Testing and simulations guarantee reliable process efficiency for valves
Want to know how superior product design is achieved? High quality and robust design reflect on the reliability and performance of valves. We interviewed Tommi Bergström, Manager, Engineering Analysis, about the design process behind the new modular butterfly valve platform.
What was the target of the new design?
The customer benefits and requirements were the design basis of the new versatile butterfly valve series. We wanted to achieve reliable performance:
- Reliability
- Endurance in various conditions
- Rigid and robust design
- Performance
- Shutoff tightness
- Low fugitive emissions
- High flow capacity, energy-efficient design
How were these requirements achieved in the design phase?
We focused on simulations in the design work. They provided accurate and reliable results, together with high-level, state-of-the-art design automation.
We also utilized known working principles; we calibrated simulation models and compared them with laboratory measurements. The final verification was done with laboratory measurements.
How did you utilize digitalization and virtual prototypes?
Digitalization of the design was the key in the design phase. We started from digital concepts, followed by digital prototypes and validation. We ran several thousand simulations to study different operating scenarios for the designs. Finally, we selected the most feasible designs.
After the concept phase, the next step was to develop a virtual prototype and optimize the design for different aspects, such as reliability and high flow capacity.
Creating digital and virtual prototypes is an important part of the valve design phase
What has been done in practice?
The design of the new butterfly valve is optimized to give the best performance in all given scenarios.
The different scenario simulations enabled us to predict the future performance of the valve in different scenarios, which adds reliability and robustness to the design. The design of the new butterfly valve is optimized to give the best performance in all given scenarios.
In the simulations, we combined and coupled different physics – from structural to heat transfer and fluid dynamics, including cavitation and erosion predictions. All performance requirements were taken into consideration at the same time. As an example, high capacity means smaller pressure losses in a fully open position. Thanks to the energy-efficient design, our customers can achieve cost savings.
How was the design validated?
The final validation and required type testing were done in the laboratory. Thus, we can be sure that the product fulfills all customer requirements.
The text has been updated in April 2022, due to the company name change to Valmet.
Discover more about new butterfly valves

Valmet butterfly valves deliver versatility and performance for severe service applications
Their compact and lightweight design, availability in larger sizes and easy usability make our butterfly valves an attractive option for many industrial processes. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of temperatures, pressures, industries, and applications. They can be used in either control, on-off or emergency shutdown service.

Sustainability through long-lasting efficient performance
The sustainable performance of a butterfly valve is dependent on a number of important factors. In essence, a valve that can maintain safe and efficient performance over its extended lifecycle is inherently sustainable. This means minimizing both internal and external leakages as well as the risk of failure in demanding service.

Why the evolving pulp, paper and bioproducts industry trusts the new modular Neldisc butterfly valve?
Valmet's flow control business line has a strong history when it comes to valve solutions for the pulp & paper industry. Like many other valves over the years, the Neles™ Neldisc butterfly valve was originally born in the 1970s to specifically serve in pulp and paper mills. Its strong performance gave it a universal appeal beyond just pulp & paper. Today, after undergoing much development, it is still a go-to valve for the rapidly evolving pulp, paper and bioproducts industry.

One butterfly valve, many uses
Did you know we have nearly a century of combined experience with Neldisc™ metal-seated and Wafer-Sphere™ soft-seated butterfly valves? Today we talked with Petri Ilonen, Product Manager for butterfly valves, about the new modular butterfly valve platform that we have recently introduced. Watch the video interview below to learn more.

Next generation versatile butterfly valves
The new generation of Neldisc™ metal-seated and Wafer-Sphere™ soft-seated butterfly valves is built to deliver sustainable performance today and tomorrow. Our versatile product range includes both metal-seated butterfly valves and soft-seated butterfly valves.

A new generation packed with performance
As always, the latest generation of Neles Neldisc™ metal-seated and Jamesbury Wafer-Sphere™ soft-seated butterfly valves is built to perform. The modular valve platform leans on field-proven technologies and decades of experience and expertise to meet the challenges of modern industrial processes.

Safer butterfly valves are made in safe environments
We believe that safe products can only be made in safe working environments. Just as we design our valves to be safe for you to install, service and operate, we pay careful attention to the safety of our own production processes.

Reliable performance with unique metal seat technology
When we talk about long-lasting performance in regards to our modular butterfly valves, we are talking about long term reliability and a valves ability to maintain the same high-quality performance across its entire operational life cycle.

Still setting the standard for soft-seated butterfly valves
While the demands for industrial soft-seated butterfly valves continue to evolve, new features and innovations are needed. At the same time, the fundamental design of the Jamesbury™ Wafer-Sphere™ butterfly valve continues to prove itself in action in many of the most demanding applications. The patented and often imitated double-offset design originated by Valmet's flow control business continues to be the industry benchmark for performance excellence.

The butterfly valve for any given situation
As the needs and requirements of modern process industries continue to change and become ever stricter, the role of safe and efficient valve solutions keep growing. The sustainable butterfly valve platform, which includes the metal-seated Neles Neldisc™ and soft-seated Jamesbury Wafer-Sphere™ valves, have been designed and developed over time to address today’s needs and challenges.

The best of both worlds - 45 years of butterfly valve expertise
Bringing together 45 years of butterfly valve expertise from two sides of the Atlantic Ocean: The path from a revolutionary idea to an industry-leading product family takes both time and dedication.