Spring Check Valves versus Swing Check Valves

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Swing check valves are by far the most common type of check valve in any industry. Typically, they have a lower up front cost, but are also limited in their application and instillation options vs spring check valves. When in use, it’s important to understand the differences between these types of check valves. In this article, we’ll cover some basic differences between these two types of inline check valves. We well also cover the advantages and disadvantages of each.

1. One difference between these types of check valves is how they allow and prevent flow. 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.  about spring check valves!

2. Swing check valves are limited in the orientation in which they can be installed. These type of check valves can only be installed in horizontal flow applications, which greatly limits the applications where they can be used. While swing check valves do offer a larger flow capacity, they may not always fit in existing piping configurations. On the other hand, spring loaded check valves can be mounted in any flow orientation with the right spring selection. In you need a check valve for a process skid, a difficult space with challenging dimensions, or even unique direction of piping, choosing a spring check valve with the proper spring setting (spring cracking pressure) provides more possibilities for finding the right solution for your specific flow control application.

3. Any water hammering effects present in a piping system can potentially be amplified by a swing check valve. Installing a spring loaded check valve can prevent effects of water hammer; whereas a swing check valve can exacerbate the issue. Spring check valves are considered “silent check valves” by utilizing a spring to assist the poppet in closing the check valve prior to fluid flow reversal. The following is a basic example to explain the concept of water hammer.

Consider an application where you have a process line with water in it. For flow control you have a check valve and downstream of that check valve you have a lever handle quarter turn ball valve. Let’s say water is flowing and someone shuts the quarter turn ball valve abruptly. This can produce a pressure wave flowing through the piping – this is what is known as water hammer. With a swing check valve specifically, the flapper on that valve will be open until that pressure wave returns back to the swing check. The pressure wave can cause the flapper to slam shut, both of which can contribute to inducing water hammer. Conversely, a spring loaded check valve will help minimize, and in some cases, eliminate the effects of water hammer because the spring in the spring check closes before the pressure wave gets there.

We hope this clears up any confusion you may have around the differences between these different type of check valves and that you learned the advantages offered by spring check valves. All the valves Check-All Valve manufactures are inline spring loaded poppet style check valves. Our expert staff can answer any questions you may have. Use the comments to post your questions. Stay tuned for our next article!