Consultation

The Ultimate Selection Guide: How to Choose the Right Sanitary Butterfly Valve

01/09/2026

In high-purity industries like food & beverage, dairy, and pharmaceuticals, 

selecting the wrong sanitary butterfly valve isn't just a technical error—it can lead to serious compliance risks and significant long-term costs. 

As an experienced sanitary valve manufacturer, Jianen outlines four critical factors to guide your selection.


1. Material Integrity & Regulatory Compliance

The valve body and disc should be constructed from AISI 304 or 316L stainless steel. 

Crucially, sealing materials (such as EPDM, silicone, or Viton/FKM) must comply with FDA 21 CFR 177.2600. 

These certifications form the foundation for obtaining global sanitary approvals like 3A, ISO, and CE.


2. Surface Finish: The "Zero Gap" Standard

Bacterial growth is a primary concern in sanitary systems. 

Specify an internal surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0.8 µm (mirror finish) to eliminate crevices, prevent product buildup, 

and ensure effective Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Sterilization-in-Place (SIP). This directly minimizes contamination risks and unplanned downtime.






3. Operation: Manual vs. Automated

Manual sanitary butterfly valves are suitable for compact layouts or infrequent operation. Multi-position lockable handles offer precise flow control.

Automated valves with pneumatic or electric actuators are essential for modern production lines. 

Valves equipped with integrated C-Top control units provide real-time position feedback, aligning with smart factory requirements.


4. Connection Standards & Installation

Ensure compatibility with your piping standards (e.g., 3A, DIN, SMS, ISO). 

Whether using tri-clamp, butt-weld, or threaded connections, the correct fit guarantees leak-free installation and long-term reliability.











Choosing the right sanitary stainless steel butterfly valve enhances process safety, ensures compliance, and optimizes total cost of ownership. 

Jianen, a professional manufacturer of stainless steel sanitary fluid equipment, is your ideal partner.


Contact our engineering team for technical datasheets or customized solutions tailored to your application.