Sanitary Manual Quick Clamp Butterfly Valve: Overview and Features The Sanitary Manual Quick Clamp Butterfly Valve is a specialized valve designed for hygienic applications in industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and dairy processing. Its primary function is to regulate or isolate the flow of liquids, gases, or semi-solid media in sanitary piping systems while ensuring compliance with strict cleanliness and sterility standards. Design and Construction This valve features a tri-clamp (triple clamp) or quick-clamp connection, allowing for easy installation, disassembly, and cleaning. The body is typically made from high-quality stainless steel (316L or 304), ensuring excellent corrosion resistance and durability in aggressive environments. The internal components, including the disc and seat, are designed to minimize dead spaces and crevices where bacteria or product residues could accumulate. The butterfly disc is the key component that controls flow. It rotates 90 degrees within the valve body, either permitting or blocking media passage. The disc is often made from stainless steel or FDA-approved elastomers (such as EPDM, FKM, or PTFE) to ensure compatibility with various process fluids. Key Features 1. Sanitary Design – Smooth, polished surfaces (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm) prevent bacterial growth and facilitate CIP (Clean-in-Place) and SIP (Sterilize-in-Place) processes. 2. Manual Operation – The valve is operated via a hand lever or gear handle, providing precise control over flow rates. The lever position indicates the valve’s open or closed status. 3. Quick-Clamp Connection – The tri-clamp ends allow for fast, tool-free assembly and disassembly, reducing downtime during maintenance. 4. Zero Dead Legs – The compact design eliminates stagnant zones, ensuring full drainage and preventing contamination. 5. High Sealing Performance – The elastomeric seat ensures a tight seal, preventing leaks even under varying pressures. 6. Temperature and Pressure Resistance – Suitable for a wide range of temperatures (depending on seat material) and moderate pressure conditions. Applications This valve is ideal for processes requiring frequent cleaning, such as: - Liquid transfer in food and beverage production - Pharmaceutical ingredient handling - Biotech fermentation and filtration - Dairy and CIP/SIP systems Advantages - Easy Maintenance – The clamp design allows for quick inspection and replacement of internal parts. - Cost-Effective – Simple construction reduces operational costs compared to automated valves. - Compliance – Meets industry standards such as 3-A, EHEDG, ASME BPE, and FDA requirements. Conclusion The Sanitary Manual Quick Clamp Butterfly Valve is an essential component in hygienic fluid handling systems, offering reliability, ease of use, and compliance with stringent sanitary regulations. Its robust design and efficient operation make it a preferred choice for industries where cleanliness and process integrity are critical.