Sanitary butterfly valves are critical components in food and drink, pharmaceutical, and chemical processing industries, where hygiene and sanitation are of prime importance. Sanitary butterfly valves are employed to control the passage of liquids and gases through tubes with minimal material contamination. Proper installation of sanitary butterfly valves is necessary to allow efficiency and make sure that the valve performs as anticipated. In this guide, we will walk you through the right way to install a sanitary butterfly valve, discuss the types of valves and present major points to consider during installation.
1. Understanding Sanitary Butterfly Valves
Sanitary butterfly valves are specifically designed for hygiene purposes, i.e., they are made with materials and characteristics that reduce the vulnerability to contamination. Sanitary butterfly valves are typically made of stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion and is easy to clean. A disk is used in the valve, which rotates to regulate the flow of liquid or gas in a pipe.
Its unique design makes the sanitary butterfly valve compact and efficient, making it ideal for use in applications where larger valves would be inconvenient. The valves are available in various sizes and shapes, depending on application, and are widely used in industries such as milk production, beer brewing, water treatment, and pharmaceutical.
2. Selecting the Right Sanitary Butterfly Valve
Before starting the installation, it is important to select the right sanitary butterfly valve for your process. There are several factors to be taken into consideration:
Material Compatibility: The valve material should be compatible with the fluid flowing through the pipe line. Stainless steel is widely used in sanitary butterfly valves because it is corrosion-resistant, easy to clean, and is resistant to high-pressure conditions.
Size and Pressure Rating: Ensure that your valve is of the correct size for your pipe and your system's operating pressure. A valve smaller than the pipeline or unmatched for the correct pressure could cause inefficiency or malfunction.
Connection Type: Sanitary butterfly valves come in diverse types of connections, such as tri-clamp, threaded, or weld ends. Choosing the correct connection type will ensure a leak-proof and safe installation.
It is also advisable to purchase sanitary butterfly valves from a good sanitary butterfly valves supplier, who can provide top-quality equipment that meets industry standards.
3. Preparing for Installation
Correct preparation is what will guarantee that the valve will perform as anticipated once it is installed. The following are the steps to take to have a successful installation process:
Shut Down the System: Before installing the valve, make sure the pipeline is depressurized and fluids or gases evacuated safely.
Sanitary Pipe Cleaning: Clean the pipe to remove any dirt, debris, or residue that may have been accumulated. This is particularly critical in sanitary applications where cleanliness is of prime importance.
Verifying Valve Parts: Check the sanitary butterfly valve for any damage or defects. Ensure all the parts are complete, and check that the valve seals and gaskets are complete.
4. Installation of the Sanitary Butterfly Valve
Having prepared the system, you may now proceed with the installation. The following is a step-by-step guide on how to correctly install a sanitary butterfly valve:
Step 1: Valve Positioning
Install the valve in the middle of the pipeline's two sections, ensuring that the valve's marked direction of flow is the same as the pipeline's direction of flow. Do so to avoid failure of the valve. In valves with a marking for the direction of flow, be sure to respect this label.
Step 2: Securing the Valve
For tri-clamp fitting sanitary butterfly valves, ensure that clamps are mounted firmly and accurately. For weld fittings, ensure that the valve is welded tightly on the ends of the pipe. Ensure to use proper welding techniques to prevent gaps that could lead to leakages.
For threaded connections stainless steel butterfly valve installations, seal the thread of the pipe with thread sealing tape to create a tight seal. Tighten the connections with a pipe wrench so that they are not loosened over time.
Step 3: Sealing the Valve
Ensure the gaskets or seals are properly seated between the pipeline and valve. They are crucial to prevent leakage and contamination. For tri-clamp valves, ensure that the gasket is still good and properly centered on both sides of the valve.
Step 4: Tightening the Connections
Once the valve is in position and the connections are secured, tighten the bolts or clamps. For tri-clamp connections, tighten the clamps evenly to avoid distorting the clamp or creating uneven sealing pressure. For threaded connections, be sure the valve is tightened as much as possible without over-tightening, which will strip the threads.
Step 5: Testing the Installation
After installing the valve, it is very important to check the system for leaks. Gradually build pressure in the pipeline and inspect all connection areas for leaks. Tighten connections as required or replace seals that are damaged in case any leaks are found.
Step 6: Final Inspection
Once the valve is installed and leak-free, conduct a final inspection to ensure that the valve is functioning as expected. Open and close the valve manually or with an actuator (if motorized) and check for free movement and smooth operation of the valve. Ensure the valve is properly aligned with the pipeline and the direction of flow is correct.
Conclusion
Installation of sanitary butterfly valves in the right way is important in ensuring the correct operation of your piping system, especially in companies where sanitation is extremely critical. Selecting the correct valve, preparing the site, and moving on with the correct procedure for installation, you can ensure a correct installation that will function for decades. In addition, purchasing from a reputable sanitary butterfly valves supplier ensures the use of first-rate materials that meet industry standards. Proper maintenance of your valves will also be accountable for long-term performance and reliability, making them a worthwhile investment to your operation.