How to operate a butterfly valve hand lever?

Butterfly valves are widely used in many industrial applications to regulate the flow of liquids or gases. The hand lever is one of the most common types of actuator used to operate butterfly valves. It is a simple and reliable mechanism that allows the user to open or close the valve by manually rotating the lever. In this article, we will discuss how to operate a butterfly valve hand lever and provide some tips to ensure safe and efficient valve operation.

Operating a butterfly valve hand lever

The butterfly valve hand lever is a manual actuator that is attached to the valve stem via a linkage mechanism.  

To operate a butterfly valve hand lever, follow these steps:

Locate the valve and the hand lever

The first step is to locate the valve and the hand lever. The lever may be positioned horizontally or vertically depending on the valve orientation and installation.

Check the valve position

Before operating the valve, it is important to check its current position. 

Rotate the hand lever

To open or close the valve, grip the hand lever firmly and rotate it in the desired direction. The lever should move smoothly and without any obstruction. If the lever feels stiff or difficult to rotate, do not force it. Instead, check for any obstructions or damage to the valve or linkage mechanism. 

Monitor the valve position

As you rotate the hand lever, keep an eye on the valve position. The valve disc should move smoothly and steadily, without any jerky or erratic movements. If the valve disc does not move, or if it moves too quickly or too slowly, stop rotating the lever and check the valve and linkage mechanism for any issues.

Stop rotating the hand lever when the valve is fully open or closed

Continue rotating the hand lever until the valve is fully open or closed. The position of the valve can be verified by visually inspecting the position of the disc, or by checking the position indicator on the valve body. 

Here are some tips to help you operate a butterfly valve hand lever safely and efficiently:

Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when operating valves, such as safety glasses, gloves, and protective clothing.

Before operating a valve, make sure that all personnel in the area are aware of the valve operation and are safely positioned.

Never exceed the recommended torque or force when operating a valve. This can damage the valve or the linkage mechanism, and may cause injury.

If the valve is located in a hazardous or inaccessible area, consider using a remote or automated actuator instead of a hand lever.

Regularly inspect and maintain valves and hand levers to ensure they are in good working condition. This will help prevent failures and prolong the lifespan of the equipment.

About Aira Euro

Aira Euro Automation is a leading manufacturer and exporter of butterfly valves, ball valves, and other industrial valves and automation solutions. 

At Aira Euro, we are committed to providing high-quality products and services to our customers. We offer a variety of butterfly valve hand levers, including lever-operated, gear-operated, and pneumatic-operated models, to suit different customer requirements.

Our butterfly valve hand levers are easy to operate and maintain, and are built to withstand harsh environmental conditions and high-pressure applications. 

In addition to our valve products, we also offer a range of services such as valve customization, installation, and maintenance, to provide comprehensive solutions for our customers. Our team of experienced engineers and technicians can help customers select the right valve and actuator for their application, and provide technical support and training as needed.

Conclusion : Operating a butterfly valve hand lever is a simple and straightforward process that requires careful attention to safety and proper valve positioning. By following the steps outlined in this article and the tips provided, users can operate butterfly valve hand levers safely and efficiently, and avoid accidents and equipment failures. Aira Euro Automation is a trusted supplier of butterfly valves and other valve products and solutions.