Alternatives to More Expensive Sanitary Valves
Sanitary butterfly valves are a cost-effective alternative to higher-priced sanitary valves when the process does not require USDA dairy compliance or the full drainability of a sanitary ball valve. They are commonly used in food processing, beverage production, brewing, wineries, and general fluid handling applications where moderate pressure, reliable shut-off, or basic throttling control meet the process requirements. Compared with ball valves, butterfly valves use fewer components, require less space, and are typically easier and less expensive to maintain. For dairy and other hygienic applications, confirm that the valve’s materials, finish, seals, and cleanability meet the applicable USDA and sanitary standards before selecting a lower-cost option.
Avoid selecting a basic sanitary butterfly valve when the process requires USDA dairy compliance, a specific sanitary certification, or documented cleanability beyond the valve’s design capabilities. This does not mean all butterfly valves are unsuitable for dairy applications; the valve, seals, materials, surface finish, and installation must be matched to the applicable process requirements and standards. Confirm compliance with the equipment supplier before choosing a valve for regulated dairy service.
Because of their simple, compact design, sanitary butterfly valves require fewer components during servicing, helping reduce maintenance time and operational costs. They are typically used in low-pressure fluid processing systems operating below 145 PSIG and are ideal for applications requiring efficient flow control with minimal downtime.
Sanitary butterfly valves can function as either shut-off valves or throttling valves, depending on the handle style, actuator, or automation option selected. Steel & O’Brien offers several sanitary butterfly valve configurations designed to meet the needs of different industries and processing environments.
The value type butterfly valve is a low-cost, 2-piece manual valve alternative, specifically for the micro or craft brewery industry, and also for smaller wine production facilities. The multi-position thermoplastic/stainless steel trigger handle is well-suited for both shut-off and manual throttling capability.
The standard type butterfly valve is a mid-priced, 2-piece option for a wider range of fluid processing applications than the value type. While the value type is designed primarily as a low-cost manual valve for microbreweries, craft breweries, and smaller wineries, the standard valve offers more flexibility through custom configurations. Choose from a full range of manual handles and automation options to match your process, control, and installation requirements.
» Definox
The Premium butterfly valve is a heavy-duty option available in standard two-piece and three-piece between-flange constructions. The Premium two-piece valve provides a durable, cost-effective design with fewer components, making it a practical choice for demanding sanitary processing applications. The three-piece version offers added maintenance flexibility because the valve body can be serviced more easily without disturbing connected piping. It also helps accommodate minor installation misalignment, reducing service time and simplifying component replacement. Multiple manual handle options provide flexible shut-off and throttling control, while the automated version includes a heavy-duty canister-style steel pneumatic actuator for reliable operation in higher-pressure or frequently cycled systems.
Whether you’re upgrading an existing sanitary process system or designing a new fluid handling application, choosing the right butterfly valve can improve efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and deliver long-term performance. Steel & O’Brien offers a complete range of sanitary butterfly valves — from economical manual options for breweries and wineries to heavy-duty automated solutions for demanding processing environments. Contact our team today to find the right sanitary butterfly valve for your application and discover how our valve solutions can help optimize your operation. Need help selecting the right sanitary valve for your application? See our guide to choosing the right sanitary valve.