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RKS fluid was founded in 1997. We are a production workshop for both foundry and machining, research & development center, and quality inspection cent...
Swing check valve is mounted with a disc that swings on a hinge or shaft. The disc swings off the seat to allow forward flow and when the flow is stop...
Features: Fully bore globe pattern design, lowest head loss while fully open Keep stable working condition even the flow rate close to zero High sens...
Ⅰ Business area: fluid control products, technology and environmental protection products. Ⅱ Advanced CNC machining centers, professional process ce...
RKS fluid was founded in 1997. We are a production workshop for both foundry and machining, research & development center, and quality inspection cent...
Series: SASQUATCH series soft seal gate valve Port size: DN50 - DN900 (NPS2-NPS36) Pressure rating: PN10, PN16 Temperature: 0℃~80℃ Connection: Flange Certificate: CE ,WRAS,API,OHSAS18001:2007,ISO9001:2015
Series: HYDRA Series Resilient Seat Butterfly Valve Temperature: -29℃ ~ +120℃ Pressure: PN6, PN10, PN16(Class 150) Port Size: DN32-DN2400(NPS1 1/4-NPS96) Power: Manual, Electric, Pneumatic, Hydraulic
Why Leakage in Butterfly Valves Is a Critical Engineering Issue
In water transmission and distribution systems, valve leakage is not simply a minor defect — it directly impacts system reliability and operating cost.
In projects, leakage issues often lead to:
In practice, leakage is one of the most frequent issues encountered after commissioning.
Types of Leakage in Butterfly Valves
Understanding the leakage type is the first step in troubleshooting.
Internal Leakage (Seat Leakage)
Occurs when the valve is fully closed but fluid still passes through the sealing interface.
Most critical in water supply and pipeline isolation systems
External Leakage
Occurs outside the valve body, typically from:
Usually easier to detect and fix
Common Causes of Internal Leakage
1. Debris Damage to Valve Seat
Cause:
Welding slag left in pipeline
Sand, rust or particles
No proper pipeline flushing before installation
Engineering impact:
Scratching of sealing surface
Permanent leakage path
2. Incorrect Installation Alignment
Cause:
Misaligned flanges
Uneven bolt tightening
Result:
Disc cannot fully contact the seat
Non-uniform sealing pressure
3. Incorrect Valve Selection
Cause:
Using concentric butterfly valve in large diameter or high-cycle systems
Inappropriate seat material
Result:
Accelerated wear
Reduced sealing performance
4. Excessive Differential Pressure
Cause:
Valve used beyond design conditions
Incorrect system pressure assumptions
Result:
Seat deformation
Leakage under load
5. Wear Due to Frequent Operation
Cause:
High opening/closing frequency
High friction seat design
Result:
Gradual degradation of sealing performance
Common Causes of External Leakage
1. Stem Seal Failure
Cause:
Packing wear or aging
Lack of periodic inspection
2. Flange Leakage
Cause:
Improper gasket installation
Uneven tightening torque
3. Coating Damage and Corrosion
Cause:
Insufficient coating thickness
Aggressive environment (e.g. coastal or saline water)
How to Prevent Leakage in Engineering Projects
In most cases, leakage is not caused by product defects, but by selection and installation issues.
1. Ensure Proper Pipeline Cleaning
This is one of the most effective preventive measures
2. Follow Correct Installation Procedures
3. Select the Right Valve Design
For large diameter water pipelines: Double eccentric butterfly valves are preferred because:
4. Choose Appropriate Seat Configuration
This directly affects long-term sealing performance
5. Consider Installation Environment
For buried or submerged applications:
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Why Double Eccentric Butterfly Valves Reduce Leakage Risk
Compared to concentric butterfly valves:
This makes them suitable for: Municipal water systems, Pump stations, Large diameter transmission pipelines
Engineering Note
For example, ATHENA double eccentric butterfly valves are designed with optional welded stainless steel seats and IP68-rated gearboxes, helping ensure stable sealing performance and reliable operation in demanding water infrastructure projects.
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Field Troubleshooting Checklist
When leakage occurs, engineers should check:
In many cases, leakage is related to installation or operation rather than valve defects.
Repair or Replace: How to Decide
Replacement is recommended when:
In such cases, upgrading to a double eccentric design can significantly improve system reliability.
Need Support for Leakage Troubleshooting or Valve Selection?
If you are experiencing leakage issues in your project:
Send us your project details:
Our engineering team will provide:
Our engineers will respond within 24 hours with project-specific recommendations.
Leakage is not just a valve issue — it is a system engineering issue.
Correct selection, proper installation, and suitable valve design are essential to ensure long-term performance in pipeline systems.