Which characteristic is an advantage of a butterfly valve compared to a gate valve?

A butterfly valve is particularly advantageous for quick operation due to its design, which allows for rapid opening and closing with minimal movement. Unlike a gate valve, which requires the valve disc to be lifted vertically to allow flow and then lowered back down, a butterfly valve operates by rotating a disc or plate within the pipeline. This rotary motion typically allows for a very swift adjustment of flow, which is crucial in applications where quick response times are needed.

In contrast to the butterfly valve, a gate valve generally involves a slower process since it necessitates a greater amount of turning to completely open or close the valve. This can lead to delays in operations, which may not be suitable for scenarios requiring immediate regulation of flow.

While other characteristics such as high durability, low cost, and compact size can also be considered beneficial, the distinct advantage of quick operation stands out as particularly critical in various industrial applications where time efficiency is of the essence.