Historically, when it comes to butterfly valves, metal was the material of choice. The robustness and economic efficiency were convincing arguments for choosing metal valves. As durable as they are, there are some crucial drawbacks.
First, metal suffers from corrosion and abrasion. Depending on the environment, this shortens the lifetime of the valve significantly, resulting in additional costs due to operation interruptions and replacing of old valves. Second, metal weighs more than plastic. Metal butterfly valves are heavy, increasing stresses on piping systems and leading to required supporting structures. Additionally, the heavy valves are cumbersome to install and maintain.
Those drawbacks are the foundation for the biggest challenge—sustainability. Lightweight and long-lasting components are key for reaching both mandatory and self-proclaimed sustainability goals.
A NEW GENERATION OF BUTTERFLY VALVES
The new Butterfly Valve 565 is the best choice for optimizing piping systems built for water applications and a wide range of other applications. This new generation comes at a significantly lower initial cost and will require less energy due to its lower static weight, reducing overall costs even further. The new valve is extremely durable and will be low maintenance during its long service life.
The Wafer-Style Butterfly Valve 565, introduced in 2021, was developed as an alternative to metal valves. Due to its lightweight plastic design, identical installation lengths, as well as high pressure and temperature resistance, the 565 is more cost-effective and longer lasting than metal alternatives.
LIGHT IN WEIGHT, HEAVY ON FEATURES
In order to offer the full product range, GF Piping Systems developed the Butterfly 565 Lug-Style, which can be used as an end valve, thus enabling piping systems to be disassembled one-sided. This facilitates the maintenance and operation of filters, tanks, and other installations.
As standard, the 565 Lug-Style features plug-in inserts that can be configured to fulfill the needs of a wide variety of applications. The removable inserts have been designed to increase flexibility and customization during operation and improve material separation at the end of the valve’s service life. The 565 Lug-Style also features patented housing with open sides, which reduces material usage and offers easier access to the threaded plug-in inserts.
The new valve also adopts the same general specifications as the rest of the lineup. It is made from plastics that protect it against corrosion and abrasion while reducing the overall weight compared to metal. In addition, it features a Data-Matrix-Code for traceability and an optional LED position feedback sensor. The 565 Lug-Style comes with many marine and water approvals, including NSF, DNV, Lloyd’s Register, and KTW-BWGL. Furthermore, it is the first industrial valve with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).
ADAPTABLE TO YOUR NEEDS
Depending on the application, the 565 range can be configured to meet different requirements. The 565 can be operated manually with a lockable hand lever or a hand wheel, but it also features a digital interface as standard for plug-and-play process automation. Optional equipment includes pneumatic, electric, or smart actuators and positioners, as well as compatibility with inductive double sensors and a switching ring for precise feedback on position and performance. As a result, the 565 is designed to be seamlessly integrated into automation loops, which can be controlled and monitored remotely.
As the leading flow solutions provider for the safe and sustainable transport of fluids, GF Piping Systems creates connections for life. The division focuses on industry-leading leak-free piping solutions for numerous demanding end-market segments. Its strong focus on customer-centricity and innovation is reflected by its global sales, service, and manufacturing footprint and its award-winning portfolio, including fittings, valves, pipes, automation, fabrication, and jointing technologies. For more information, visit www.gfps.com.