
What is the Difference Between Gate Valve and Butterfly Valve?
Choosing between a gate valve and a butterfly valve can be tough. Both serve unique purposes and optimize system performance. This article examines their differences, features, and advantages. We’ll look at the DN800 butterfly valve and BS5163 gate valve PN16. Also, we’ll discuss butterfly valves in exhaust systems. Make an informed choice for your needs.
Butterfly Valve vs Gate Valve: Key Differences
1. Design and Operation
- Gate Valve: A gate valve employs a gate-like disc to block or allow flow. It lifts the gate with a multi-turn handwheel, ensuring minimal pressure drop when open.
- Butterfly Valve: A butterfly valve controls flow with a rotating disc and quarter-turn mechanism. This makes opening and closing quicker. It can also partially open to regulate flow.
2. Flow Regulation
- Gate Valve: Ideal for on/off applications. It cannot regulate flow effectively due to potential turbulence and wear when partially open.
- Butterfly Valve: Suitable for both on/off and flow modulation. Its disc can be partially opened to throttle flow.
3. Pressure and Size
- Gate Valve: Handles higher pressures (up to PN16 or higher) and is preferred for smaller sizes.
- Butterfly Valve: Best for larger sizes, such as a DN800 butterfly valve, where space and weight are concerns.

4. Installation and Maintenance
- Gate Valve: Needs more space and weighs more. Suitable for bi-directional flow systems and pigging operations.
- Butterfly Valve: More compact and lighter, easing installation and maintenance. Yet, its disc can interfere with pigging.
Applications of Gate Valve and Butterfly Valve
Gate Valve Applications
- High-pressure systems (e.g., BS5163 gate valve PN16).
- Systems requiring zero leakage and bi-directional flow.
- Environments with thick fluids or slurries.
Butterfly Valve Applications
- Large pipelines, such as a DN800 butterfly valve.
- Systems requiring flow modulation or quick shut-off.
- Butterfly valve exhaust systems in industrial settings.
- Butterfly Valve in Exhaust Systems: Butterfly valves control airflow in exhaust systems with quick operation and a compact design. They are ideal for industrial and automotive uses.
- Key Benefits:
- Fast Response: Quarter-turn operation enables rapid opening and closing.
- Space Efficiency: Compact design fits into tight spaces easily.
- Durability: Made from stainless steel, ensuring longevity in harsh conditions.
- Key Benefits:
- Butterfly Valve in Exhaust Systems: Butterfly valves control airflow in exhaust systems with quick operation and a compact design. They are ideal for industrial and automotive uses.
Material and Standards
Gate Valve
- Materials: Ductile iron body, stainless steel stem, and nitrile rubber disc.
- Standards: Complies with BS5163, GB/T24924-2010, and ANSI/AWWA C509-94.
Butterfly Valve
- Materials: Carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum bronze body.
- Seat Materials: EPDM, NBR, or Teflon for high-temperature resistance.
- Standards: Meets GB, ANSI, and API standards.
Advantages of Each Valve
Gate Valve
- High sealing tightness for zero leakage.
- Suitable for high-pressure systems.
- Long lifespan, up to 50 years.
Butterfly Valve
- Compact design saves space and reduces weight.
- Cost-effective for large sizes like DN800 butterfly valve.
- Quick operation reduces downtime.
Choosing between a gate valve and a butterfly valve depends on your system’s needs. For high-pressure, zero-leakage applications, a BS5163 gate valve PN16 is ideal. For large pipelines or flow modulation, a DN800 butterfly valve is more suitable. In butterfly valve exhaust systems, its quick operation and compact design make it a top choice. Evaluate your requirements to make the best decision!

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Tianjin Tanggu TWT Valve Co., Ltd. (TWT®), established in 1956, operates in Tianjin Binhai New Area. It leads with modern design, intelligent manufacturing, and a testing center. Specializing in valve development, it produces butterfly valves, semi-ball valves, and more. Over 1000 valve types are available. It has supplied valves for significant projects like the South-to-North Water Diversion and the Three Gorges Power Station. TWT ensures quality and innovation across domestic and international markets, offering comprehensive solutions for diverse industries.