Wafer butterfly valves are separated from grooved butterfly valves by the ease of installation and vibration-resistance.

As part of a fire sprinkler and standpipe systems, butterfly control valves are installed which streamlines the replacement of pipe downstream and visually indicates the flow of water during normal system operation. Though grooved butterfly valves and wafer-type butterfly valves perform identically, there can still be a big difference in terms of repair, ease of installation, replacement, and a few other respects. In this blog, we will discuss the pros and cons of firefighting valves - grooved butterfly valves and wafer butterfly valves.

All butterfly valves have the same basic anatomy

In petroleum processing and distribution, chemical production, and a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, butterfly valves are used. Most of the butterfly valves offer easy installation, precision flow control, and are lightweight when compared with other valves. In standpipe systems and fire sprinklers, the butterfly valve controls water flow by using a thin, rotating disc. The handwheel gets connected to a rod called a stem that rotates the disc. At least somewhat in the path of the water at all times, the disc remains which leads to a slight reduction in flow within the pipe even when fully open. The position indicator which is usually a brightly colored part that sticks out of the valve turns with the disc for providing a clear indication of when the valve is closed or opened. Butterfly valves for fire protection often include tamper switches that connect to a fire alarm control panel or another indicating device that triggers an alarm or otherwise warns when the valve's status gets changed. But why? The main reason for the failure of the sprinkler system is the closed valves. Standpipe systems and fire sprinklers must remain in service unless it is absolutely necessary for shutting it down, which means that a closed valve needs to become un-closed as soon as possible. Several butterfly valves have one tamper switch for the control panel and another for auxiliary alarms and horns for providing ample notification about a closed valve.

Wafer butterfly valves are slightly more economical but quick installations and several other benefits are offered by grooved butterfly valves and couplings

The main difference between grooved butterfly valves and wafer firefighting valves is how they attach to a fire sprinkler or standpipe system pipe. Most of the grooved butterfly valves are roll-grooved. This roll grooving actually displaces part of the pipe wall and pushes a portion of the pipe until a ring-shaped indentation is formed. Forming a leak-tight seal, the grooved ends fit other grooved couplings. The repairs become easier due to these fittings. The valve stays in place. Contrasting to this, a wafer valve requires to have both flanges on either side of it connected to each other for holding the valve in place. Grooved valves get attached to piping with a listed and approved grooved pipe coupling and when required, gasket lubricant. The grooved ends of the pipes and the valves are abutted, a gasket is installed and the remainder of the coupling is secured around the pipe.

Dutco Tennant LLC has been able to earn an esteemed position in the market of the Middle East and GCC region as a trusted supplier of various kinds of industrial and engineering solutions. We are also appreciated as a company that always meets the diverse demands of the customers and never compromises with quality and punctuality. We are always growing and trying to introduce newer technologies as we want to meet the ever-growing demands of our customers and stay ahead in the market competition. We along with Paratech, we bring to you the most advanced range of firefighting valves from all over the world.