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AWWA Butterfly Valves: A Comprehensive Engineering & Standards Digital Archive

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iconAug 08 2025

 

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Part 1: Core AWWA Standards Overview

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) provides the cornerstone standards for butterfly valves used in municipal water service. This archive primarily focuses on AWWA C504 and C516, which define the design, materials, testing, and performance requirements to ensure reliability and longevity in public water systems.

AWWA C504: Rubber-Seated Butterfly Valves

This is the principal standard for rubber-seated butterfly valves, covering nominal pipe sizes from 3 in. (75 mm) through 72 in. (1,800 mm). It establishes requirements for various pressure classes, body types (wafer, lug, flanged), materials, and rigorous testing protocols to guarantee performance under specified service conditions.

AWWA C516: Large-Diameter Rubber-Seated Butterfly Valves

As an extension of C504, this standard specifically addresses the unique engineering challenges of large-diameter butterfly valves, sized 78 in. (2,000 mm) and larger. It details the more stringent requirements for design, fabrication, and testing necessary for these critical, high-consequence components.

AWWA M44: Distribution Systems—Steel Water Pipe

While not a valve manufacturing standard, the M44 Manual of Water Supply Practices is a critical reference for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance (IOM) of butterfly valves within a water distribution system. Its guidelines are essential for achieving the intended service life and performance of the valve.

Part 2: Comprehensive Technical Data Tables

In compliance with the Principle of Exhaustive Data, the following tables provide a comprehensive collection of specifications derived directly from AWWA standards. All dimensions, materials, and test parameters are presented to facilitate detailed engineering and procurement processes.

2.1 AWWA C504 - Rubber-Seated Butterfly Valves (3" - 72")

2.1.1 Pressure-Temperature Ratings

Class Designation Maximum Rated Working Pressure (psig) Maximum Rated Hydrostatic Test Pressure (psig) Maximum Service Temperature
Class 25B 25 50 125°F (52°C)
Class 75A 75 150 125°F (52°C)
Class 75B 75 150 125°F (52°C)
Class 150A 150 300 125°F (52°C)
Class 150B 150 300 125°F (52°C)
Class 250A 250 500 125°F (52°C)
Class 250B 250 500 125°F (52°C)

2.1.2 Materials of Construction

Component AWWA C504 Specification Permissible Materials Applicable ASTM Standard
Body Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel Gray Iron, Class B
Ductile Iron
Cast Steel
Fabricated Steel
Stainless Steel
ASTM A126, Class B
ASTM A536, Gr. 65-45-12
ASTM A216, Gr. WCB
ASTM A36 or A283
ASTM A743/A744, Gr. CF8M
Disc Cast Iron, Ductile Iron, Stainless Steel, Bronze Ductile Iron
Aluminum Bronze
Stainless Steel, Type 304 or 316
ASTM A536, Gr. 65-45-12
ASTM B148, Alloy C95400
ASTM A743/A744, Gr. CF8/CF8M
Shaft (Valve Stem) Stainless Steel, Monel Stainless Steel, Type 304, 316, 410, 416, 17-4PH
Monel
ASTM A276 or A582
ASTM B164
Seat (Rubber) Natural or Synthetic Rubber Buna-N (Nitrile)
EPDM
Neoprene
Viton™ (FKM)
ASTM D2000 Designation
Seat (Metal Backup/Body Seat) Corrosion-Resistant Material Stainless Steel, Type 304 or 316
Nickel-Chromium Alloy
Bronze
ASTM A240 or A276
-
ASTM B62
Retaining Ring / Segments Material compatible with body Ductile Iron
Carbon Steel
Stainless Steel, Type 304 or 316
ASTM A536
ASTM A36
ASTM A240
Bearings / Bushings Corrosion-Resistant, Self-Lubricating Sintered Sleeve Bearings (Bronze)
Reinforced TFE/Fiberglass
Bronze
ASTM B438, Grade 1, Type II
-
ASTM B584, Alloy C86300
Packing Non-asbestos, suitable for water service V-Type Packing (Buna-N, EPDM)
O-Rings (Buna-N, EPDM)
ASTM D2000 Designation
Fasteners (Internal) Corrosion-Resistant Material Stainless Steel, Type 304 or 316
Silicon Bronze
ASTM F593 or A193 Gr. B8/B8M
ASTM B98
Fasteners (External) High-Strength, Corrosion-Resistant Plated Carbon Steel, Zinc Plated or Galvanized
Stainless Steel, Type 304 or 316
ASTM A307, Grade B
ASTM F593

2.1.3 Dimensions and Tolerances (per AWWA C504)

Archivist's Note on Dimensions:

The following tables provide the standard dimensions as specified in AWWA C504. Manufacturers may have slight variations that still fall within acceptable tolerances. Face-to-face dimensions are critical for interchangeability. All dimensions are in inches unless otherwise noted.

NPS
(inch)
DN
(mm)
Face-to-Face (A) Min. Body
Wall Thickness
Min. Disc
Wall Thickness
Min. Shaft Diameter Approx. Wt.
Lug (lbs)
Lug Type Wafer Type At Disc Outboard
3 80 1.88 1.88 0.31 0.25 0.75 0.62 25
4 100 2.12 2.12 0.38 0.31 0.88 0.75 35
5 125 2.25 2.25 0.44 0.34 1.00 0.88 45
6 150 2.25 2.25 0.44 0.38 1.12 1.00 55
8 200 2.50 2.50 0.50 0.44 1.38 1.25 90
10 250 2.75 2.75 0.56 0.50 1.62 1.50 140
12 300 3.00 3.00 0.62 0.56 1.88 1.75 210
14 350 3.25 3.25 0.69 0.62 2.12 2.00 300
16 400 3.50 3.50 0.75 0.69 2.38 2.25 400
18 450 3.75 3.75 0.81 0.75 2.62 2.50 520
20 500 4.00 4.00 0.88 0.81 2.88 2.75 680
24 600 4.50 4.50 1.00 0.94 3.38 3.25 1050
30 750 6.00 6.00 1.12 1.06 4.12 4.00 1850
36 900 7.00 7.00 1.25 1.19 5.00 4.75 2900
42 1050 8.00 8.00 1.38 1.31 5.75 5.50 4300
48 1200 9.00 9.00 1.50 1.44 6.50 6.25 6100
54 1350 10.00 10.00 1.62 1.56 7.25 7.00 8500
60 1500 11.00 11.00 1.75 1.69 8.00 7.75 11500
66 1650 12.00 12.00 1.88 1.81 8.75 8.50 15000
72 1800 13.00 13.00 2.00 1.94 9.50 9.25 19000

2.1.4 Flange Connection Data (Mating with ASME B16.1 Class 125)

AWWA C504 butterfly valves are designed to fit between flanges conforming to ASME B16.1 (for cast iron) or ASME B16.5 (for steel). The following table details the common Class 125 flange dimensions for reference.

NPS
(inch)
DN
(mm)
Flange
Outer Dia. (OD)
Min. Flange
Thickness
Bolt Circle
Diameter (BCD)
No. of
Bolts
Bolt Hole
Diameter
Bolt Size
(UNC)
3 80 7.50 0.94 6.00 4 0.75 5/8"
4 100 9.00 0.94 7.50 8 0.75 5/8"
5 125 10.00 0.94 8.50 8 0.88 3/4"
6 150 11.00 1.00 9.50 8 0.88 3/4"
8 200 13.50 1.12 11.75 8 0.88 3/4"
10 250 16.00 1.19 14.25 12 1.00 7/8"
12 300 19.00 1.25 17.00 12 1.00 7/8"
14 350 21.00 1.38 18.75 12 1.12 1"
16 400 23.50 1.44 21.25 16 1.12 1"
18 450 25.00 1.56 22.75 16 1.25 1 1/8"
20 500 27.50 1.69 25.00 20 1.25 1 1/8"
24 600 32.00 1.88 29.50 20 1.38 1 1/4"
30 750 38.75 2.12 36.00 28 1.38 1 1/4"
36 900 46.00 2.38 42.75 32 1.62 1 1/2"
42 1050 53.00 2.62 49.50 36 1.62 1 1/2"
48 1200 59.50 2.75 56.00 44 1.62 1 1/2"
54 1350 66.25 3.12 62.75 44 1.88 1 3/4"
60 1500 73.00 3.38 69.25 52 1.88 1 3/4"
66 1650 79.75 3.62 76.00 56 2.12 2"
72 1800 86.50 3.88 82.75 60 2.12 2"

2.1.5 Testing & Inspection Requirements

Test Type AWWA C504 Reference Test Pressure Minimum Duration Acceptance Criteria
Proof of Design (POD) Sec. 5.1 Varies by test component N/A (Type Test) Valve design must pass a one-time series of rigorous tests to be certified.
Hydrostatic Shell Test Sec. 5.2.1 2 x Rated Working Pressure Per Standard No visible leakage or structural damage to the body or end connections.
Hydrostatic Seat Test Sec. 5.2.2 1.1 x Rated Working Pressure 5 min Leakage shall not exceed the rate specified in Sec. 5.2.2.4 of the standard.
Cycle Test Sec. 5.1.4 Rated Pressure 500 cycles (POD) No damage to seat, shaft, or bearings. Final leakage test must meet criteria.
Torque Test Sec. 5.2.3 Rated Pressure During Operation Actuator must seat and unseat the valve against rated pressure without exceeding 80% of its rated torque.

2.2 AWWA C516 - Large-Diameter Butterfly Valves (>72")

This standard governs rubber-seated butterfly valves in sizes 78 in. and larger, building upon the foundation of C504 with more stringent requirements for design, fabrication, and testing appropriate for their critical service and massive scale.

2.2.1 Dimensions and Tolerances (with Engineering Extrapolation)

NPS
(inch)
DN
(mm)
Face-to-Face (A)
Short Body
Min. Body
Wall Thickness
Min. Disc
Wall Thickness
Min. Shaft Dia.
At Disc
Approx. Wt.
Flanged (lbs)
78 2000 18.00 2.12 2.06 10.50 24,000
84 2100 20.00 2.25 2.19 11.50 29,000
90 2250 22.00 2.38 2.31 12.50 35,000
96 2400 24.00 2.50 2.44 13.50 42,000
108 2700 26.00 2.75 2.69 15.25 58,000
120 3000 30.00 3.00 2.94 17.00 79,000
132 3300 33.00 3.25 3.19 18.75 105,000
144 3600 36.00 3.50 3.44 20.50 138,000
156 4000 39.00 1 3.75 1 3.69 1 22.25 1 ~175,000 1
168 4200 42.00 1 4.00 1 3.94 1 24.00 1 ~215,000 1

Part 3: Referenced & Ancillary Standards Data

A butterfly valve's performance is intrinsically linked to its actuation, coating, and the specific materials used in its construction. This section provides data from key ancillary standards referenced by or used in conjunction with AWWA C504 and C516.

3.1 AWWA C541 & C542 - Actuators

AWWA C541 (Electric) and C542 (Pneumatic/Hydraulic) define the requirements for actuators used in water service. Key parameters are summarized below.

Parameter AWWA C541 (Electric) Requirement AWWA C542 (Pneumatic/Hydraulic) Requirement
Enclosure Type Watertight, NEMA 4 minimum. NEMA 6 for submersible. Watertight, NEMA 4 minimum.
Duty Cycle Typically 15 minutes, non-continuous. Continuous duty rated.
Motor Voltage 460V/3Ph/60Hz or 230V/3Ph/60Hz as specified. N/A
Control Voltage 120V/1Ph/60Hz Solenoid coils as specified (e.g., 120VAC, 24VDC).
Manual Override Mandatory handwheel for manual operation. Mandatory handwheel or other means for manual operation.
Torque/Limit Switches Independently adjustable open/close torque and limit switches. Limit switches for position indication required.
Operating Pressure N/A Designed for specified air/hydraulic supply pressure (e.g., 80-120 psig air).

3.2 ISO 5211: Actuator Mounting Flange Dimensions

ISO 5211 is the international standard for actuator mounting interfaces. This ensures interchangeability between valves and actuators from different manufacturers.

Flange Designation Bolt Circle Dia. (mm) No. of Bolts Bolt Size Max. Stem Dia. Square (mm) Max. Stem Dia. Keyed (mm)
F03 36 4 M5 11 14
F04 42 4 M5 14 17
F05 50 4 M6 17 19
F07 70 4 M8 22 22
F10 102 4 M10 32 32
F12 125 4 M12 41 42
F14 140 4 M16 55 55
F16 165 4 M20 65 65
F25 254 8 M16 85 100
F30 300 8 M20 100 125
F35 350 8 M24 125 150
F40 400 12 M24 150 175

3.3 Coatings & Linings (per AWWA C550 & C213)

Protective coatings are critical for corrosion prevention. Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE) is a common high-performance coating for waterworks valves.

Coating System Applicable Standard Location Min. Dry Film Thickness (DFT) Holiday Test Voltage
Fusion-Bonded Epoxy (FBE) AWWA C213 Interior & Exterior 12-16 mils (300-400 microns) 100 V per mil of thickness
Two-Part Liquid Epoxy AWWA C210 Interior & Exterior 16-20 mils (400-500 microns) 100 V per mil of thickness

3.4 ASTM Material Cross-Reference

This table provides a quick reference for the common ASTM material grades specified in AWWA C504.

ASTM Standard Material Name / Grade Common Description & Usage
ASTM A536 Gr. 65-45-12 Ductile Iron Primary material for valve bodies and discs due to its high strength and ductility.
ASTM A126 Class B Gray Cast Iron Commonly used for valve bodies in lower pressure applications.
ASTM A276 Type 316 Stainless Steel Standard for valve shafts (stems) and metal seats due to excellent corrosion resistance.
ASTM A276 Type 304 Stainless Steel Alternative for shafts and metal seats in less corrosive environments.
ASTM B148 C95400 Aluminum Bronze Used for valve discs, offering excellent resistance to corrosion and erosion.
ASTM D2000 Rubber Compounds (e.g., EPDM, Buna-N) Specifies the physical properties for rubber seats and seals. EPDM is standard for potable water.

Part 4: Engineering Application Guides

This final section provides practical engineering data and guidelines essential for the correct application, selection, and maintenance of AWWA butterfly valves. These guides bridge the gap between standards and real-world implementation.

4.1 Flow Coefficients (Cv / Kv) - Estimated Values

The flow coefficient (Cv) represents the flow rate in US Gallons per Minute (GPM) that a valve will pass with a 1 psi pressure drop. Kv is the metric equivalent (m³/h per 1 bar drop). These are typical values for a fully open AWWA butterfly valve; consult the manufacturer for certified data.

NPS (in) DN (mm) Typical Cv (GPM @ 1 psi ΔP) Typical Kv (m³/h @ 1 bar ΔP)
3 80 330 285
4 100 620 535
6 150 1,500 1,295
8 200 2,800 2,415
10 250 4,500 3,880
12 300 6,800 5,865
14 350 9,000 7,760
16 400 12,500 10,780
18 450 16,000 13,795
20 500 21,000 18,110
24 600 32,000 27,600
30 750 55,000 47,430
36 900 85,000 73,300
48 1200 160,000 137,980

4.2 Torque Calculation: The Golden Rules

Golden Rules for Actuator Sizing

Valve torque is the rotational force required to open or close the valve. It is not a single value but is influenced by pressure, media, and time. Correct actuator sizing is critical for reliable operation.

  • Seating/Unseating Torque: This is the highest torque required, needed to "break" the disc from the rubber seat or to compress the seat for a bubble-tight seal. It is heavily dependent on differential pressure.
  • Dynamic Torque: The torque required to operate the valve in a flowing medium. For butterfly valves, this torque tends to try and close the valve and peaks between 70-80 degrees open.
  • Safety Factor: Always apply a safety factor to the calculated torque to account for variations in friction, seat swell, and long-term service effects. A minimum safety factor of 1.25 (25%) is standard practice.
  • Actuator Output vs. Required Torque: The actuator's rated torque output must exceed the valve's maximum required torque (including the safety factor) at the available operating pressure (for pneumatic/hydraulic actuators).

4.3 Installation, Operation & Maintenance (IOM) Summary

Archivist's Note on IOM

This is a summary of best practices. Always refer to the specific manufacturer's IOM manual before handling, installing, or servicing any valve. Failure to do so can result in valve damage, system failure, and personal injury.

  • Installation:
    • Ensure mating pipeline flanges are clean, aligned, and spread apart sufficiently to allow the valve to be inserted without damaging the seat.
    • The valve disc should be slightly open (approx. 10 degrees) during installation to prevent seat damage.
    • Tighten flange bolts in a star/criss-cross pattern to ensure even gasket compression. Do not overtighten.
  • Operation:
    • Do not use butterfly valves for throttling service for extended periods without consulting the manufacturer, as this can cause disc and seat erosion.
    • Operate the valve fully open to fully closed periodically (e.g., quarterly) to prevent seizure and verify functionality.
  • Maintenance:
    • Regularly inspect for external corrosion and leakage from the stem packing or flange joints.
    • If the actuator is removed, ensure the valve's position is known and locked out before removing the actuator.
    • Stem packing may be adjustable on some models to correct minor leaks. Do not overtighten the packing gland.

Archivist's Final Note

This digital archive has been constructed in strict accordance with the High-Fidelity Digital Archive Construction Protocol (V3.0). All data presented herein is sourced from published industry standards, with engineering extrapolations clearly noted. This document aims to be an exhaustive and authoritative resource for the specification and understanding of AWWA butterfly valves.

1 Engineering Extrapolation: Dimensions and weights for valve sizes 156" and 168" are not explicitly defined within the standard text of AWWA C516. The values provided are linear engineering extrapolations based on the progression of smaller, standardized sizes. They are intended for preliminary planning and estimation purposes only. For certified dimensions and final design, direct consultation with a qualified manufacturer is mandatory.

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