What are the disadvantages using Diaphragm Valves in Water Industry?
Diaphragm valves may not be the best choice, but only for a few reasons. About the only real disadvantages to diaphgragm valves are 1. They tend to be much more expensive. 2. Limited Cv (Flow coefficient) 3. They often offer little in a flow characteristic, generally speaking. Size is not and issue. Maximum Cv would be greater in a butterfly style. While it is true a larger actuator would be needed, that only adds to the cost issue not power requirements. In my designs, maintenace is actually much easier. Diaphragms are typically available in EPDM and Teflon, these would handle 90% of what you would see in the water industry. Wear is a function of fluid velocities and water contaminate content and should be a consideration of what is needed in a valve. Water industry is not really a target market for diaphragm valves.
