Swing Check Valves versus Spring Check Valves

Jul. 29, 2021

Swing check valves are by far the most common check valve in many industry. They are usually the lower cost solution and are effective in most cases; however, it is important to understand the difference between a swing check valve and a spring check valve. Don't get confused!

In this article, we will cover some of the basic differences between these two types of straight-through check valves, as well as some of the advantages of using a spring-loaded check valve over a swing-open check valve.

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The difference between swing check valves and spring check valves

The valve flap in a swing check valve 'swings' off the seat to allow forward flow and swings back onto the seat when flow stops. In contrast, a spring-loaded check valve contains a spring to assist in closing the check valve.

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● Direction of installation

Swing check valves are limited in the direction of installation. Swing check valves can only be installed in horizontally oriented applications, which greatly limits the direction of installation. While swing check valves do provide greater flow (assuming the valve is fully open and has a greater CV), they are not always suitable for existing piping configurations. On the other hand, spring-loaded check valves can be installed in any flow direction if the proper spring is selected.

So if you have a skid mounted system, challenging spaces, or even unique piping orientations, choosing a spring check valve with the correct spring setting (aka spring break pressure) creates more possibilities for finding the right solution for your particular pumping system.

● Minimize the water hammer

Spring check valves will help minimize the water hammer effect, which can be exacerbated by swing check valves. Any water hammer effect present in a piping system is likely to be amplified by a swing check valve.

Let's consider this basic example to explain the concept of water hammer: Suppose you have a pipeline with water and you have a check valve. Downstream of that check valve, you have a quarter-turn ball valve (this is one of the most common types of control valves used for smaller pipe sizes). Suppose water is flowing and someone suddenly closes the quarter-turn ball valve. This creates a pressure wave that flows through the pipe - this is called water hammer. Specifically for a swing check valve, the flap on that valve will be open until that pressure wave returns to the swing check valve. The pressure wave causes the valve flap to slam shut, which is easy to hear and causes excessive wear on swing check valves and other piping system components. Conversely, a spring-loaded check valve will help reduce and, in some cases, eliminate the effects of water hammer.

How? When we think of that same pressure wave that closes a swing check valve, the spring in the spring check valve closes before the pressure wave reaches it. Considered the "silent check valve," the spring check valve uses a spring to assist the spool in closing the check valve before the fluid flow reverses.

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