Check Valves

Check valves, also known as non-return valves, play a crucial role in ensuring the unidirectional flow of fluids in pipelines, thereby preventing the detrimental effects of backflow. These valves are pivotal in various industrial and commercial applications, ranging from water systems to complex industrial processes.

Introduction

Check Valves by John Valves

John Valves, a prominent Australian company, specialises in designing and producing a wide array of check valves, each tailored to meet specific operational needs and industry standards. Their portfolio includes bronze swing check valves, vertical lift check valves, piston check valves, and cast iron ball check valves.

Each type of valve boasts unique features and functionalities, making them suitable for different environments and applications. Understanding the significance of check valves in maintaining the efficiency and safety of fluid systems is vital.

This overview delves into the diverse range of check valves offered by John Valves, highlighting their design, functionality, and application areas, providing a comprehensive understanding of their role in modern piping systems.

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Check Valve Products

Metal Seated, Swing Check
Item Details
Body Material
Bronze
Body Coating
-
Trim
Bronze
Pressure Range
PN21
Size Range
DN15-DN100
Flange Connection
-
End Connection
BSPF
Options
-
Metal Seated, Swing Check
Item Details
Body Material
Bronze
Body Coating
-
Trim
Bronze
Pressure Range
PN21
Size Range
DN50-DN600
Flange Connection
AS2129 Table D & E / ANSI
End Connection
-
Options
-
Metal Seated, Swing Check
Item Details
Body Material
Cast Iron
Body Coating
-
Trim
Bronze
Pressure Range
PN14
Size Range
DN50-DN600
Flange Connection
AS2129 Table D & E / ANSI
End Connection
-
Options
Lever & Weight / Expoxy Coating
Metal Seated, Swing Check
Item Details
Body Material
Spheroidal Graphite Ductile Iron
Body Coating
-
Trim
Bronze
Pressure Range
PN16 - PN21 - PN35
Size Range
DN50-DN750
Flange Connection
AS 4087 / AS 2129 Table E, F & H / ANSI
End Connection
-
Options
Lever & Weight / Limited Switch / Position Indicator / Guard Cage / Epoxy Coating
Bronze Swing Check Valves

Ideal for non-return functions in pipelines, these valves are compatible with both horizontal and vertical orientations. Designed for water and other non-corrosive fluids, adhering to Australian Standard AS1628. They ensure low turbulence & minimal pressure drop.

Vertical Lift Check Valves

These are specialised for horizontal pipelines, operating automatically in response to line pressure. Their design is particularly aligned with globe valves, as they restrict flow. This feature makes them a suitable choice for systems where flow control and direction are critical.

Piston Check Valves

Constructed with stainless steel discs and seats, these valves boast precision-lapped faces for enhanced sealing. Their design focuses on ease of maintenance and effective pressure-tight sealing. Primarily used in situations where reliable sealing and maintenance simplicity are required,.

Cast Iron Ball Check Valves

These valves employ a ball mechanism for flow control and are notably effective in handling viscous media, such as sewage. Designed for durability and low maintenance requirements, they are adaptable for both horizontal and vertical use, making them a robust choice for a variety of challenging environments.

Excellence in the Design & Engineering

These valves are meticulously crafted for effective backflow prevention, ensuring reliable unidirectional flow. Their robust construction enables them to withstand challenging conditions while maintaining exceptional performance.

The design of our check valves stands out for its versatility and efficiency, suited for various applications ranging from industrial processes to domestic systems. Our range includes diverse types like swing, lift, piston, and ball check valves, each engineered for specific scenarios and operational demands.

Central to the functionality of check valves is their contribution to system integrity and safety, meeting stringent industry standards. This excellence directly results from our dedication to research and development, driven by a customer-centric approach that continuously seeks to enhance our offerings.

Operation Mechanism

The operation mechanism of John Valves’ butterfly valves is ingeniously simple yet highly effective, embodying the principles of efficient design and functionality. At the heart of each valve is a disc that rotates on a diametrical axis within the pipe.

This disc is connected to an actuator or a handle outside the valve, facilitating a quarter-turn rotational movement. This design allows for rapid opening and closing, offering precise control over the fluid flow with minimal effort. The quarter-turn motion ensures quick responsiveness and significantly reduces wear and tear, enhancing the valve’s longevity.

The sealing mechanism, where the disc meets the valve body, is meticulously crafted to ensure a tight seal, preventing leaks and ensuring reliable operation under various pressure conditions. This operational simplicity and robust construction make our butterfly valves a preferred choice for multiple applications, from industrial fluid management to commercial systems.

803 Ball Valve

Advantages of Check Valves

  • Backflow Prevention
    The primary function of these valves is to prevent the reverse flow of fluids. This is essential in maintaining the system’s integrity and protecting sensitive equipment upstream.
  • Automatic Operation
    These valves operate automatically, responding to the flow dynamics within the pipe. This feature eliminates manual intervention or external control mechanisms, ensuring efficient and hassle-free operation.
  • Versatility
    The range of check valves offered by John Valves, including swing, lift, piston, and ball check valves, are designed to suit various applications. This versatility makes them suitable for multiple environments, from harsh industrial settings to delicate residential systems.
  • Durability and Reliability
    Built to withstand challenging conditions, these valves boast robust construction. This durability ensures long-term reliability and reduces the need for frequent maintenance or replacements.
  • Efficient Flow Management
    The design of these valves facilitates efficient flow management. Allowing fluid to flow in only one direction helps maintain consistent pressure and flow within the system.
  • Minimal Maintenance
    Given their simple yet effective design, these valves require minimal maintenance. This aspect is particularly beneficial in reducing operational costs and downtime.
  • Safety and Protection 
    By preventing backflow, these valves play a crucial role in safeguarding the system against potential hazards, such as water hammer or contamination, enhancing overall safety.

Industry Uses

The diverse use of check valves across these industries underscores their importance in ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable flow control in a multitude of applications. Their ability to adapt to different environmental conditions and fluid properties makes them indispensable in modern industrial and commercial operations.

Industries that commonly utilise check valves include:

Oil and Gas Industry​

The oil and gas sector relies heavily on check valves for the safe and efficient transport of fluids. These valves are vital in pipelines, pumps, and refineries to prevent backflow and maintain pressure integrity.

Chemical Processing​

In the chemical industry, where the safe handling of various chemicals is paramount, check valves prevent the reverse flow of potentially hazardous materials, ensuring safe and controlled processing environments.

Water and Wastewater Treatment​

In these industries, check valves are essential for preventing backflow and maintaining the direction of water flow. This is particularly important in processes involving treatment and purification, where contamination must be avoided.

Food and Beverage Manufacturing​

Check valves are used to control the flow of liquids and ingredients, ensuring hygiene and preventing contamination in food and beverage processing lines.

Pharmaceuticals

In pharmaceutical manufacturing, maintaining purity and preventing contamination is essential. Check valves are used to ensure directional flow of liquids and gases, preventing cross-contamination.

Marine & Ship Building

Check valves are integral in managing ballast water, fuel systems, and firefighting systems on ships, ensuring safety and operational efficiency.

Mining & Minerals

Robust for In mining operations, these valves are used in slurry and dewatering systems to ensure efficient and reliable fluid control under challenging conditions.handling abrasive slurries and process control in mining operations.

HVAC Systems​

In heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, check valves play a key role in maintaining pressure and preventing backflow in cooling and heating lines.

Latest Articles

Frequently Asked Valve Questions

If would like to know more, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer your questions.

A check valve, or a non-return valve or one-way valve, is a pivotal component in fluid control systems. This mechanical device is designed to regulate the directional flow of fluids, be it liquid or gas, within pipelines and piping systems.

The key characteristic of a check valve lies in its ability to permit the passage of fluid in one designated direction while steadfastly impeding any backflow, thereby preventing the reverse movement of the fluid.
The operational principle of a check valve is centred around a movable element within the valve body, which response to the differential pressure across the valve.

Depending on the specific check valve type, this movable element may take various forms, such as a swinging disc, a hinged flap, a tilting disc, a ball, or other mechanisms. When the fluid flow exerts pressure in the intended direction, the check valve opens, allowing unimpeded passage. However, when there is an attempt at reverse flow, the valve promptly closes, creating a barrier that obstructs any backflow and maintains the integrity of the desired fluid direction.

This essential functionality finds application across various industries, ranging from water treatment and distribution to oil and gas pipelines, chemical processing plants, and HVAC systems. The check valve’s role is particularly critical in preventing issues such as water hammer, which can occur when there is a sudden cessation of fluid flow, leading to potentially damaging pressure surges.

The versatility of check valves is underscored by their compatibility with a diverse array of fluids and their ability to function effectively in a wide range of temperatures and pressures. The selection of a specific type of check valve depends on factors such as the flow rate, the nature of the fluid, the system’s pressure conditions, and the intended application.

Check valves embody diverse designs, each employing distinct mechanisms to facilitate unidirectional fluid flow while preventing undesirable backflow. The core principle behind their operation involves utilising specialised components that respond to variations in fluid pressure, ensuring a seamless and controlled directional flow. Check valves employ three common mechanisms: the swinging disc, hinged flap, and spring-loaded configurations.

  1. Swinging Disc Mechanism:
    • A disc or plate is affixed to a hinge within the valve body in check valves featuring a swinging disc mechanism. The hinge allows the disc to swing freely, responding to the force exerted by the fluid flow. When the pressure in the intended direction surpasses a certain threshold, the swinging disc pivots, enabling the fluid to flow unimpeded. Conversely, during attempts at backflow, the disc swiftly swings back into a closed position, forming a barrier that prevents reverse fluid movement.
  1. Hinged Flap Mechanism:
    • Hinged flap check valves utilise a flat or curved flap attached to a hinge point within the valve assembly. The flap opens as the fluid flows in the desired direction, permitting unrestricted passage. However, when the reverse flow is initiated, the flap promptly pivots and sits against the valve’s opening, effectively obstructing any backflow. This hinge-and-flap arrangement ensures a reliable and efficient means of preventing undesired fluid reversal.
  1. Spring-Loaded Mechanism:
    • Check valves with a spring-loaded mechanism incorporate a spring within the valve body, working with a movable component such as a disc or poppet. The spring applies force to keep the valve closed by default. When fluid flow occurs in the intended direction, the pressure overcomes the spring force, allowing the valve to open and permit the flow. Once the flow diminishes or attempts at backflow arise, the spring promptly closes the valve, maintaining the unidirectional flow control.

Each of these mechanisms offers specific advantages depending on the application’s requirements. The choice between them is influenced by factors such as the fluid characteristics, pressure conditions, and the need for quick response or tight sealing. Regardless of the mechanism employed, the overarching purpose remains consistent: to regulate fluid flow precisely, allowing for optimal system performance while preventing the unwanted consequences of reverse flow.

Diverse industrial applications necessitate various check valve designs, each tailored to specific operational requirements. The selection of a check valve type is influenced by factors such as the nature of the fluid, pressure conditions, flow rates, and system constraints. Here, we delve into the characteristics of several common types of check valves:

Swing Check Valves:

  • Swing check valves feature a hinged disc inside the valve body. The disc swings freely on a hinge, allowing fluid to flow in one direction. When backflow is attempted, the disc swings back and seals the valve. Ideal for applications where low-pressure drop is acceptable and a reliable check valve is needed for horizontal installations.

Lift Check Valves:

  • Lift check valves have a disc or piston-like element that lifts off its seat when fluid flows in the desired direction. The valve closes under the influence of gravity when backflow is detected. Suitable for vertical installations where the flow characteristics may benefit from a design that allows the disc to lift against gravity during forward flow.

Tilting Disc Check Valves:

  • Tilting disc check valves employ a disc that pivots on a hinge. As fluid flows forward, the disc tilts to allow passage. When backflow occurs, the disc returns to a closed position, preventing reverse flow. Often used in high-pressure systems where a quick response to changing flow conditions is crucial.

Ball Check Valves:

  • Ball check valves feature a spherical ball inside the valve body. The ball moves away from the seat during forward flow, permitting fluid passage. Upon backflow, the ball returns to its seat, preventing reverse flow. Suited for applications with low to moderate flow rates and where a quick response to changing flow conditions is essential.

Dual Plate Check Valves:

  • Dual plate check valves consist of two plates hinged in the centre. The plates open during forward flow, providing an unobstructed pathway. When backflow is detected, the plates close, preventing reverse flow.  Often preferred in high-pressure and high-velocity systems due to their compact design and reduced pressure drop.

Each check valve type is engineered to address specific challenges and meet the demands of particular applications. Understanding their distinct features empowers engineers and system designers to make informed choices, ensuring that the selected check valve aligns with the operational requirements of the fluid control system in which it is deployed.