Category: Industry News

1 Introduction

In industrial piping systems, check valves are vital for preventing reverse flow and ensuring safe operation. Two of the most common types are the Wafer Check Valve and the Swing Check Valve. Although they serve the same purpose, their design, performance, and applications differ. To meet these needs, LIXIN Wafer Check Valve offers a compact, reliable, and internationally certified solution. In this guide, we’ll explain the difference between wafer and swing check valve to help you choose the right option.

2 What Is a Wafer Check Valve?

 

 

A Wafer Check Valve, also called a wafer style check valve or wafer type check valve, is a compact, lightweight valve that fits neatly between two pipe flanges. Instead of using a bulky body, its slim profile allows for space-saving installation without compromising performance.

Key features of a check valve wafer type include:

• A disc or dual-plate mechanism that opens with forward flow and closes instantly to prevent backflow.

• Compatibility with flanged wafer check valve connections for quick installation.

• Minimal maintenance due to fewer moving parts.

Because of these advantages, wafer valves are popular in HVAC systems, water treatment plants, chemical processing, and marine industries. Many wafer check valve manufacturers, such as LIXIN, offer solutions that comply with international certifications like ISO9001:2016 and CE standards, ensuring durability and global reliability.

3 What Is a Swing Check Valve?

 

 

A Swing Check Valve operates using a hinged disc (or flapper) that swings open when fluid flows forward and swings shut when flow reverses. This is simple yet effective design makes it widely used in large-volume and low-pressure-drop applications.

Key characteristics include:

• A heavier and bulkier body compared to wafer swing check valves.

• A metal-to-metal or resilient seat that seals against backflow.

• Typically installed in horizontal piping systems for optimal performance.

Swing check valves are common in oil & gas pipelines, water distribution networks, and power generation plants, where their durability and high-capacity handling make them indispensable.

4 10 Differences Between a Wafer Check Valve and a Swing Check Valve

4-1 Design and Working Principle

• Wafer Check Valve (wafer style check valve): Uses a disc or dual-plate mechanism that opens when fluid flows forward and closes instantly once flow reverses. The slim, compact body fits between flanges, making it a space-saving solution.

• Swing Check Valve: Operates with a hinged disc that swings open with flow and swings shut against the seat when backflow occurs. Its design is bulkier and heavier, requiring more installation space.

4-2 Performance Comparison

• Wafer type check valve: Provides quick closure, reducing the risk of reverse flow and water hammer. It performs well in systems with frequent flow fluctuations.

• Swing check valve: Offers steady performance in pipelines with consistent, high-volume flow, though its slower closure makes it less effective in surge-sensitive systems.

4-3 Materials and Sealing

• Wafer style check valve: Commonly manufactured in stainless steel, cast iron, and duplex alloys, with options for resilient seals (EPDM, NBR, Viton) to enhance leak-tightness.

• Swing type check valve: Typically made from cast iron, carbon steel, or bronze, with either metal-to-metal sealing or soft-seat options. More suitable for rugged industrial conditions like oil and gas.

4-4 Installation and Orientation

• Check valve wafer type: Can be installed horizontally or vertically, offering flexibility for space-limited systems.

• Swing check valve: Best suited for horizontal pipelines. Vertical installation is possible but may compromise performance depending on flow direction.

4-5 Typical Applications

• Wafer swing check valve: Used in HVAC systems, desalination plants, water treatment, chemical processing, and shipbuilding, where space-saving and quick shutoff are key.

• Swing check valve: Common in oil refineries, municipal water supply, irrigation, and power generation, where large-diameter pipelines and long-term durability are more important.

4-6 Maintenance and Troubleshooting

• Wafer check valve: Requires minimal maintenance due to fewer moving parts. Inspection is easier, and downtime is reduced.

• Swing check valve: The hinge pin and disc are subject to wear, requiring periodic checks, lubrication, or replacement. This makes it slightly more maintenance-intensive.

4-7 Flow Dynamics and Response Time

• Wafer vs swing check valve: Wafer types close faster, reducing the risk of flow reversal and hydraulic shocks. Their streamlined design minimizes turbulence.

• Swing check valve: The disc’s swinging motion causes slower closure, which may lead to water hammer in high-pressure systems.

4-8 Energy Efficiency Considerations

• Wafer type check valve: Its short stroke length and light disc result in lower pressure drop, improving overall system energy efficiency.

• Swing type check valve: The swinging disc introduces more resistance, which translates to higher energy loss over time.

4-9 Standard Compliance and Certifications

• LIXIN Wafer Check Valve: Manufactured under ISO9001:2016 and CE certifications, exported to more than 40 countries, trusted for consistent performance.

• Swing check valve: Compliance depends on manufacturers; some offer API, ANSI, or DIN standard products, but quality can vary.

4-10 Noise and Vibration

• Wafer type vs swing type check valve: Wafer valves close quickly and smoothly, reducing noise, vibration, and risk of slamming. This makes them suitable for quiet operation environments.

• Swing check valve: The swinging motion and slower closure may cause audible vibrations and slamming, especially in turbulent or high-velocity pipelines.

 

5 Wafer Check Valve VS Swing Check Valve

 

 

Aspect	Wafer Check Valve	Swing Check Valve
Design	Slim, compact, installed between flanges (wafer/lug type), disc may be spring-assisted	Larger body with hinged disc swinging on a pivot, requires more space
Size & Weight	Lightweight, space-saving	Heavy, bulky, requires clearance
Flow Path & Pressure Drop	Narrower passage → slightly higher pressure drop	Wider passage → lower pressure drop
Closure Speed	Fast closure (especially spring-loaded), reduces backflow and water hammer	Slower closure, more prone to water hammer
Flow Capacity	Suitable for small–medium pipelines	Better for large flow and large-diameter pipelines
Water Hammer Risk	Low	Higher, unless dampers are added
Tolerance to Solids	Less tolerant of debris, may clog	More tolerant, handles dirty fluids and particles better
Installation Orientation	Horizontal or vertical (upward flow); spring-loaded types work in multiple orientations	Best in horizontal; vertical only with upward flow
Maintenance	Compact but harder to service (requires pipe disassembly)	Easy to open, inspect, and repair
Material Options	Cast iron, ductile iron, stainless steel, alloys; soft or metal seat	Wide range of materials; suitable for high-pressure/high-temp services
Pressure & Temperature Rating	Typically low–medium (PN10–PN40 / Class 150–300)	Available in higher ratings (Class 600, 900, or higher)
Standards	API 594, EN 12334, ISO	API 6D, ASME B16.34, DIN
Energy Efficiency	Slightly less efficient due to higher pressure drop	More efficient in large systems (lower pump power demand)
Noise & Vibration	Quieter, less slamming; risk of flutter if misapplied	May generate slam noise/vibration on closure
Cost	Lower initial cost, economical for compact systems	Higher cost, but longer service life in heavy-duty applications
Industries	HVAC, chemical lines, compact systems, shipbuilding	Oil & gas pipelines, power plants, municipal water supply
Best For	Space-limited, weight-sensitive systems, quick closure needed	Large-diameter pipelines, easy maintenance, dirty or abrasive fluids

6 Conclusion

 

In fluid control systems, selecting the appropriate check valve is crucial for efficiency and safety. Wafer Check Valves and Swing Check Valves each have distinct advantages and limitations.

• Wafer type check valves are suitable for compact installations, fast closure, and applications where minimizing backflow or water hammer is important.

• Swing check valves are better for large-diameter pipelines, high-volume flow, and scenarios where durability and simplicity of design are prioritized.

When deciding between wafer vs swing check valve, engineers should consider factors such as flow characteristics, pressure drop, installation orientation, maintenance requirements, and material compatibility. Solutions like the LIXIN Wafer Check Valve demonstrate how modern wafer-type designs can provide reliable performance, compliance with international standards, and flexibility across a variety of industrial applications.

 

1 Introduction

A Lift Check Valve is one of the most reliable solutions to prevent backflow in industrial fluid systems. Known for its strong sealing performance, durability, and suitability in high-pressure applications, the lift type check valve is widely used in industries ranging from petroleum and chemical processing to power generation and water treatment. In this comprehensive guide, we will explain the definition, working principle, types, applications, and selection criteria of lift check valves, and why choosing a trusted manufacturer like LIXIN can make a difference for your business.

2 What is a Lift Check Valve?

2-1 Definition

A lift type check valve (also called check valve lift type) is a non-return valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction while automatically preventing reverse flow. It is commonly installed in high-pressure and clean fluid systems to protect pumps, compressors, and pipelines from damage caused by backflow.

2-2 Operating Principle

The valve works automatically without external force:

• Forward flow : When inlet pressure exceeds cracking pressure, the disc, or piston, lifts off the seat, allowing fluid to pass.

• Reverse flow : When pressure drops or reverses, the disc falls back onto the seat, ensuring tight sealing.

This simple but effective design makes the piston lift type check valve highly reliable for critical operations.

2-3 Main Features and Advantages

• Automatic operation with no actuator required.

• Excellent sealing to prevent backflow.

• Durable design suitable for high-pressure and high-temperature systems.

• Versatile installation : supports both horizontal and vertical lift check valve installation.

• Low maintenance requirements compared to swing check valves.

2-4 Application Scenarios

• Petroleum & Chemical Industry – fluid control in pipelines.

• Electric Power Plants – steam and cooling water systems.

• Mining & Metallurgy – slurry and processing lines.

• Pharmaceutical & Food – clean fluid applications.

• Water Treatment & Sewage Systems – reliable backflow prevention.

2-5 Potential Disadvantages

• Higher pressure drop compared to swing check valves.

• Not suitable for slurry or dirty fluids (risk of clogging).

• Limited to relatively smaller pipe sizes compared to swing type.

 

3 Types of Lift Check Valve

3-1 Piston Lift Type Check Valve

The check valve piston type lift uses a piston as the closure element. It is ideal for steam and gas systems, offering excellent sealing and durability. Many piston lift type check valve manufacturers, including LIXIN, design these valves to meet international standards.

3-2 Ball Lift Type Check Valve

This type employs a spherical ball as the disc. Best for low-pressure and clean fluid systems, it offers simple operation and easy maintenance.

3-3 Vertical Lift Check Valve

Specially designed for vertical lift check valve vertical installation, this type is ideal for upward flow applications. Gravity assists in disc closure, making it efficient in preventing reverse flow.

3-4 T-Type Lift check Valve

A compact design where the disc moves vertically in a straight body. Best suited for horizontal pipelines requiring tight sealing in limited space.

3-5 Y-Type Lift Check Valve

Featuring a 45° angled body, this design reduces pressure drop and minimizes wear. It is commonly used in high-velocity pipelines where durability and efficiency are critical.

 

4 Material and Selection Considerations

When selecting a lift type check valve, material choice plays a key role:

• Carbon Steel – general industrial applications.

• Stainless Steel – corrosive or high-temperature environments.

• Bronze / Brass – clean water systems.

• Alloy Steel – extreme temperature and pressure conditions.

Always ensure compliance with lift type check valve design standards such as API 6D, ASME B16.34, or DIN EN standards.

5 Maintenance and Inspection

To extend valve life and ensure performance:

• Regularly inspect disc and seat for wear.

• Ensure proper cleaning during lift type check valve installation.

• Check alignment and lift type check valve dimensions before operation.

• Replace parts only with genuine spares from trusted piston lift type check valve suppliers.

6 Key Factors in Selecting a Lift Check Valve

• System pressure and temperature.

• Fluid type (steam, water, gas, chemicals).

• Pipeline orientation (vertical or horizontal).

• Compliance with standards.

• Supplier reputation – only choose reliable piston lift type check valve manufacturers with proven expertise.

7 Why Choose LIXIN Lift Check Valve?

LIXIN is a globally recognized piston lift type check valve manufacturer and supplier, specializing in industrial valves for diverse industries. The company’s portfolio includes gate valves, globe valves, ball valves, butterfly valves, knife gate valves, plug valves, bellows type valves, Y-type slurry valves, discharge valves, strainers, filters, and ceramic valves.

• Strict quality control and adherence to lift type check valve design standards.

• Products are exported to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, South America, Africa, and other regions.

• Trusted by customers in petroleum, chemical, electric power, mining, metallurgy, lithium battery, aluminum, paper making, pharmaceutical, sugar industry, and sewage treatment.

• Long-term and stable partnerships with domestic and international clients.

Choosing LIXIN Lift Type Check Valve ensures reliable performance, durability, and compliance with global standards, making it the preferred choice for critical industrial operations.

 

8 Conclusion

A Lift Check Valve is an essential component in modern industrial pipelines, providing automatic backflow prevention with high reliability. Whether it is a piston lift type check valve, vertical lift check valve, or Y-type design, selecting the right material, size, and installation method is crucial for long-term performance. If you are seeking a dependable partner, LIXIN Lift Type Check Valve is your best choice. With strong manufacturing capabilities, global supply networks, and proven expertise across industries, LIXIN delivers solutions that meet the most demanding applications.