What Is the Difference Between a Ball Valve & a Butterfly Valve?

Ball and butterfly valves are two of the most common types of valves used in piping systems across a range of industries. While they’re both designed for the same purpose—regulating the flow of liquid or gas—they function in different ways. The differences make ball and butterfly valves each uniquely suited for particular applications. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Ball Valves

As the name implies, ball valves feature an internal ball that is perforated with a hole. Turning the valve causes the ball to rotate, allowing or impeding flow. When closed, ball valves form a tight seal, making them an ideal option for high-pressure liquid or gas applications.

Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves come in one- and two-piece designs. The former features a disc that rotates around a central rod to adjust flow, and the latter has two pieces that fold inward to open flow and lay flat to close it. Butterfly valves can open and close faster than ball valves and are often found in systems regulating flow from a body of water, such as municipal water systems.

Where to Find Quality Ball & Butterfly Valves

Business owners and other professionals who use ball valves and butterfly valves in their day-to-day operations need a reliable PVF vendor to ensure they never run out of stock. At Florida Industrial Products (FIP), we offer swift and accurate procurement services of ball, butterfly, and numerous other types of industrial valves. In fact, we can typically provide next-day deliveries, and we make ordering easy. To learn more about our services, contact FIP today.