This guide will help you understand the key differences between butterfly valves and ball valves, so you can make an informed decision based on your specific system needs.

How Each Valve Works

Butterfly Valve Operation

The butterfly valve uses a rotating disc mounted on a rod. When the handle or actuator turns the rod 90 degrees, the disc rotates to either block or allow flow.

• Design: Thin, circular disc centered in the pipe.

• Control: Rotates a quarter-turn to open or close.

• Result: Compact and quick to operate.

Ball Valve Operation

The ball valve contains a hollow, perforated sphere (the ball) that rotates inside the valve body. Turning the ball 90 degrees aligns or blocks the hole with the flow path.

• Design: Full-bore or reduced-bore ball with a central hole.

• Control: Quarter-turn operation with tight shutoff.

• Result: Excellent for on/off isolation with minimal leakage.

Head-to-Head Comparison Table

Ideal Applications

Choose a Butterfly Valve When

• You need a cost-effective valve for large pipe diameters.

• Space is limited, and weight is a concern.

• Your system requires moderate shutoff with occasional throttling.

• You’re handling water, air, slurry, or other low-viscosity media.

Choose a Ball Valve When

• You require tight shutoff with minimal leakage.

• The system operates under high pressure or temperature.

• Fast on/off operation is critical with minimal flow resistance.

• Throttling is not required, and full-bore flow is preferred.

Sealing Performance & Leakage

• Ball Valves: Offer superior sealing due to their tight-fitting seats and spherical closure. Ideal for systems that require bubble-tight shutoff.

• Butterfly Valves: Provide reliable sealing in most applications but may allow minimal leakage depending on seat material and pressure class.

Maintenance & Lifespan

• Butterfly Valves

  • Fewer internal parts = easier to maintain.

  • Suitable for large-diameter lines with infrequent maintenance access.

  • Elastomer-lined seats may wear faster under abrasive or chemical conditions.

• Ball Valves

  • Seats and seals must be in good condition for proper sealing.

  • Maintenance may require more disassembly, especially in larger sizes.

  • Metal-seated ball valves offer longer life in high-pressure/high-temperature conditions.

Cost Considerations

• Butterfly valves are generally more economical in large diameters (DN200 and above), requiring smaller actuators due to lower torque.

• Ball valves tend to be more expensive, especially in stainless steel or high-pressure designs, but the performance and shutoff quality can justify the cost.

Installation & Actuation

• Both valves are quarter-turn operated and compatible with manual, electric, or pneumatic actuators.

• Butterfly valves require less space and have a shorter face-to-face length.

• Ball valves may need larger actuators, especially at higher sizes and pressures.

Final Takeaway

At Qingdao I-Flow, we manufacture and supply both butterfly valves and ball valves designed for global industrial use. Our products are CE, WRAS, DNV, GL, and ABS certified, supporting critical operations in water treatment, marine systems, oil and gas, HVAC, and more.