GF Piping System has introduced the new corrosion-resistant Type 568 Lug Style Butterfly Valve. The new valve's lug style design is intended specifically for dead-end service and fully pressure rated at 150 psi to allow for easy system expansion to the pipeline without the expense of system shutdown. Typical applications include industrial water treatment, potable water treatment, swimming pools, water parks and waste water systems in such industries as chemical, chemical distribution, electroplating and power plants.

"The 568's lug design allows the ability to cap off the end of the piping system for the immediate need, but easy addition or replacement to the pipeline later on without having to depressurize the system," explains Brian Gordon, GF Piping Product Manager. "This feature offers maximum flexibility for system design while maximizing cost savings when changes dictate the need for pipeline expansion."

The new butterfly valve offers a modular design with epoxy coated iron lug body. The wetted inner body, disc and bearings are available in choice of PVC, CPVC, SYGEF PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride), or PROGEF® Natural Polypropylene materials to match the outer pipe material. This inter-system compatibility between the inner body material and outer pipe material provide excellent chemical compatibility throughout the system.

In addition to the valve's psi rating of 150 psi, other outstanding performance characteristics include an operating temperature of up to 80°C for PROGEF^® and CPVC, 120°C for PVDF, and 60°C for PVC. Other features include a double eccentric disc design that reduces seal friction and improves seal wear characteristics, resulting in longer service life, minimal maintenance and better protection against pressure surges. This design also lowers the torque required to operate the valve, allowing easy manual operation and use of smaller actuators at a significantly reduced cost.

The unique sealing technology that enhances the functionality of the valve while eliminating the need for additional gasket seals. Shaft seals incorporate a double o-ring to protect against external leakage. A disc seal replaces the traditional rubber liner to allow the disc to completely disengage from the disk seal upon valve opening, reducing friction and improving wear capabilities. The disc seal also incorporates a cross-sectional profile that keeps the seal mechanically retained in the valve body. And finally, a specially engineered body seal features a Q-shaped O-ring that eliminates the need for flat gaskets and is compatible with any flange adaptor design, including those with serrated faces.

The 568 valve also provides several safety features, first among which is an ergonomic lockable hand lever manufactured from high strength PPGF (polypropylene, fiberglass reinforced). The lever's 5 degree ratchet settings and six engagement teeth ensure precise and safe lever positioning and eliminate incidental movement or damage from accidentally bumping the handle. Other safety features include an integrated electric position indicator in the mounting flange that visually shows whether the valve is open or closed and an index plate that clearly indicates the angle opening in degrees.

"The 568's ability to match the inner wetted materials to the outer piping material along with its dead-end service and other high-performance features give this valve a unique position in the market," sums up Gordon. "Inter-system material compatibility creates a strong thermoplastic system and optimizes corrosion and chemical resistance, while its lug style design provides the flexibility and cost-saving elements engineers are always looking for."

The Type 568 Lug style Butterfly Valve is available in sizes 2" to 8" (d63 to d225) and is offered with a variety of modular components resulting in a number of combination possibilities for optimum flexibility. Examples include manual valves with hand lever or reduction gear, electric or pneumatic actuation, EPDM or FPM seals, and a fine adjustment option for additional flexibility of disc angle control.