New All-Plastic Lug Style Butterfly Valve Extends Service Life

Constructed of a glass filled polypropylene (PP) outer housing with overmolded SS316 lugs, the 578 valve incorporates a unique "double eccentric" design rather than the traditional (and often problematic) "boot style" design of other plastic lug style valves on the market. The industry tested double eccentric design allows the disc to completely disengage from the disc seal during operation, reducing friction and component wear to provide longer service life without sacrificing the valve's sealing ability.

Other key benefits associated with the special eccentric principle is that it requires only half the operating torque (over boot styles) and is not susceptible to elastomer swelling over time. The truly non-wetted shaft provides maximum protection against leak out and shaft corrosion. These excellent performance characertics make it exceptionally well suited for applications in aquatic life support, water parks/pools, chemical process and water treatment markets.

"The valve's unique benefits provided by the double eccentric principle make it a truly unique offering on the plastics market," says Jeff Sixsmith, Product Manager for Valves and Actuation for GF Piping Systems. "Many customers require an all plastic system, especially in life support applications. The new valve will open up many new opportunities for us in these types of markets."

The new valve is available in PVC, CPVC, PP, ABS and PVDF in sizes from 2 to 12 inches with seal material choices of EPDM, FPM and PTFE.

To showcase the new 578 valve, the company installed a giant 48" valve model that measures 12 feet tall with a 10 foot long handle atop a custom-built 5'x5'x6', 1,100 gallon saltwater aquarium in its market segment demonstration room. The impressive aquarium was featured on the television show "Tanked," where customers can view the new valve along with many other company products in a life-like setting.