Check Valve Selection 101: Types & Applications

Check valves, sometimes called non-return valves, are valves with two openings or ports that allow fluid flow in only one direction. Fluid enters through one port and exits the valve through the other. Industrial fluid systems in power plants, chemical plants, water and wastewater treatment facilities, oil fields, refinery applications, and other industries rely on check valves to prevent fluid flow back to the source. For instance, check valves are often used to transfer fuel and an oxidizer in separate lines to a mixing vessel without the fuel or oxidizer flowing back into the initial gas or oxidizer cylinders. 

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Selecting the right check valve for a specific application is essential to achieving optimal performance, reliability, and service life. Here, we will explore the various check valve types and applications to help you decide on the best option for your project.

Important Check Valve Selection Criteria

When selecting a check valve for an application, consider the following:

• Initial Costs:

  Consider the cost of the valve and any installation costs associated with the check valve.

• Maintenance Costs:

  The cost of maintenance or repairs can vary depending on the complexity of the valve. Improper, oversized check valves can add dramatically to life cycle maintenance costs.

• Head Loss and Energy Costs:

  Head loss is a characteristic of check valves determined by the internal valve design and degree of opening. Restriction in the valve opening (compared to the pipeline opening) will result in increased head loss, which can lead to higher energy costs.

• Non-Slam Characteristics:

  Proper valve selection is critical in preventing water hammer and slamming during operation. Consider a check valve that offers compatible closing characteristics to the dynamics of the pumping system.

• Fluid Compatibility:

  Certain valves are designed for different fluid viscosities, sediment, and particles. Select the valve that is compatible with the medium passing through it.

• Sealing Ability:

  Consider the proper sealing for your application, whether it&#;s gas-tight, bubble-tight, or drop-tight sealing.

• Flow Characteristics:

  Every check valve has its distinct flow characteristics. Matching the right characteristics to your needs can minimize the potential for reverse flow or surges on sudden pump shutdown.

• Valve Size and Pressure Rate

  : Check valves come in a variety of sizes and pressure classes. Ensure your valve is sized appropriately for the system&#;s flow rate and can withstand the operating pressure. Undersized or oversized valves may lead to inefficiencies or even system failure.

• Materials Selection

  : Based on certain criteria such as compatibility of the fluid type, temperature, and corrosiveness, material selection is crucial for the reliability of the valve.

• Installation Orientation

  : Consider the orientation of the check valve installation. Some check valves cannot be installed both horizontally or vertically.

• Application Considerations

  : Different applications have unique requirements, such as sanitary standards for food or fire safety for oil and gas. Ensure your check valve complies with any specific industry regulations.

Types of Check Valves and Their Applications

There are several types of check valves designed for distinct applications. Some of the most common check valves include lift, swing, and ball check valves.

Lift Check Valves

Lift check valves are economical, automatic valves with no external moving parts for reliable operation. Specific types of lift check valves include nozzle check valves, in-line check valves, and piston check valves. The main closure mechanism in a lift check valve is typically a disc that lifts off the valve seat when subject to inlet pressure, allowing normal fluid flow past the disc and seat, then through the outlet port. The motion of the disc is guided in a straight line, so the valve can later reseat properly. A spring or gravity moves the disc back into the seat when the upstream fluid pressure drops, stopping the fluid flow. DFT® check valves can be installed in any orientation: horizontal, vertical flow up, or vertical flow down. These types of valves are commonly found in applications where backflow prevention is critical.

Swing 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. This means swing check valves can only be used for horizontal or vertical &#;up&#; lines and are very susceptible to slamming and water hammer. These types of valves are commonly used in wastewater, sewage systems, and predictable flow water pumping applications.

Ball Check Valves

Ball check valves are often very small and simple in that the closing member is a spherical ball and the valve has no external components. The rotation of the ball during operation prevents particles from getting stuck on the ball. Some designs are spring-loaded and some do not have springs, instead relying on reverse flow to move the ball to the seat for sealing. Ball check valves are used in many applications and are often found in liquid or gel mini-pump dispenser spigots, hydraulic systems, and sprayer devices.

Contact Our Experts for Your Check Valve Needs

With many check valve types to suit various applications, it is vital to consider your fluid system&#;s needs when selecting the best check valve. Some of these deciding factors include cost, fluid compatibility, sealing, non-slam characteristics, and installation orientation. DFT® manufactures world-class silent check valves and severe service control valves for critical industries, from oil and gas to food and beverage to wastewater processing. We pride ourselves on collaborating closely with customers to solve their unique challenges. Our check valves are world-renowned for eliminating or preventing water hammer issues in diverse fluid systems. 

Browse our catalog of check valves to find the best product for your system. Additionally, you can download our eBook, Design for Flexibility: Key Considerations to Make When Designing Fluid or Gas Flow Systems. Contact us or request a quote to speak with a specialist about your check valve needs. 

Ball valves are real workhorses in the industrial world. They&#;re like silent heroes, making sure things run smoothly, whether it&#;s keeping water clean or meeting the tough needs of making energy. The demand for these little giants has grown, all because folks want to work smarter and safer. It&#;s a place where every pound per square inch (psi) and each piece of a trunnion counts, and where the rules from ASME are more than just advice&#;they&#;re the rules we live by.

Picking out the best valve manufacturer is super important. It&#;s more than just having a bunch of options like stainless steel or brass; it&#;s about how long they last, if they meet the tough safety rules, and if they&#;re good for all kinds of jobs. Choose wrong, and you might mess up everything. Did you hear that the right valve can even help with keeping the air clean? It might seem small, but when you&#;re in this game, it&#;s the small stuff that matters.So, as we check out the top dogs in ball valve making, keep this in mind: the top ball valve manufacturer is more than just a store. They&#;re the buddy who&#;s got your back through thick and thin.

DomBor Valve: Your Go-To for Top-Notch Ball Valves

DomBor is a name that&#;s become synonymous with top-tier valve making since they kicked off in . They&#;re all about crafting ball valves that aren&#;t just parts&#;they&#;re the lifeline of heavy-duty systems, keeping things safe and efficient no matter the job.

What makes DomBor shine is their killer combo of cutting-edge tech and some seriously skilled folks who know their stuff. They&#;ve got a spread of valves that&#;s sure to cover what you need, from tough carbon steel to versatile PVC, perfect for all sorts of tasks. Their lineup&#;s got it all&#;needle valves, plug valves, and those trusty gate valves&#;each one a slam dunk for finding your perfect match.

Sticking to the rules is DomBor&#;s game, and they play it well. They&#;re ISO-certified, which means every valve, from the simplest hydraulic to the most complex 3-way ball valves, is top-quality. They&#;re not just about hitting the mark; they&#;re about blowing it out of the water, making sure every piece they send out is built to last and handle the heat.

DomBor&#;s all about giving you valves that run like a dream, even when the going gets tough. They&#;re the pals you want on your team when you&#;re looking for valves that&#;ll go the distance.

Quick Look at DomBor Valve:

• They&#;ve been making waves with custom ball valves since .
• Their tech is next-level, and their product range is wide with 5 product lines.
• They&#;re ISO-certified, so you know their stuff&#;s legit.
• A distributor that&#;s got the world covered.
• They&#;re in it to give you the perfect product for any and all jobs.

The Lowdown on Flowserve Ball Valves: Top-Notch Control for Your Flow Needs

Talking power generation, big machines, and tough industry jobs, Flowserve is the name that pops up when you&#;re looking for something that&#;ll last. They make ball valves that are pretty much the superheroes of flow control, built to take on the meanest conditions without breaking a sweat. These guys have been in the game for over 200 years in USA, so they know a thing or two about making valves that don&#;t quit.

Their ball valves? They&#;re all about making sure stuff flows right where it should, even if it&#;s super cold or eats through metal. These valves are tough cookies, thanks to all the smart thinking that goes into them. We&#;re talking about using stuff that doesn&#;t rust, making sure they can&#;t catch fire, and designing them so they seal tighter than a drum.

Flowserve ain&#;t just about ball valves, though. They&#;ve got butterfly valves, actuators, and other flow controllers that are slick at stopping backflow and making sure things shut down safely if stuff hits the fan. They&#;re not just selling you a piece of hardware; they&#;re sticking with you from start to finish, making sure you get what you need.

They&#;ve got a massive team ready to jump in with parts and help, no matter where you are. This means you&#;re never stuck waiting when you need a fix. It&#;s their mix of top-quality valves and their knock-your-socks-off service that&#;s got everyone saying Flowserve is the go-to for keeping things flowing smoothly.

Quick Facts on Flowserve:

• A history that&#;s two centuries deep.
• Team of over 15,000 folks around the globe.
• They&#;ve got valves and seals for days.
• Big on safety, quality, and being kind to the planet.
• Your right-hand man for valves that get the job done.

CNC Flow Control: Your Go-To for Solid Ball Valve Solutions

Deep in the heart of Houston, Texas, CNC Flow Control is making a big splash for folks who need trusty valve solutions that don&#;t mess around. They might be the new kid in town since , but don&#;t let that fool you &#; they&#;ve got years of know-how under their belt, bringing together some top-notch brands to give you the goods. What&#;s their game? Serving up more than just products &#; they&#;re all about giving you the right fix for your flow needs.

At CNC Flow Control, ball valves are the main event. It doesn&#;t matter if you&#;re working with HVAC systems, tough industrial gigs, or the hardcore oil and gas industry&#;these valves are up for it. The company boasts all kinds of valves, like ball valves, check valves, and hand-operated ones, making sure you&#;ve got the exact fit for whatever job you&#;ve got lined up. Their stainless steel ball valves are real champs when it comes to lasting a long time and putting a stop to backflow&#;just what you&#;d expect from a crew serious about quality.

But CNC isn&#;t just throwing valves at you. They get down to brass tacks, figuring out what you need, whether that&#;s staying by your side on big projects or getting you parts pronto when you&#;re in a jam. They&#;ve got a team of tech wizards ready to make sure the valve types you get aren&#;t just pieces; it&#;s a key player in your whole setup working like a dream.

CNC Flow Control&#;s got your back with customer service, a wide range of products, and a rock-solid promise of quality. They&#;re more than just a vendor; they&#;re your ally, making sure your operations are smooth sailing.

CNC Flow Control by the Numbers:

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit ball check valve supplier.

• Home base in Houston, Texas.
• Bringing together a family of top-quality valve brands.
• Wide selection including ball check valves and manual valves.
• Dedicated to ace service and custom-fit valve solutions.
• Your reliable pal for all kinds of industrial valve needs, no matter the industry.

Tylok Ball Valves: Expert Solutions for Your Flow Needs

Since the s, Tylok International, Inc. has been a go-to source for top-notch valve solutions, kicking off with their revolutionary no-flare fittings. Today, they&#;re all about ball valves that meet the nitty-gritty needs of various industries. Proudly made in the USA, their products meet the strictest standards out there.

Tylok&#;s ball valves are all about precision and lasting power, making sure fluids go exactly where they&#;re supposed to in any piping system. These bad boys can shut off in a jiffy, stopping any backflow and keeping your system tight. The GP series ball valves are real crowd-pleasers, coming in stainless steel, carbon steel, and brass to fit whatever job you&#;ve got.

From hooking up instruments to cleaning up water, Tylok&#;s valves are there. They&#;re big on helping customers out, not just with ball valves but with all kinds of fittings and tubes, too. Plus, they&#;re a breeze to take care of, which is a big deal when you can&#;t afford to hit pause on your work.

Tylok&#;s always cooking up something new, making sure their valves and fittings are just what their customers want. With a laser focus on quality and trusty performance, their valves are key players in any industry where control and dependability can&#;t be messed with.

Tylok in a Nutshell:

• Over 66 years of making stuff in the USA to be proud of.
• The brains behind the original fitting that doesn&#;t need a flare.
• A lineup of ball valves that&#;s perfect for both instruments and tough jobs.
• All about high quality products, sticking to the rules, and making customers happy.

Central States Industrial (CSI): Your Partner in Hygienic Flow Control

Central States Industrial (CSI) stands out in the world of process industries, known for their smart solutions and a knack for making things run smoothly and cleanly. They&#;re the wizards who come to the rescue when you&#;ve got a tough nut to crack in your process or waste system. CSI doesn&#;t just fix problems&#;they&#;re all about making things better, faster, and safer, with less fuss down the road.

Their ball valves are the real MVPs here, famous for being easy to handle and keeping things clean in places like food and drink factories, dairies, breweries, and medicine-making. Take the Alfa Laval SBV ball valve&#;it&#;s a superstar because it doesn&#;t slow down your flow, even with thick stuff or bits in your liquid.Then you&#;ve got the QSM Tru-Flo ball valves, which are the new kids on the block for when you need something that can take a lot of action. These valves are smart cookies, cutting down on the headache of upkeep and the cost of making them move. They&#;ve got this cool feature that adjusts itself to avoid leaks, which means they&#;re built to last and won&#;t let you down.

At CSI, helping customers is what they live for. They don&#;t just sell flow control valves; they&#;ve got all the extras and tubes you might need, making sure you&#;ve got everything covered. They&#;re all about giving you sanitary valves that work like a charm and keep things hygienic, no matter what.

CSI Quick Facts:

• Pros at making hygienic processes better and smarter.
• The go-to folks for clean ball valves in all sorts of industries.
• All about value that lasts and helping customers out.
• They&#;ve got all the bits and bobs plus tubes you&#;d need.
• Masters at managing the flow of a fluid in food, beverage, and other industries, keeping it clean and efficient.

Emerson&#;s Expertise in Crafting Durable Ball Valves for Industrial Applications

Emerson shines in the industrial sector, offering key solutions for the intricate networks of modern facilities. They&#;re at the forefront of innovation, designing ball valves that ensure precise and enduring control of liquid flow in industrial settings. These valves aren&#;t just items on a shelf; they represent Emerson&#;s pledge to a more efficient, secure, and eco-friendly planet.

When it comes to managing flow of liquids, Emerson&#;s ball valves are tough and versatile. Whether you need a full-port ball valve for a clear path or a reduced-port one for less flow, they&#;ve got the perfect fit. Their pneumatic valves bring automation to the table, making for swift and dependable operation, keeping systems up and running without a hitch.

Emerson&#;s valves are synonymous with resilience. Built to face the toughest conditions, they come with options like attenuators to handle the roar and shake of high-pressure drops. Such meticulous engineering ensures these valves don&#;t just work under stress but also last for years to come.

Top-notch customer service is a key part of Emerson&#;s strategy. They get that every industrial job has its hurdles, and their crew is on standby to kit you out with the right accessories and help to craft a solution that&#;s valuable in the long run. Opting for Emerson means picking an ally who&#;s got your back, making sure your systems are protected from reverse flow, and more.

Quick Look at Emerson:

• A leader in industrial ball valve innovation.
• A diverse valve lineup, including pneumatic, globe, and ball types.
• Focused on delivering lasting value and standout customer service.
• Ready with all the extras and support for total flow control solutions.
• Committed to making valves that ace the test of durability and productivity.

KDV: Crafting Tough Valves for Every Job

Since &#;79, KDV has grown from its Melbourne roots to a global valve provider. They&#;re all about tackling wear and tear from corrosion and rough materials. KDV is the spot for pros needing dependable valves. They&#;ve got a solid lineup, especially their ball valves and diaphragm valves, built to get the job done right.

KDV&#;s ball valves are all about options, coming in 1, 2, and 3 piece setups for all kinds of work, like mining or water treatment. They don&#;t miss a beat, picking tough materials and offering PFA-lined ones for the super harsh stuff. These valves are made to last, giving you great performance without a lot of fuss over time.

You can work these ball valves your way, either by hand with a lockable lever or automated for pinpoint control. KDV&#;s got all the gadgets you might need, like switches to tell you when it&#;s on or off and signs to show you which way the valve&#;s pointing.

KDV is big on helping their customers out. They don&#;t just sell you a valve; they give you a full setup with all the bells and whistles you need, plus help whenever you need it. KDV&#;s friendly advice and valve know-how make them your go-to for controlling flow.

Quick Look at KDV:

• Family business with a worldwide impact.
• Known for tough valves that stand up to corrosion and rough stuff.
• Wide valve selection, including diaphragm and globe valves.
• Puts quality, innovation, and lasting value first.
• Ready to roll with full solutions for loads of industrial tasks.

Keckley Company: Crafting Top-Quality Ball Valves for All Uses

Keckley Company has nailed it in making top-notch valves and strainers for over 100 years. Started in , this family-run biz has worked its way up to becoming a go-to for those who want nothing but the best. They&#;ve been around the block, proving their worth time and again with service and gear that lasts.

When you&#;re talking ball valves, Keckley&#;s got the game down. They pay extra attention to the nitty-gritty, making valves that pass tough standards like ASME B16.34 and API 608. They even got ahead of the curve with eco-friendly creds by meeting the API 641 Fugitive Emissions Standard. Keckley&#;s ball valves aren&#;t just about being tough&#;they&#;re about leading the pack with responsibility to the planet.

These valves are ready for anything, fitting into all sorts of jobs, from precise instrument work to the hardcore demands of industrial setups. They use chrome on their balls for that extra muscle and provide various bore sizes for whatever job you&#;ve got lined up. It&#;s clear Keckley makes valves that keep on ticking, no matter where you use them.

Keckley&#;s not just about making solid products; they&#;re all about their people too. They build a place where work feels like a craft, turning out valves that carry their mark of trust and supreme quality.Quick Peek at Keckley:

• A century&#;s track record of making kick-butt valves.
• Ball valves that hit the highest marks for quality and safety.
• A lineup of accessories to fit a whole bunch of needs.
• Big on value that goes the distance and keeping Earth clean.
• Your reliable pal for valves, serving up quality for industries all over.

Valtorc International: Top-Notch Ball Valves for All Uses

Valtorc International really shines when it comes to providing the control and valve industry with a wide selection of first class solenoid valve solutions and more. They focus on delivering products that meet the high expectations of their premium customers, ensuring each product has enduring quality. Their ball valves are a prime example, offering reliable service that stands up to tests of time.

Valtorc is serious about their ball valves. They&#;ve got a sturdy lineup including stainless steel, carbon steel, PVC, brass, and other options. These valves are up for the challenge in a range of sizes, from the handy 1/4&#; to the massive 36&#;. They&#;re not just about variety in size, though; these valves are made for all sorts of jobs, making sure that whatever your task, there&#;s a Valtorc valve ready to tackle it.

These ball valves are put through the wringer to make sure they can take on pressures from 150 to 6,000PSI, showing they&#;re tough enough for any industrial challenge. They&#;re also built with the right orientation in mind, much like the side of a spring check valve, so they slide into your system smoothly. Need to automate? Valtorc&#;s over 30 years of expertise mean they can make those valves move just the way you want.

Valtorc isn&#;t just in the business of selling valves&#;they&#;re about providing the whole experience. They back their products with legendary customer service, making sure you&#;re all set after your purchase. With their professional team ready to assist, they&#;re there to ensure you get the perfect valve for your specific needs, and they&#;ll get it to you fast.

Valtorc International Quick Look:

• A leading force in valve production and automation.
• A broad variety of ball valves suitable for diverse applications.
• Dedicated to delivering high-caliber products with long lasting value.
• Known for exceptional customer support and speedy delivery.
• Guarantees the right fit and easy installation for seamless use.

GWC Italia: Top-Choice Ball Valves for the Big Leagues

GWC Italia has made a big splash as a top dog in North America for making and getting out some really awesome ball valves. They&#;ve set up shop in Bakersfield, California, and Houston, Texas, and are all about getting their goods out to folks in both the U.S. and Canada, with a special shout-out to the Midstream and Upstream crowds. These guys have a lineup that&#;s got everything from ball to gate to globe and check valves, ready for whatever the industry throws at them.

Now, let&#;s talk about their ball valves, because they&#;re kind of a big deal. Made for jobs that need things just right and built to take a beating, GWC Italia&#;s valves are perfect whether you&#;re dealing with tubing, all those gauges and meters, or the big industrial scene. They&#;ve made sure their valves fit just right and won&#;t give you a headache when you&#;re hooking them up. The Trunnion Mounted Ball Valve and Floating Ball Valve series they&#;ve got are made with the user in mind; you can pick full or reduced bore options, and they go both ways (we&#;re talking bi-directional, folks). That&#;s why the cream of the crop customers who need things moving smoothly and steadily go for them.

Quality is king at GWC Italia, and they play the game well, making sure all the bits and pieces they use are top-notch and don&#;t take forever to get. With buddies in Europe and Asia to back up their North American making-things magic, they&#;ve got a powerhouse team for getting their valves out there.

GWC Italia&#;s game plan and play-by-play is all about being the valve guys you can rely on the most. They&#;re big on taking charge of making sure things go off without a hitch, teaming up to hit those targets, and keeping the talk going, so they&#;re always upping their game.

GWC Italia Quick Facts:

• A big name in making and moving ball valves in North America.
• Got a killer range of valves for all kinds of industry plays.
• Put a premium on top-tier materials and getting them where they need to go.
• All about wowing customers with service and staying ahead of the curve with their products.
• Shooting to be the go-to guys for ball valves worldwide.

Warping up: Where to Find the Best Ball Valves?

Wrapping up our dive into the leading ball valve producers, it&#;s pretty clear how vital it is to pick the right one for your company&#;s success and good name. To know more about ball valve, check out our complete guide to ball valve for comprehensive insights. For those in the B2B world, it&#;s key to work with folks who don&#;t just have valves for all sorts of jobs, from the simple tasks to the fancy ones with just one entry point, but who also get how crucial things like instrumentation and proper orientation are, especially for those top-tier customers. Take for example, a maker that dishes out single inlet valves that are almost perfect in performance; they don&#;t just make things run smoothly; they also bump up your brand&#;s rep as a solid player in the market. Going for a manufacturer that&#;s all about sharp accuracy and fresh ideas isn&#;t just shopping for a part; it&#;s a smart move for your brand&#;s future, ensuring you stand out for all the right reasons.

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