What is the most common type of check valve?

Author: Prof. Brant Gutmann  |  Last update: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Swing check valves are the most common type of check valves. They are inexpensive and rely entirely on flow and pressure to operate, requiring no external power or control.

What is the most commonly used valve type?

Gate valves are the most common type of valves found in process plants. The closing gate moves along a linear path to block or allow fluid flow. Gate valves provide good shutoff and are considered suitable for almost all fluid services including air, fuel gas, feedwater, steam, slurries and viscous liquids.

Which is better, a swing or spring check valve?

Spring check valves provide greater flexibility compared to swing check valves and are suitable for a range of applications, including both horizontal and vertical orientations.

What is the most common type of valve replacement?

Keyhole surgery is most frequently performed to replace the mitral and tricuspid valves. Your cardiothoracic surgeon operates with general anaesthetic, and a heart-lung bypass machine takes over the work of your heart and lungs. The surgeon makes several small cuts in your chest wall, including one larger 5cm incision.

What is the standard for a check valve?

API 594 is an industry-standard for check valves with widespread application, especially in the petrochemical and oil & gas industries. The standard ensures that the design, manufacture, testing, and inspection of these valves meet requirements for safety, reliability, and performance.

Check valves | How do they work & Selection guide | Tameson

What are the most common check valves?

Swing check valves are one of the most common types of check valves due to their low cost. Because the valve operates entirely from flow pressure and gravity, it relies on the change of flow direction to close.

What are the rules for check valves?

To reliably prevent back flow and reduce water hammer, it's best to install check valves just after the pump discharge, keeping the five diameter rule in mind when doing so. Avoid installing immediately after elbows, as these can create severe turbulence and, in turn, valve chatter, instability, and eventual failure.

What is the most common valve?

The mitral valve is the most common valve to be repaired. Only rarely is the tricuspid valve or the pulmonic valve repaired or replaced.

How do I choose a valve type?

Some general features that one can take into consideration when selecting a valve are the following:
  1. Pressure rating.
  2. Size and flow capacity.
  3. Desired flow condition.
  4. Temperature limits.
  5. Shutoff response to leakage.
  6. Equipments and pipes connected.
  7. Material compatibility and durability.
  8. Cost.

What is the most reliable valve type?

Ball valves may be the most reliable valve and are commonly used for main water shut offs.

How do I choose a check valve?

Four pressure ratings should be considered for any check valve: operating pressure, system pressure, proof pressure, and burst pressure. Operating pressure is the pressure applied to the valve during normal operation throughout its life, both in the free flow and checked directions.

Does a check valve need a spring?

A swing check valve uses a flapper that 'swings' off the seat to allow forward flow and then swings back onto the seat when the flow is stopped. In contrast, a spring loaded check valve incorporates a spring to assist in closing the valve. Learn more about spring check valves!

What is the most reliable check valve design?

Slanting disc check valves are the most reliable and efficient check valves available. They are ideally suited for clean municipal/industrial water and other industrial liquid applications. Full Flow Foot Valves can be installed at the bottom of a pump suction line, inside the wet well.

Which valve should never be used for flow control?

Gate valves are not suitable for throttling volume. The control of flow is difficult because of the valve's design and the flow of fluid slapping against a partially open gate can cause extensive damage to the valve. Except as specifically authorized by the manufacturer, gate valves should not be used for throttling.

Which is the strongest valve?

Titanium Valves. Titanium offers the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any known metal. In an unalloyed condition, titanium is as strong as some steel materials but about 45% lighter.

What is the oldest type of valve?

Already in 5000 BC, gate valves were found in a series of dikes. Designed as part of ancient irrigation systems developed by the Egyptians along the banks of the Nile River. Archaeologists discovered that other ancient cultures in Babylon, China, Phenicia, Mexico and Peru also used similar irrigation systems.

What are the two basic types of check valves?

Back to the Basics

They are self-automated, using the pressure of the fluid to open and close rather than an operator. Swing valves and axial flow silent valves are the two most popular types of check valves.

What is the most common type of valve?

The most common types of industrial valves are the ball valve, butterfly valve, and check valve. These are the most commonly used industrial valves. However, there are many other types of valves that are used in industrial applications, so there is no end to the number of valve types available.

How do I know which valve to use?

The right valve choice means matching the valve's size to expected flow through the system. Know the chemical compatibility requirements. The valve materials need to be compatible with the gases or liquids flowing through it. Plastic valves usually resist harsh or corrosive chemicals better than metal valves.

How do I choose a valve?

How to Select the Right Valves for Your Industrial Fluid System
  1. S: Size. The size of your valve dictates its flow capacity and will need to correspond to the desired (or required) flow rate of your system. ...
  2. T: Temperature. ...
  3. A: Application. ...
  4. M: Media. ...
  5. P: Pressure. ...
  6. E: End Connections. ...
  7. D:

What valve is most commonly replaced?

Valve replacement surgery is most often used to treat people with aortic valve disease, particularly aortic stenosis (narrowing).

What is the most commonly used valve mechanism?

Common Valve Mechanisms: Manual, Pneumatic, and Electric

The three most common control mechanisms are manual, pneumatic, and electric. 1. Manual Control: The simplest method, where the valve is operated using a handwheel, lever, or knob.

Can you put 2 check valves together?

Double check valves are typically two single check valves linked together, providing failsafe backup if one of the check valves fail for any reason. Double check valves also have screws on each side so that the valve port can be opened and cleaned, as debris can build up over time.

Is a check valve the same as a backflow preventer?

Like a backflow preventer, a check valve stops media from flowing through it in the reverse direction. Check valves, however, do not offer the degree of protection that backflow preventers do and therefore are not suitable for protecting drinking water sources.

What is the maximum back pressure for a check valve?

The differential pressure between the inlet and outlet, at which an initial flow is passing through the valve. The differential pressure between the outlet and inlet, at which no flow is passing through the valve. Maximum allowable back pressure is rated to 1000 psi (69 bar) for 1/4, 200 psi (14 bar) for 3/8 to 1".

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