Wafer Vs. Lug Vs. Double Flanged Butterfly Valves: How To Choose The Right Type

#	Table of Contents
1.	Wafer Type Butterfly Valves
2.	Lug Type Butterfly Valves
3.	Double Flanged Butterfly Valves
4.	How to Choose: 5 Critical Factors
5.	Case Study: Selecting Valves for a Chemical Plant Expansion
6.	FAQs
7.	Why Partner with Tianjin Worlds Valve?
8.	Call to Action
9.	Contact Us

 Butterfly valves are indispensable for fluid control in industries ranging from water treatment to chemical processing. However, selecting the right valve type—wafer, lug, or double flanged—can significantly impact system performance, installation costs, and maintenance efficiency. In this guide, we break down the differences, applications, and selection criteria for each type, empowering you to make informed decisions tailored to your project’s needs.  

1. Wafer Type Butterfly Valves

Design & Functionality

• Structure: A wafer valve is designed to fit snugly between two pipe flanges, secured by bolts that pass through the entire assembly.  

• Weight & Cost: Lightweight and economical due to minimal material usage.  

• Installation: Requires alignment with both flanges but lacks threaded inserts.  

Pros  

• Space-Saving: Ideal for compact systems with limited space.  

• Cost-Effective: 20–30% cheaper than lug or double-flanged valves.  

• Quick Installation: No need for matching bolt holes on pipes.  

Cons

• No Pipeline Isolation: Cannot isolate sections of the pipeline for maintenance.  

• Pressure Limitations: Typically rated for lower pressures (up to Class 150).  

Best For

• HVAC systems.  

• Water treatment plants with non-corrosive media.  

• Low-pressure chemical processes.  

2. Lug Type Butterfly Valves

Design & Functionality  

• Structure: Features threaded inserts (lugs) on both sides, allowing the valve to be bolted directly to each flange independently.  

• Weight & Cost: Heavier and 15–20% more expensive than wafer valves.  

Pros  

• Pipeline Isolation: Enables section isolation without disassembling the entire pipeline.  

• Versatility: Suitable for systems requiring frequent maintenance.  

• Higher Pressure Tolerance: Rated for up to Class 300.  

Cons  

• Complex Installation: Requires precise alignment of bolt holes.  

• Bulkier Design: Not ideal for tight spaces.  

Best For  

• Fire protection systems.  

• Industrial pipelines requiring periodic maintenance.  

• Moderate-pressure oil and gas applications.  

3. Double Flanged Butterfly Valves

Design & Functionality  

• Structure: Integrates flanges on both ends, welded or bolted to the valve body.  

• Weight & Cost: Heaviest and most expensive (30–50% costlier than lug valves).  

Pros

• Robust Sealing: Double-flanged design ensures leak-proof performance in high-pressure systems.  

• High-Pressure Capacity: Rated for up to Class 600.  

• Durability: Ideal for abrasive or corrosive media.  

Cons

• Complex Installation: Requires welding or specialized bolting.  

• Space Requirements: Not suitable for compact setups.  

Best For

• High-pressure oil and gas pipelines.  

• Chemical plants handling corrosive fluids.  

• Power generation steam systems.  

4.How to Choose:5 Critical Factors

• System Pressure  

Low pressure (≤150 psi): Wafer valves.  

Moderate pressure (150–300 psi): Lug valves.  

High pressure (300+ psi): Double flanged valves.  

• Maintenance Needs  

Frequent maintenance: Lug or double flanged valves (for isolation).  

Minimal maintenance: Wafer valves.  

• Space Constraints  

Tight spaces: Wafer valves.  

Ample space: Lug or double flanged valves.  

• Media Type

Corrosive/abrasive media: Double flanged valves with PTFE lining.  

Non-corrosive media: Wafer or lug valves.  

• Budget

Cost-sensitive projects: Wafer valves.  

Long-term investment: Lug or double flanged valves.  

5.Case Study: Selecting Valves for a Chemical Plant Expansion  

A chemical plant in Germany needed valves for a new sulfuric acid pipeline (Class 300, 200°C). After evaluating:  

• Wafer valves: Rejected due to pressure limitations.  

• Lug valves: Considered but lacked corrosion resistance.  

• Double flanged valves with PTFE lining: Chosen for their Class 300 rating, isolation capability, and chemical resistance.  

• Result: Zero leaks and 40% lower maintenance costs over 2 years.  

6.FAQs

Q1: Can wafer valves handle steam?  

A: Only low-pressure steam (≤150 psi). For high-pressure steam, use double flanged valves.  

Q2: Are lug valves suitable for drinking water systems?  

A: Yes, especially with FDA-compliant EPDM seats.  

Q3: How do I ensure flange compatibility?  

A: Match flange standards  between the valve and pipeline.  

7.Why Partner with Tianjin Worlds Valve?

• Expertise in OEM/ODM Services  

  As a trusted PTFE Lined Butterfly Valve Factory, we offer customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. From design to delivery, we ensure seamless execution.  

• Global Reach with Local Support

  With a presence in over 50 countries, we provide timely delivery and dedicated customer support worldwide.  

• Competitive Pricing  

  Our efficient manufacturing processes and economies of scale enable us to offer high-quality valves at competitive prices.  

• Comprehensive After-Sales Service  

  We have a professional technical team that provides technical support, installation guidance, and maintenance services.

8.Call to Action

Still unsure which valve type fits your project? consult our engineers for personalized advice!  

9.Contact Us:

dekai@worldsvalve.com