Bonomi UK: Selecting Valves for Large Diameter Water Applications

Bonomi UK is encouraging water engineers, utilities, consultants and contractors to take an application-led approach when selecting between gate valves and butterfly valves for large diameter water and wastewater pipework.

While both technologies are widely used for isolation duties, Bonomi UK says there is no universal pipe diameter at which one automatically becomes the better option. Instead, factors including installation space, valve weight, operating conditions, actuation requirements and whole-life project cost should all be considered before specification.

Gate valves remain a well-established choice for isolation across water networks, particularly where very low resistance through the fully open valve is required. Butterfly valves, however, can provide practical advantages where chamber space, handling, weight or automation become increasingly important.

As valve sizes increase, these considerations can have a significant impact on the wider installation. Larger gate valves can require greater operating clearance and heavier lifting arrangements, while butterfly valves can offer a more compact and comparatively lightweight solution.

Butterfly valves may also be suitable for modulating or regulating duties when correctly specified, whereas gate valves are generally intended to operate either fully open or fully closed.

Hydraulic performance should also form part of the decision-making process. Full-bore gate valves can provide very low resistance when fully open, while the disc of a butterfly valve remains within the flow path. Engineers should therefore consider flow characteristics, velocity, media and system requirements alongside the physical installation constraints.

Bonomi UK also advises that utility standards, existing infrastructure and client specifications remain important. Like-for-like gate valve replacement continues to be common across existing networks, while new-build and infrastructure upgrade projects may provide greater opportunity to assess alternative valve technologies.

Pressure, temperature, media, required operating method, certification and maintenance requirements should therefore all be established before a final valve selection is made.

Bonomi UK supplies both gate and butterfly valve technologies for water distribution, treatment and pumping applications, enabling customers to select the most appropriate solution for the specific project rather than applying a single approach across every installation.

Its portfolio includes large diameter butterfly valves, resilient seated gate valves and a range of associated flow control products. Butterfly valves can also be supplied with suitable actuation where automated operation is required.

Bonomi UK additionally works with CMO Valves on specialist water industry applications, including double-flanged butterfly valves available in large diameters for water supply, pumping and treatment duties.

Supported by extensive UK stockholding, additional European stock availability and application-led technical support, the Bonomi UK team works with customers to assess valve type, operating conditions and actuation requirements before specification.

For engineers comparing gate and butterfly valve technologies for new water mains, treatment facilities or infrastructure upgrades, Bonomi UK can provide technical guidance and support throughout the valve selection process.

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