Valves and Valve Equipment

Aluminium Bronze Disc Wafer Butterfly Valve: Features, Installation and Applications

Discover aluminium bronze disc wafer butterfly valves, a light, compact and economical choice for seawater and corrosive media lines, plus installation tips.

ORFA Technical TeamUpdated: Oct 30, 20263 min read

Aluminium bronze disc wafer type butterfly valve

Effective control of liquid and gas flow is critical for the safety and efficiency of industrial plants. On lines carrying seawater and corrosive media, valves are also expected to be both durable and economical. The aluminium bronze wafer butterfly valve meets this need with a corrosion-resistant aluminium bronze disc and a light body clamped between two flanges.

This article covers the design, advantages, typical specifications, installation points and applications of wafer type butterfly valves.

What Is an Aluminium Bronze Disc Wafer Butterfly Valve?

A butterfly valve is a quarter-turn valve that opens, throttles or shuts off flow with a disc rotating on a stem. Wafer type butterfly valves are placed between two pipeline flanges and held in place by long through-bolts connecting the flanges. The body must suit the flange standard (for example DIN/EN PN10-PN16). The aluminium bronze disc gives the wetted disc high resistance to seawater and many corrosive media.

Operating Principle

When the stem is turned 90° by a lever, gear operator or actuator, the disc changes position. With the disc parallel to the flow the valve is fully open; perpendicular to the flow, the disc seats against the body liner and shuts off the flow.

Advantages

Corrosion resistance: The aluminium bronze disc resists seawater, brine and many chemical media.
Light and compact: The wafer body is one of the shortest and lightest butterfly valve designs, making installation easy in tight spaces.
Economical: Thanks to its simple body, it is generally more cost-effective than lug type and other valve types.
Easy operation: Quarter-turn operation, suitable for automation with gear operators or actuators.
Durability: Robust construction ensures long, reliable service.

Typical Specifications

Feature	Typical value
Body material	Ductile iron GGG 40.3
Disc material	Aluminium bronze
Seat/liner material	NBR
Stem material	Stainless steel
Connection	Wafer type
Nominal size	DN40 – DN300
Maximum operating pressure	16 bar
Operating temperature	-10 °C to 80 °C (with NBR liner)

Values may vary by model and series; please check the product’s technical data before selecting.

Installation Points

Keep the disc slightly open when placing the valve between the flanges so that the disc and liner are not damaged.
Before tightening the bolts, open the disc fully and check that it does not contact the pipe bore or flange.
Tighten the bolts gradually in a cross pattern.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on whether separate flange gaskets are required.

Tip: Because a wafer valve is clamped between two flanges by through-bolts, removing the pipe on one side also releases the valve. Where one side of the line must be removed frequently, or for end-of-line service, use a lug type butterfly valve.

Applications

Marine and shipbuilding: Seawater and brine lines
Water treatment and distribution: Drinking water and wastewater plants
Chemical industry: Compatible process media
Oil and gas: Refinery and terminal utility lines
Power plants: Cooling water systems
Fire protection: Fire systems using seawater

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a wafer butterfly valve be used at the end of a line?

No. A wafer valve is held by clamping between two flanges and is not suitable for end-of-line service. Use a lug type butterfly valve for such applications.

What is the main advantage of a wafer butterfly valve?

Its short, light body takes up little space, and it is generally more economical than other valve types.

Which media is an aluminium bronze disc suitable for?

Seawater, brine and many media compatible with aluminium bronze. For chemical media, check the compatibility of both the disc and the liner material.

Conclusion

Aluminium bronze disc wafer butterfly valves are an efficient flow control solution for seawater and corrosive media lines, combining corrosion resistance, light weight and economy. For other options, explore our butterfly valves product group.

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