10 Different Types of Check Valve

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Bruce Zheng

Hi, I'm Bruce Zheng. I am pleased to offer you the best Valves with strict quality control in NTVAL.

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Are you wondering how to keep the fluid systems flowing smoothly without backflow issues? The right type of check valve is the key to preventing reverse flow and maintaining the efficiency of the pipelines.

With years in the valve industry, we’ve seen what works best in different industries. Our insights can help you make the right choice for every need.

Here’s a sneak peek at the top 2 types of check valves that are commonly used:

  • Swing Check Valve
  • Lift Check Valve

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 different types of check valves. You’ll also gain a clear understanding of which valve type is best suited for your particular industry needs.

Let’s dive in!

1. Swing Check Valve

The swing check valve is a widely used valve designed to prevent backflow in a piping system. It operates automatically, allowing fluid to flow in 1 direction while preventing reverse flow. This valve is commonly used in industries where maintaining a steady, 1-way flow is crucial. Here are its features and functions:

Standout Features

  • Disc Swing Mechanism: The swing check valve uses a disc that swings on a hinge to allow flow in 1 direction. This mechanism lets the valve close automatically if the flow reverses, preventing backflow.
  • Full Flow Capacity: The design of the swing check valve allows for a full, unobstructed flow path, reducing pressure loss. This feature makes it ideal for applications to maintain high flow rates. Sounds impressive, right?
  • Non-Slam Closure: Swing check valves are designed to close slowly, which helps prevent water hammer. The non-slam feature is crucial in maintaining system stability and prolonging the life of the valve.

Functions

  • Preventing Backflow: The primary function of a swing check valve is to prevent backflow in a piping system. It automatically closes when the flow reverses, protecting pumps and other equipment from damage.
  • Maintaining System Pressure: In industries like oil and gas, maintaining consistent system pressure is crucial. The swing check valve helps maintain this pressure by allowing flow in one direction.
  • Versatile Applications: These valves are used in various industries. NTVAL provides high-quality swing check valves that are designed to meet the specific needs of these industries, ensuring reliable performance.
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2. Lift Check Valve

The lift check valve is a reliable valve type that prevents backflow by lifting a disc off its seat to allow fluid flow. It’s commonly used in high-pressure applications where maintaining flow direction is essential. This valve is known for its durability and effectiveness in various industrial settings. Below are its standout traits and functions:

Standout Features

  • Vertical Lift Mechanism: The lift check valve operates with a disc that lifts vertically off its seat to allow fluid flow. This vertical lift design is particularly effective in systems with high flow velocities.
  • Reliable Sealing: The valve’s disc is precisely machined to fit snugly into the seat, providing a tight seal when closed. This feature allows the valve to effectively prevent backflow, even in high-pressure systems.
  • Compact Design: The lift check valve has a straightforward design, making it easy to install in tight spaces. Its simplicity also contributes to lower maintenance requirements, offering a reliable solution for various systems.

Functions

  • Handling High Pressure: Lift check valves are designed to operate efficiently under high-pressure conditions. It all boils down to this: in industries like petrochemical processing, where pressure control is crucial, these valves are an excellent choice.
  • Reducing Maintenance Needs: Because of their simple design, lift check valves require minimal maintenance. For example, in water treatment plants, these valves are often preferred because they are less prone to clogging.
  • System Reliability: Lift check valves are used in industries that demand consistent performance. Their strong design lets them handle the tough conditions of different environments, providing reliable operation.
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3. Piston Check Valve

The piston check valve is a versatile valve designed to prevent backflow in various industrial applications. It operates by using a piston to control the flow, allowing the fluids to move in 1 direction only. These valves are particularly useful in systems where precise flow control is required. Here are the valve’s standout features and functions:

Standout Features

  • Durable Valve Body: The valve body serves as the outer shell that houses all internal components. It’s typically made from stainless steel, providing the strength needed to endure high pressure.
  • Piston Mechanism: The piston is the central component that controls fluid flow within the valve. It moves up and down to open and close the flow passage, offering reliable operation under varying conditions.
  • Spring Action: The spring in a piston check valve quickly returns the piston to its closed position when the flow decreases. This rapid response is critical for preventing backflow and maintaining system safety.

Functions

  • Control Flow Direction: The primary function of a piston check valve is to allow fluid flow in only 1 direction within a pipeline. This is important in systems like hydraulic setups, where maintaining flow direction is crucial.
  • Backflow Prevention: In industries such as oil and gas, preventing backflow is essential to maintain system efficiency. And you know what? These valves excel at this, allowing fluids not to reverse and cause potential issues.
  • Regulating Pressure: Piston check valves play a role in regulating pressure within a system. In high-pressure environments, these valves maintain consistent pressure, prevent damage, and offer smooth operation.
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4. Dual Plate Check Valve

The dual plate check valve is an advanced type of check valve designed for efficient performance in high-pressure systems. This valve is widely used in industries where space-saving and low-pressure drops are essential. Let’s explore the valve’s standout features and functions below:

Standout Features

  • 2 Spring-Loaded Plates: The valve’s 2 spring-loaded plates open and close based on the flow direction. This design minimizes the potential for backflow and provides a reliable seal when the flow stops.
  • Low-Pressure Drop: 1 of the standout features of this valve is its ability to maintain a low-pressure drop across the valve. This helps optimize the flow efficiency in systems where maintaining pressure is critical.
  • Durable Construction: The valve is built with high-quality materials that can withstand harsh environments. This durability offers a long service life and consistent performance under demanding conditions.

Function

  • Reduce Water Hammer: Dual plate check valves help reduce the water hammer that occurs when the fluid flow suddenly stops. Here’s the interesting part: the quick closure of the plates minimizes the shock associated with the water hammer.
  • Maintain System Efficiency: By maintaining a low-pressure drop, dual plate check valves help keep the system running efficiently. This function is particularly valuable in industries where consistent flows are critical to operations.
  • Versatile Applications: These valves are used in power generation, water treatment, and HVAC systems. Their reliable performance makes them suitable for various applications, allowing fluids to flow in the right direction.
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5. Non Slam Check Valve

The non slam check valve is specifically designed to prevent the sudden closing action that can cause noise in piping systems. It provides smooth operation by allowing the valve to close gradually as the flow diminishes. Here are the standout features and functions of a non slam check valve:

Standout Features

  • Silent Operation: The valve is engineered to close quietly, preventing the loud noise associated with the water hammer. This feature is especially beneficial in commercial buildings where noise control is important.
  • Soft-Seated Design: This valve includes a soft-seated design that provides a tight seal to prevent leakage. The materials like rubber or elastomer, offer a reliable seal even at low pressures, extending the valve’s lifespan.
  • Spring-Assisted Closure: The valve is equipped with a spring mechanism that assists in the gradual closing of the valve. So what it’s all about? This design minimizes the risk of pressure surges and protects the piping system from damage.

Functions

  • Maintain Flow Integrity: These valves help maintain the integrity of fluid flow by preventing backflow in the system. For example, in a fire protection system, this valve lets water flow only in the intended direction, providing consistent pressure when it’s needed most.
  • Reduce Maintenance Costs: By reducing wear on the system, these valves can help lower maintenance costs. This is particularly valuable in industrial applications where downtime can be costly.
  • Enhance System Safety: These valves contribute to the overall safety of a piping system by controlling pressure changes. In the oil and gas industry, these valves play a role in protecting equipment and personnel.
10 Different Types of Check Valve 5

6. Non Return Check Valve

The non return check valve is a crucial component in many industrial systems, designed to allow fluid to flow in only 1 direction and prevent reverse flow. This type of valve is commonly used in water, oil, and gas pipelines where backflow can cause contamination or damage. Below are its worth exploring features and functions:

Standout Features

  • 1-Way Flow Control: The valve is designed to permit fluid flow in 1 direction only, preventing backflow. This feature is essential in applications where maintaining unidirectional flow is critical for system integrity.
  • Space-Saving Design:These valves are compact, making them easy to install in tight spaces. Their streamlined design contributes to reduced pressure loss, improving overall system efficiency.
  • Durable Construction: These valves are built to withstand harsh operating conditions, often made from materials like stainless steel or bronze. What makes this so special?This durability offers a long service life, even in corrosive environments.

Functions

  • Prevent Contamination: In water treatment plants, these valves are used to prevent the backflow of contaminated water into clean 1. This function is critical for maintaining the purity and safety of drinking water.
  • Protect Equipment: These valves help protect pumps and other equipment from damage caused by reverse flow. In the oil and gas industry, for example, preventing backflow is essential to avoid costly repairs and downtime.
  • Maintain System Pressure: These valves assist in maintaining consistent pressure within a system by allowing fluid to flow in the correct direction. This is important in HVAC systems, where pressure stability is key to efficient operation.
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7. Nozzle Check Valve

The nozzle check valve is a high-performance valve designed to prevent backflow while minimizing pressure drop. These valves are often used in applications where maintaining high efficiency and preventing water hammer are critical. Here are the standout features and functions of a nozzle check valve:

Standout Features

  • Streamlined Flow Design: The nozzle check valve is designed to allow fluid to pass through with minimal resistance. Its streamlined design reduces turbulence and pressure loss, making it ideal for high-efficiency systems.
  • Fast-Acting Closure: This valve is equipped with a spring mechanism that ensures quick closure when the flow stops. This rapid response helps prevent backflow and protects the system from potential damage.
  • Low-Pressure Loss: 1 of the key features of this valve is its ability to maintain low-pressure loss across the valve. And on top of that, this enhances the overall efficiency of the system, particularly in high-flow applications.

Functions

  • Reduce Hydraulic Shock: These valves are effective in reducing hydraulic shock, which can occur when the flow of fluid is suddenly stopped. By closing quickly, these valves help protect the piping system from pressure surges.
  • Enhance System Efficiency: By allowing smooth flow, these valves contribute to the overall efficiency of the system. This is important in industries like chemical processing, where efficient fluid handling is essential.
  • Versatile Applications: These valves are used for water treatment and in oil and gas pipelines. Their ability to handle high pressure and flow rates makes them suitable for various industrial uses, offering consistent performance.
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8. Wafer Type Check Valve

The wafer type check valve is an efficient valve designed to prevent backflow in pipelines. It is ideal for installations where space is limited, and it fits easily between 2 flanges. These valves are widely used in various industries for their reliability and ease of maintenance. Below are its features and functions:

Standout Features

  • Slim Design: This valve has a thin profile that allows it to fit snugly between 2 flanges, perfect for space-constrained installations. This design also reduces the overall weight of the valve, making it easier to handle and install.
  • Dual Plate Construction: This valve features 2 plates that swing open to allow flow and close to prevent backflow. The dual plate design provides security against reverse flow, allowing the valve to close tightly when the flow stops.
  • Lightweight and Durable: Despite its lightweight design, the valve is constructed from stainless steel. But what does that mean? It means that the valve offers reliable performance even in demanding environments.

Functions

  • Space-Saving Installation: Thanks to its compact design, the valve is ideal for systems where space is limited. In chemical processing plants where space optimization is crucial, NTVAL’s wafer type check valve offers an efficient solution.
  • Reduce Pressure Drop: The valve’s slim design minimizes pressure drop across the valve. This function is important in energy-intensive industries, such as oil and gas, where maintaining system efficiency is key.
  • Multifaceted Application: The valves are used from wastewater management to power generation. Their ability to fit into tight spaces and handle various types of fluids makes them the choice for many industries.
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9. Tilting Disc Check Valve

The tilting disc check valve is a specialized valve designed to prevent backflow in pipelines while minimizing pressure drop. Its disc tilts to open and close, providing smooth and efficient operation. This valve is commonly used in industries where maintaining steady flow and reducing pressure loss are critical. Below are the standout features and functions of this valve:

Standout Features

  • Tilting Disc Mechanism: The key feature of this valve is its tilting disc, which allows fluid to pass through with minimal resistance. This design reduces the likelihood of pressure surges for a smooth flow of fluids.
  • Quick Closure: The tilting disc check valve is designed to close quickly when the flow stops, preventing backflow. This fast response is crucial in protecting the system from potential damage caused by reverse flow.
  • Resilient Design: The valves are built with stainless steel or cast iron, allowing them to withstand harsh environments. As if that’s not enough, their durability also means lower maintenance and longer service life.

Here is an overview of the resilient design features of valves, highlighting their construction materials and benefits:

FeatureMaterialBenefits
Harsh Environment ResistanceStainless SteelWithstands extreme conditions, reducing the risk of corrosion and failure.
DurabilityCast IronProvides robustness, leading to less frequent replacements and repairs.
Long Service LifeStainless Steel, Cast IronEnsures operational longevity, which translates to cost savings over time.

Functions

  • Preventing Backflow: The primary function of the tilting disc check valve is to prevent backflow. By allowing fluid to flow in only 1 direction, it protects the system from contamination and damage.
  • Pressure Regulation: It automatically adjusts to the flow pressure, allowing fluid to pass when the pressure is sufficient. When the flow pressure decreases, the disc closes to stop any reverse flow.
  • Minimal Pressure Drop: The tilting disc design allows for a streamlined flow path, reducing pressure drop across the valve. This is beneficial in systems where maintaining pressure is critical.

10. Stainless Steel Check Valve

The stainless steel check valve is a reliable valve designed to prevent backflow in various industrial systems. According to Fortune Business Insights, stainless steel is exhibiting a CAGR of 5.8% from 2023 to 2032. This growth is driven by the material’s excellent resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. Here are the standout features and functions of a stainless steel check valve:

Standout Features

  • Corrosion Resistance: Its primary feature is its exceptional corrosion resistance. This makes it suitable for use in environments where the valve may be exposed to chemicals or other corrosive substances.
  • High-Temperature Tolerance: It can withstand high temperatures without losing its structural integrity. This feature allows the valve to perform reliably in industries where high temperatures are common.
  • Durable Construction: These valves are built to last, with a sturdy design that can handle high pressures. But wait, there’s more: their durability also means fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs over time.

Function

  • Handling High Pressure: These valves are designed to perform well under high pressure, allowing systems to remain stable. In applications like power generation, maintaining consistent pressure is crucial for efficient operation.
  • Resisting Corrosion: Thanks to their stainless steel construction, these valves are effective in resisting corrosion in harsh environments. This makes them ideal for use in marine applications where exposure to corrosive elements is frequent.
  • Enhance System Longevity: By preventing backflow, these valves help extend the overall lifespan of a system. This reliability is especially valued in critical applications where downtime can be costly.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of check valves is crucial for maintaining the efficiency and safety of industrial systems. Each type of valve has unique features and functions, making it suitable for specific applications across various industries. By choosing the right check valve, guarantees that the system runs smoothly, preventing issues like backflow and pressure surges.

This article helps you make informed decisions about the best check valve for industrial needs. At NTVAL, we specialize in providing high-quality valves that meet the demands of large industries. If you’re looking for reliable and durable check valves, contact us today to learn how we can support your operations.

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