Check valves are designed to allow media to flow in one direction whilst preventing backflow and minimising the chance of leakage. There are various check valve types and in our latest article, MGA Controls discusses the check valve types and applications.
Types of check valves
There are six different check valve types, all designed to operate effectively in different applications. Below we offer more information on the different types of check valves.
- Swing Check Valves
In a swing check valve, the disc is unguided when it moves to a fully open or closed position. Swing check valves are available in various configurations to suit different check valve application requirements.
- Dual Disc Check Valves
These check valve types are the ideal choice for applications where space and cost are major considerations. A dual disc check valve still offers the same features as a standard check valve, however, their compact design and lower cost make them the ideal option for many industries.
- Silent Check Valves
Where silent operation is a major concern, silent check valves are usually the product of choice. Silent check valve applications include potable, raw and wastewater treatment, silent check valves are an excellent choice for packaged pump solutions and municipal and HVAC applications.
- Nozzle Check Valves
These check valve types are high-performance, anti-slam, automatic non-return valves, designed for severe applications that display high flow characteristics. Nozzle check valves are spring-assisted with non-slam performance, minimising water hammer.
- Ball Check Valves
These automatic non-return valves feature a spherical floating ball as the valve component that prevents the backflow of liquid in a pipeline. The forward movement of the media moves the ball into the open position. Stopping the backflow of the liquid allows the ball to return to the seat and seal the valve.
- Tilted Disc Check Valves
This type of check valve is high-performance and designed for applications that display very high flow characteristics. The tilted disc design allows a 40% greater flow rate than other check valves, which means they feature excellent non-slam performance.
Check valve applications
Check valves are mainly used in wastewater, potable water and irrigation applications, however, other applications include:
- Process
- Mining
- Food & Beverage
- Oil & Gas
- Pharmaceutical
- Power
The specific use of a check valve depends on the configuration of the component. For example, lift and ball check valves must always be placed so the direction of the lift is vertical. However, swing check valves must be placed to ensure the disc is always closed freely and positively by gravity.