Linear flow characteristics of butterfly valves: simple and intuitive control solutions

In industrial fluid control systems, butterfly valves are a common regulating valve that is widely used in various occasions due to its compact structure, easy operation, light weight and low cost. Among them, linear characteristics, as a type of butterfly valve flow characteristics, show an intuitive and easy-to-understand relationship between valve opening and flow, providing a simple and effective flow control method for many industrial applications.

1. Basic principles of linear characteristics
Linear characteristics refer to an approximate linear proportional relationship between the opening of a butterfly valve and the flow through the valve. This means that as the opening of the valve gradually increases, the flow through the valve will also increase in approximately the same proportion. For example, if the valve is gradually opened from a fully closed state to a 50% opening, the flow through the valve will reach approximately 50% of the flow of the valve in the fully open state. This proportional relationship enables the operator to accurately control the flow by simply adjusting the opening of the valve without complex calculations or adjustments.

2. Application scenarios of linear characteristics
Butterfly valves with linear characteristics are particularly suitable for those occasions where the flow control accuracy is not particularly high, but a simple linear relationship between the flow and the valve opening is required. Such applications include but are not limited to:

Water supply and drainage systems: In the water supply and drainage systems of residential and commercial buildings, butterfly valves with linear characteristics are often used to control water flow, such as adjusting the amount of water in shower heads and controlling the flow of faucets in toilets. These applications do not require precise control of flow, but require simple and intuitive operation.

Ventilation system: In ventilation systems, butterfly valves with linear characteristics can be used to control air flow, such as adjusting the air supply and exhaust volume of air conditioning systems. By adjusting the opening of the valve, indoor temperature regulation and air quality control can be easily achieved.

Cooling system: In some industrial cooling systems, butterfly valves with linear characteristics can be used to adjust the flow of cooling media to ensure that the equipment operates at a suitable temperature. Although these systems have certain requirements for the control accuracy of flow, in most cases, butterfly valves with linear characteristics can already meet the needs.

3. Advantages and challenges of linear characteristics
Butterfly valves with linear characteristics are favored because of their simple and intuitive control method. Operators can easily get started without professional training, which greatly reduces the difficulty and cost of operation. In addition, since the linear characteristic makes the flow rate and valve opening present an intuitive proportional relationship, in practical applications, the operator can quickly adjust the valve opening according to actual needs to achieve the required flow control.

However, butterfly valves with linear characteristics also face some challenges. First, in some occasions where the flow control accuracy is extremely high, butterfly valves with linear characteristics may not meet the needs. At this time, valves with more complex flow characteristics are needed, such as valves with equal percentage characteristics or fast opening characteristics. Secondly, due to the structural characteristics of butterfly valves, their application in high pressure difference or high viscosity fluids may be limited. In these cases, other types of regulating valves, such as ball valves, gate valves, etc., may need to be considered.