Common Types Of Swing Check Valves

The term "swing check valve" refers to both ball valves and pressure relief valves. A swing check valve (also called a swing pipe valve) is used as an integral part of many different types of gas and oil control valves. In this article I will discuss swing pressure relief valves and how they work. This information will help you choose the right valve for your application and avoid costly maintenance or repairs.


Swing Check Valves - Overview A swing check valve (sometimes also referred to as a swing pipe valve) is a mechanical device that permits gasses and liquids to pass in only one direction, thereby preventing flow in reverse. Most Flow-related valves are made with either lower or upper pressure limits at which the valve will start to turn, usually at a maximum of 150 psi. Most flomatic valves are set at a lower pressure limit of around 150 psi to allow for slow and controlled flow operation. There are some swing valve designs that allow the pressure to exceed the maximum pressure limit, but most valve designs have a safety valve built in that shuts the valve off if the pressure exceeds the maximum pressure limit. These valves typically are used in applications where high-pressure requirements are prevalent.


Types of Swing Check Valves The most common type of swing valve is the simple water-tight check valve. There are several different designs based on different types of flow, such as from a small downspout to a large water jacket. However, the most popular swing check valve is typically a water-tight design, which allows the valve to remain closed while supplying controlled flow into a larger body of water.


The next common type is the water jacket check valve, which is almost similar to the water-tight ball check valve. The difference is that the water jacket is usually equipped with an emergency shut-off feature that allows the valve to shut off with a signal if the pressure rises beyond a certain point. Additionally, the water jacket can incorporate a thermostat to control the temperature and sometimes prevent the valve from being left open. These are commonly seen in applications requiring a temperature control of more than 80 c.


The final common type of swing valve is the stainless steel check valve, which has a rubber seat and a spring-loaded seat cover that snaps over the top. The advantage of this design is that there is no need to lower or increase the pressure, which makes it safer to use in applications where mechanical control is required. There are some disadvantages to this design, however, including a tendency to overheat and a tendency to produce inaccurate results. As well, these types of valves require an external power supply and must be connected to a water source.


Ductile iron check valves have been in use for decades, but their most common application is for max pressure purposes. A ductile iron check valve simply measures the pressure at the end of the pipe that is filled with a particular fuel. The valve does not shut off until the pressure reaches the maximum mark, which typically happens at full swing range (or whatever the maximum pressure is measured). Because the valve does not automatically close, there is no chance of the pilot being overwhelmed by the sudden increase in pressure. However, some homeowners have reported that the valve often does not operate properly, which could result in the fire hazard it was designed to prevent.