When Should You Choose a Lift Check Valve over a Swing Check Valve?
On this page
In industrial piping systems, the primary function of a check valve is to prevent backflow, thereby protecting equipment and ensuring system safety. However, different types of check valves vary in their operating principles, installation requirements, and suitable applications. The two most common types are Lift Check Valves and Swing Check Valves.
So, under what circumstances should a Lift Check Valve be chosen over a Swing Check Valve? This article analyzes the choice based on operating principle, installation conditions, fluid characteristics, and system requirements.
Swing Check Valve: The valve disc rotates around a hinge pin. Forward flow pushes the disc open, while reverse flow allows it to swing back under gravity, closing the valve automatically.
Lift Check Valve: Vertical disc movement provides excellent sealing and responsive operation.
Swing Check Valve: Rotational disc operation offers lower resistance, making it more suitable for large-diameter and low-pressure systems.
Lift check valves are typically used in small to medium diameters (DN50 and below) and high-pressure systems. Their precise guiding structure between the disc and seat ensures reliable sealing under high pressure.
In contrast, swing check valves are suitable for medium to large diameters (DN50 and above) and low to medium pressure systems. They have a simpler structure, lower flow resistance, and are easier to maintain.
2. Installation Orientation
Lift check valves are generally installed on horizontal pipelines, though some designs support vertical installation (fluid flowing upward).
Swing check valves offer more flexibility in installation, allowing horizontal, vertical, or inclined pipeline configurations.
3. Fluid Velocity and Cleanliness
Lift check valves’ guiding mechanism requires relatively clean media. If the fluid contains solid particles, debris, or viscous substances, the disc may stick or the sealing surface may wear prematurely.
Therefore, they are better suited for clean liquids, steam, or gas systems.
Swing check valves are less sensitive to fluid cleanliness, making them more suitable for media containing minor particles or higher viscosity.
High-pressure steam systems: e.g., boiler outlets or main steam lines. The lift check design ensures tight closure under high temperature and pressure, preventing backflow.
Compressed air pipelines: Responsive and quick-acting, preventing backflow of compressed gas.
Cooling water circulation systems (clean media): Maintains stable sealing during frequent start-stop cycles.
Pump discharge lines: Provides faster closure to prevent water hammer.
Conversely, for systems with large flow rates, low pressure, or media containing minor impurities (such as drainage pipelines or low-pressure oil pipelines), swing check valves are a more economical and durable choice.
If you need excellent sealing, fast opening and closing, and suitability for high-pressure, clean media, choose a lift check valve.
If the system prioritizes low flow resistance, larger diameters, simple structure, and flexible installation, choose a swing check valve.
Making the right choice not only impacts system efficiency but also directly affects equipment longevity and operational safety.
A: Most lift check valves are designed for horizontal installation. If the manufacturer specifically allows vertical installation, the flow must be upward; otherwise, the valve disc will not open properly.
Q2: Which is easier to maintain, a lift check valve or a swing check valve?
A: Swing check valves have a simpler structure, making inspection and cleaning easier. Lift check valves have more precise internal mechanisms, so maintenance requires careful attention to wear on the disc and guide components.
Q3: Can lift check valves handle fluids containing particles or viscous media?
A: It is not recommended. Particles or viscous substances can jam the valve disc, causing poor sealing or operational failure.
Q4: Which type is better at preventing water hammer?
A: Lift check valves close faster and are generally more effective than swing check valves in preventing water hammer.
So, under what circumstances should a Lift Check Valve be chosen over a Swing Check Valve? This article analyzes the choice based on operating principle, installation conditions, fluid characteristics, and system requirements.
1. Operating Principle Comparison: Vertical Lift vs. Swing
Lift Check Valve: The valve disc moves vertically within the valve body to open or close. When the fluid flows forward, the pressure pushes the disc upward, opening the valve; when the flow reverses, the disc quickly falls under its own weight and backpressure, sealing the passage.Swing Check Valve: The valve disc rotates around a hinge pin. Forward flow pushes the disc open, while reverse flow allows it to swing back under gravity, closing the valve automatically.
Lift Check Valve: Vertical disc movement provides excellent sealing and responsive operation.
Swing Check Valve: Rotational disc operation offers lower resistance, making it more suitable for large-diameter and low-pressure systems.
2. Differences in Applicable Conditions
1. Pressure and SizeLift check valves are typically used in small to medium diameters (DN50 and below) and high-pressure systems. Their precise guiding structure between the disc and seat ensures reliable sealing under high pressure.
In contrast, swing check valves are suitable for medium to large diameters (DN50 and above) and low to medium pressure systems. They have a simpler structure, lower flow resistance, and are easier to maintain.
2. Installation Orientation
Lift check valves are generally installed on horizontal pipelines, though some designs support vertical installation (fluid flowing upward).
Swing check valves offer more flexibility in installation, allowing horizontal, vertical, or inclined pipeline configurations.
3. Fluid Velocity and Cleanliness
Lift check valves’ guiding mechanism requires relatively clean media. If the fluid contains solid particles, debris, or viscous substances, the disc may stick or the sealing surface may wear prematurely.
Therefore, they are better suited for clean liquids, steam, or gas systems.
Swing check valves are less sensitive to fluid cleanliness, making them more suitable for media containing minor particles or higher viscosity.
3. Typical System Applications
In the following scenarios, a lift check valve is often the preferred choice:High-pressure steam systems: e.g., boiler outlets or main steam lines. The lift check design ensures tight closure under high temperature and pressure, preventing backflow.
Compressed air pipelines: Responsive and quick-acting, preventing backflow of compressed gas.
Cooling water circulation systems (clean media): Maintains stable sealing during frequent start-stop cycles.
Pump discharge lines: Provides faster closure to prevent water hammer.
Conversely, for systems with large flow rates, low pressure, or media containing minor impurities (such as drainage pipelines or low-pressure oil pipelines), swing check valves are a more economical and durable choice.
4. Conclusion
The choice between lift and swing check valves depends on the specific system requirements:If you need excellent sealing, fast opening and closing, and suitability for high-pressure, clean media, choose a lift check valve.
If the system prioritizes low flow resistance, larger diameters, simple structure, and flexible installation, choose a swing check valve.
Making the right choice not only impacts system efficiency but also directly affects equipment longevity and operational safety.
Q&A
Q1: Can a lift check valve be installed on a vertical pipeline?A: Most lift check valves are designed for horizontal installation. If the manufacturer specifically allows vertical installation, the flow must be upward; otherwise, the valve disc will not open properly.
Q2: Which is easier to maintain, a lift check valve or a swing check valve?
A: Swing check valves have a simpler structure, making inspection and cleaning easier. Lift check valves have more precise internal mechanisms, so maintenance requires careful attention to wear on the disc and guide components.
Q3: Can lift check valves handle fluids containing particles or viscous media?
A: It is not recommended. Particles or viscous substances can jam the valve disc, causing poor sealing or operational failure.
Q4: Which type is better at preventing water hammer?
A: Lift check valves close faster and are generally more effective than swing check valves in preventing water hammer.
