What characteristic could lead to a butterfly valve leaking?

A butterfly valve can experience leaking as a result of various factors, and one of the key reasons is due to it being prone to obstructions. When there are obstructions present in the flow path, they can impede the smooth operation of the valve and prevent the disc from closing properly. This leads to gaps where fluids can escape, resulting in leaks.

In addition, if the valve is not able to fully seal due to blockages or debris, it directly affects its ability to maintain pressure and prevent leakage. It is crucial for the valve to operate smoothly and freely without any foreign materials that could disrupt the seating of the valve disc against the seal.

Other factors, while relevant to general operational integrity and performance, do not directly lead to a leaking situation as prominently as obstruction does. For example, improper installation could lead to issues, but it is more about positioning and alignment, which can often be corrected. High durability and quick design are desirable traits in a valve but do not inherently relate to the leaking of a valve.