What is the Difference Between a Lift Check Valve and a Stop Check Valve?

1 Introduction

In industrial piping systems, selecting the right valve is critical to ensure safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Among the many valve types, the lift check valve and the stop check valve are two commonly compared options because of their similar design yet different functions. While both prevent backflow, their applications vary depending on system requirements. Leading manufacturers such as LIXIN have developed high-quality solutions, including the LIXIN Lift Check series, to meet the needs of industries like petroleum, chemical processing, electric power, and water treatment. With its focus on innovation and global service, LIXIN Lift Check Company provides durable valve products trusted worldwide.

2 What Is a Lift Check Valve?

A lift check valve is a type of check valve that prevents reverse flow in pipelines. It operates by using a disc or piston that moves vertically within a guide. When forward flow pressure is sufficient, the disc lifts off the seat, allowing flow to pass. When flow reverses, gravity and back pressure push the disc back onto the seat, effectively preventing backflow.

There are several variants of lift check valves, including:

• Piston lift check valve – provides tight sealing and is suitable for high-pressure applications.

• Vertical lift check valve – designed for vertical pipelines where fluid flow naturally aids in disc operation.

• Lift check valve KITZ – a popular brand offering durable valves widely used in petrochemical and industrial plants.

Typical lift check valve applications include oil refineries, power generation systems, water treatment facilities, and chemical processing plants. Engineers often consult a lift check valve catalogue when selecting the right size and material based on system requirements.

3 What Is a Stop Check Valve?

A stop check valve combines the functions of a check valve and a globe valve. Like a check valve, it allows flow in one direction and prevents reverse flow. However, it also includes a handwheel or actuator, enabling manual closure regardless of flow conditions. This dual function makes it highly versatile in applications where both automatic backflow prevention and manual isolation are required.

Stop check valves are often used in boiler systems, steam lines, and high-pressure applications where operational flexibility is critical. Their ability to act as both a safety device and a manual control valve makes them an essential component in many industries.

4 9 Differences Between a Lift Check Valve and a Stop Check Valve

4-1 Working Principle

• Lift check valve: Operates automatically based on flow pressure and gravity.

• Stop check valve: Functions automatically but can also be manually controlled using a handwheel or actuator.

4-2 Installation Guidelines

• Lift check valve: Must be installed in horizontal or vertical positions depending on type (horizontal for piston type, vertical for vertical lift type).

• Stop check valve: Offers more installation flexibility, but proper alignment is crucial to maintain both check and stop functions.

4-3 Application Examples

• Lift check valve applications: Oil refineries, chemical plants, water treatment facilities, and power stations.

• Stop check valve applications: Boilers, steam lines, and high-pressure industrial processes where manual isolation is necessary.

4-4 Fluid Dynamics (Flow Performance)

• Lift check valve: Provides smooth flow with minimal turbulence, but may cause higher pressure drop.

• Stop check valve: Slightly more restrictive due to globe-valve style design, leading to higher energy loss compared to lift check valves.

4-5 Valve Size & Weight

• Lift check valve: Generally smaller and lighter, easier to install in compact piping systems.

• Stop check valve: Bulkier due to the handwheel and additional components.

4-6 Operational Flexibility

• Lift check valve: Generally smaller and lighter, easier to install in compact piping systems.

• Stop check valve: Bulkier due to the handwheel and additional components.

4-7 Energy Efficiency & Pressure Drop

• Lift check valve: Better energy efficiency, lower pressure drop compared to stop check valves.

• Stop check valve: Higher pressure drop due to more complex flow path.

4-8 Reliability & Failure Modes

• Lift check valve: Fewer moving parts, simple design, less prone to mechanical failure.

• Stop check valve: More complex, potential wear in manual operating mechanism, but provides redundancy in system control.

4-9 Regulatory & Code Requirements

• Lift check valve: Commonly required in systems needing automatic backflow prevention.

• Stop check valve: Often mandated in boiler codes and steam system regulations for safety.

5 Lift Check Valve VS Stop Check Valve

6 Conclusion

The choice between a lift check valve and a stop check valve comes down to system needs—lift check valves offer simple and efficient backflow prevention, while stop check valves add manual control for greater flexibility.LIXIN provides reliable solutions worldwide, with the LIXIN Lift Check series designed for durability and efficiency. Backed by innovation and quality, LIXIN Lift Check Company ensures safe and dependable valve products for diverse industries.