas

1. Compact Design
Butterfly valves take up way less space than gate or globe valves. This matters when you’re designing tight piping layouts.

2. Quick Operation
Quarter-turn operation means fast opening and closing. Perfect for emergency isolation.

3. Low Pressure Drop
When fully open, butterfly valves create minimal flow restriction.

4. Cost-Effective
Especially in larger sizes, butterfly valves cost significantly less than other valve types.

5. Good Flow Control
The disc angle provides decent throttling capability for many applications.

6. Lightweight
Easier to install and requires less pipe support than heavier valve types.

Desventajas

1. Limited Pressure Ratings
Most butterfly valves top out around 250-300 PSI. Need higher pressure? You’ll pay premium prices.

2. Not Full Bore
The disc always remains in the flow path, creating some restriction.

3. Throttling Limitations
High-velocity throttling can damage the disc and seat.

4. Not Suitable for Slurries
Abrasive materials can quickly erode the sealing surfaces.

5. Temperature Limitations
Soft-seated valves have temperature restrictions based on seat material.

Criteria de selección

Choosing the right butterfly valve isn’t rocket science. But you do need to consider several factors:

1. Service Conditions

Pressure: Make sure the valve rating exceeds your maximum system pressure

Temperatura: Check both operating and ambient temperature ranges

Media: Consider chemical compatibility with all wetted materials

2. Performance Requirements

Ask yourself:

• Do I need bubble-tight shutoff?
• Will this valve throttle or just open/close?
• How often will it cycle?

3. Installation Constraints

Considéralo:

• Espacio disponible
• Piping configuration
• Maintenance access needs
• Weight limitations

4. Cost Considerations

Remember to factor in:

• Precio de compra inicial
• Installation costs
• Long-term maintenance
• Energy costs (pressure drop)

Mantenimiento y resolución de problemas

Here’s the thing about butterfly valves:

They’re pretty low maintenance. But “low” doesn’t mean “no” maintenance.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

Quarterly:

• Cycle the valve to prevent sticking
• Comprobación de fugas externas
• Verificar el buen funcionamiento

Annually:

• Inspect seat condition
• Check stem packing
• Lubricate if required
• Test actuator operation (if automated)

Common Problems and Solutions

Leakage Past Seat

• Cause: Worn or damaged seat
• Fix: Replace seat or entire valve

Hard to Operate

• Cause: Corrosion, scale buildup, or damaged bearings
• Fix: Clean and lubricate, replace worn parts

Fuga del vástago

• Cause: Worn packing or O-rings
• Fix: Tighten packing or replace seals

Actuator Issues

• Cause: Various (power loss, air supply, mechanical failure)
• Fix: Troubleshoot based on actuator type

Reflexiones finales

Así que.., what is a butterfly valve?

It’s a simple yet versatile flow control device that uses a rotating disc to regulate fluid flow. With proper selection and maintenance, butterfly valves provide reliable service across countless applications.

The key to success?

Understanding your specific needs and choosing the right valve type, materials, and features for your application.

Whether you’re designing a new system or upgrading existing equipment, butterfly valves offer an excellent balance of performance, cost, and reliability.

Just remember:

Not every application is right for a butterfly valve. But when they fit? They’re tough to beat.

Need help selecting the right butterfly valve for your application? Consider factors like pressure, temperature, media compatibility, and required performance. And don’t hesitate to consult with valve manufacturers or engineers for critical applications.

Because at the end of the day, the right valve choice can make the difference between a system that runs smoothly for years and one that causes constant headaches.