In steam systems, gate valves have been the traditional isolation choice. Triple offset butterfly valves (TOVs) are increasingly replacing them — here is why, and where the trade-offs are.
The Case for TOV in Steam
A metal-seated triple offset butterfly valve provides Class V shutoff at up to 550°C — the same territory as gate valves — but with quarter-turn speed and much lower weight and cost.
Speed and Automation
Quarter-turn operation makes pneumatic and electric actuation simple and fast. In ESD and emergency steam isolation, that speed matters.
Weight and Cost
At DN200+, a TOV is typically 30–50% lighter than a gate valve of the same class, with lower installed cost and smaller actuators.
When a Gate Valve Still Wins
For extremely abrasive media, very large low-pressure lines, or where the plant standard mandates gate valves, stick with gates. Otherwise TOV is worth the switch.
Reguvale manufactures triple offset butterfly valves for steam to 550°C. Send your steam spec for a comparison quote.