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Unveiling the Diversity: Exploring Various Check Valves Used in Piping Systems.

Check valve

Check valves play a crucial role in maintaining fluid flow direction and preventing backflow in piping systems. These mechanical marvels are designed to allow fluid to pass through in one direction while blocking its reverse flow. With their widespread application in industries like oil and gas, water treatment, and manufacturing, it’s essential to understand the different types of check kind of valves available and their specific functions. In this article, we will explore and uncover the diverse world of checked valves used in piping systems.

Swing Check Valve

The swing check kind of valve, also known as a flap or tilting disc valve, is one of the most common types of check kind of valves. It consists of a hinged disc that swings freely to allow flow in one direction and automatically closes to prevent backflow. Swing check types of valves are typically used in applications with moderate flow rates and can be installed horizontally or vertically. They are suitable for both liquid and gas services, making them versatile and widely adopted in various industries.

Lift Check Valve

Lift checked valves utilize a piston-like disc that moves vertically within the valve body. When the fluid flows in the desired direction, the disc lifts, allowing unrestricted flow. As the flow stops or reverses, the disc settles back into the closed position, effectively preventing backflow. Lift checked valves are commonly used in applications with high flow rates and are particularly effective against water hammer, a phenomenon caused by sudden changes in fluid velocity.

Ball Check Valve

Ball checked kind of valves employ a spherical or ball-shaped disc to control the flow. The ball is free-floating within the valve body and moves in response to fluid pressure. When the flow is in the forward direction, the ball is pushed away, creating an unobstructed passage. However, as soon as the flow reverses, the ball returns to its seat, sealing off the valve and preventing backflow. Ball checked valves are reliable, durable, and suitable for a wide range of applications, including wastewater systems, irrigation, and chemical processing.

Piston Check Valve

Piston Checked valves feature a piston or a cylindrical disc that slides within the valve body. When the fluid flows in the intended direction, the piston is pushed open, allowing the fluid to pass through. Upon reversal or cessation of flow, the piston quickly returns to its closed position, preventing backflow. Piston Checked valves are commonly used in high-pressure applications, as they provide tight sealing and minimal pressure drop.

Diaphragm Check Valve

Diaphragm Checked valves utilize a flexible diaphragm as the closing mechanism. The diaphragm is typically made of rubber or elastomeric materials and acts as a barrier to prevent backflow. When the forward flow is present, the diaphragm flexes open, allowing fluid passage. As soon as the flow stops or reverses, the diaphragm returns to its original position, sealing off the valve. Diaphragm Checked valves are suitable for applications involving corrosive fluids and can handle varying pressures.

Dual Plate Check Valve

Dual plate checked valves consist of two hinged discs or plates that open and close in response to flow direction. The plates are designed to reduce the pressure drop across the valve and provide a more compact design compared to swing Checked valves. Dual plate checked valves are commonly used in applications with limited space and high flow rates, such as HVAC systems, power plants, and refineries.

Advantages and disadvantage of check valve

Some advantages and disadvantages of different types of checked valves are as below table.

Check Valve Type	Advantages	Disadvantages
Swing Checked Valve	1. Low pressure drop	1. Limited suitability for high-speed flow
	2. Simple design and easy maintenance	2. Potential for water hammer
	3. Versatile for various applications	3. Possible disc interference
	4. Can be installed horizontally or vertically
Lift Check kind of Valve	1. Suitable for high flow rates	1. Relatively higher pressure drop
	2. Effective against water hammer	2. Requires vertical installation
	3. Provides tight sealing	3. Potential for disc flutter
Ball Check kind ofValve	1. Quick response and low cracking pressure	1. Potential for ball wear or deformation
	2. Minimal maintenance requirements	2. Limited suitability for high-pressure applications
	3. Versatile for various fluids	3. Potential for ball lodging
Piston Checked Valve	1. Excellent sealing and low leakage	1. Higher pressure drop compared to other types
	2. Suitable for high-pressure applications	2. Requires vertical installation
	3. Minimal water hammer effect	3. Potential for disc damage or sticking
Diaphragm Checked Valve	1. Corrosion resistance	1. Limited suitability for high-pressure applications
	2. Can handle varying pressures	2. Potential for diaphragm fatigue
	3. Suitable for corrosive fluids	3. Potential for flow restriction
Dual Plate Checked Valve	1. Compact design	1. Higher pressure drop compared to other types
	2. Low weight and space requirements	2. Potential for plate interference
	3. Suitable for high flow rates	3. Limited suitability for low flow rates

FNQ on check valve

What is the difference between a check valve and a swing check valve?

A checked valve is a generic term used to describe any type of valve that allows flow in one direction while preventing backflow. It is a broad category that includes various designs, including swing check valves.

A swing checked valve, on the other hand, is a specific type of check valve. It consists of a hinged disc (flap) that swings open to allow forward flow and swings closed to prevent backflow. The swinging motion of the disc distinguishes it from other types of check valves, such as lift check valves or ball check valves, which have different mechanisms for controlling flow.

Where do you put a swing check valve?

Swing checked valves are typically installed in piping systems where backflow prevention is necessary. They are commonly placed in horizontal pipelines, but they can also be used in vertical applications. Swing check valves are suitable for a wide range of industries and applications, including water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, HVAC systems, and process industries.

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What is the difference between a swing check valve and a non-return valve?

The terms “swing checked valve” and “non-return valve” are often used interchangeably to describe the same type of valve. Both valves serve the same purpose of allowing flow in one direction while preventing backflow. The swinging disc mechanism is characteristic of swing check valves, which are a type of non-return valve. However, it’s worth noting that the term “non-return valve” is a more general term that encompasses various types of valves, including swing check valves, lift check valves, ball check valves, and others.

What is the difference between globe and swing check valve?

Globe types of valves and swing checked valves are two distinct types of valves with different applications and designs.

Globe valves are primarily used for regulating or throttling flow. They have a globe-shaped body and a movable plug (disc) that can be raised or lowered to control the flow rate. Globe valves offer precise flow control but generally have higher pressure drops compared to swing check valves. They are commonly used in applications where throttling is required, such as in steam systems, oil and gas pipelines, and process industries.

Swing checked valves, as mentioned earlier, are used for preventing backflow. They consist of a hinged disc that swings open or closed in response to flow direction. Swing check valves are more suitable for applications where backflow prevention is critical but precise flow control is not necessary. They are often used in water supply systems, wastewater treatment plants, and general industrial piping.

Conclusion

Check valves are indispensable components in piping systems, ensuring the desired flow direction and preventing backflow. By exploring the different types of check valves available, such as swing, lift, ball, piston, diaphragm, and dual plate check valves, we can better understand their specific functions and applications.

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