Common Causes of Swing Check Valve Failure and How to Diagnose and Resolve Them

Swing check valves use a hinged swinging disc to block and control the movement of fluid in a system. As they are used to prevent the reverse flow of fluids or gases, any failure can lead to leakage, loss of pressure, contamination, overflow, and, in the most severe cases, complete system failure. Below we discuss some of the most common causes of swing check valve failure, how to diagnose them, and appropriate solutions.

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Why Do Swing Check Valves Break?

Swing check valves require reverse flow to close. This design causes them to malfunction or fail when subjected to insufficient or improper operating conditions. Understanding the cause of damage helps determine the best solution. Some of the most common causes of failure in swing check valves include:

Low Flow Application

In low flow applications, swing check valves are not able to maintain consistent flow when the system does not provide sufficient pressure. The insufficiency of pressure causes the disc to open and close frequently, causing excessive wear on the hinge pin and pivot arm where the disc may break off entirely. This can cause significant damage to downstream equipment.

Water Hammer

Water hammer refers to a pressure increase due to the sudden stop or change in the direction of the fluid traveling through the valve. It is a common occurrence with swing check valves, which rely on the reversal of fluid flow to close quickly. Over time, the repeated closing of the disc against the valve body may cause the disc to detach from the swing arm. Additionally, water hammer can cause other serious system issues, such as ruptured pipes and damaged fittings.

Improper Selection or Installation

When using a swing check valve in a fluid system, both proper selection and installation are key to safe and reliable system performance. The valve chosen should suit the system&#;s piping, material, orientation, flow direction, and flow rate to avoid inefficient performance and premature component wear. Additionally, when installing the valve, industry professionals should keep in mind positioning and orientation; the valve should not interfere or be influenced by other system components and should be oriented correctly in relation to flow. Swing check valves will not work in a vertical flow down application.

For additional information about how selection and installation affect valve and fluid system performance, watch DFT®&#;s webinar on Check Valve Installation and Piping Design Guidelines.

How to Diagnose Failing Swing Check Valves

The signs of a failing swing check valve are often audible. When the disc opens and closes repeatedly (because of low-pressure flow) or violently (because of water hammer), it emits a tapping or hammering sound, respectively. While the swing check valve may not be broken at this point, these noises mean that the disc, swing arm, and hinge pin are experiencing significant stress, which, over time, leads to wear and failure.

Swing check valves will also start to stick as they begin to break down. Sticking occurs when the valve is constantly tapping the top of the valve body and peening over the casting material. This repetitive action can grab the disc and prevent it from closing. These operating conditions can cause leakage or damage to other system components.

Replacing Failing Swing Check Valves

Once you have determined that you have a faulty swing check valve, partnering with an experienced valve professional can facilitate the selection and installation of the proper replacement. They may also offer insight into possible opportunities for system optimization.

At DFT®, our team of valve experts will provide facts on how DFT®&#;s axial flow check valves provide safety and performance. Drawing from our extensive knowledge of valve selection and sizing, we determine which valve is right for your needs. For custom sizing, fill out and submit our datasheet.

For fluid systems that employ the use of swing check valves, we offer superior quality alternatives, such as our Excalibur® Silent Check Valve and DLC® Check Valve which ultimately prevent water hammer and can meet the demands of a low flow application, unlike other traditional swing check valves.

To learn more about our axial flow check valves that are replacements for swing check valves or our wide selection of non-slam check valves contact us or request a quote today.

Check valve failures result from wrong installation techniques, poor maintenance practices, and inadequate research before valve application, among other reasons. These failures prevent the valves from functioning properly and may damage the pipe systems, pumps, and well equipment.

Check valves, also called non-return valves, are devices through which fluid flows in only one direction. They function to prevent the reversal of fluid flow (backflow) in the system to which they are applied. Therefore a well check valve failure may result in fluid flowing back into the well. 

For check valve failures to be prevented, the valves need to be installed correctly, regularly tested for quick notice of impending valve failures, and maintained properly.

This post discusses how to test, install and assemble check valves. It also highlights some check valve failures, with their symptoms, causes, and solutions.

How To Test Your Check Valve

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Tests are required to prevent check valve failure. Checking the valves for seal integrity or leakages in the seat and shell ensures that problems in the valves are noticed quickly, and the system is protected from failure.

The success of many operations depends on the working of the check valve in the system. Therefore check valves should be tested regularly to avoid backflow, water hammer, and other consequences of failed check valves. 

For proper testing, check valves should be subjected to MSS SP-61. The MSS SP-61 is an ANSI standard that issues the proper requirements for testing shell and seat closure in a check valve.

Below are the ways check valves can be properly tested: 

Shell Test

For the Shell test, the test fluid is water, and the valves are tested at a pressure greater than or equal to 1.5 times the 100-degree Fahrenheit rating, rounded to the next 25psi increment. The valve sizes and their test time are: 

Valve SizesTest Time< 2inches 15 seconds2.5 to 6 inches60 seconds 8 to 12 inches120 seconds 14 inches and above300 seconds 

For a successful result, there should be no leakages in the valve.

Seat Closure Test (With Water)

For this seat closure test, the test fluid is water, and the valves are tested at a pressure greater than or equal to 1.1 times the 100-degree Fahrenheit rating, rounded to the next 25psi increment. The valve sizes and their test time are:

Valve SizesTest Time< 2 inches 15 seconds2.5 to 8 inches30 seconds 10 to 18 inches60 seconds 20 inches and above120 seconds 

The max leakage allowed for metal seated valves is 40 ml/hr of water per inch of nominal valve size. No leakage is allowed for soft seated valves.

Max leakage allowed after one hour is 80 ml for 2 inches, 240 ml for 6 inches, 560 ml for 14 inches, and 800 ml for 20 inches.

Seat Closure Test (With Air)

For the seat closure test, the test fluid is air, and the valves are tested at an air pressure greater than or equal to 80 PSIG. The valve sizes and their test time are:

Valve SizesTest Time< 2 inches15 seconds3 inches30 seconds

The max allowable leakage for metal seated valves is 0.4 SCFH/inch of inlet size. For soft seated valves, no leakage is allowed.

Other Testing Methods

Lift-type and Swing check valves can also be tested using the pressure test. The axis of the lift check valve&#;s closure element is positioned perpendicular to the horizontal surface. In contrast, the axis of the swing check valve&#;s closure element and the channel is positioned almost parallel to the surface.

The pressure test involves two tests: The strength test, which tests for leakages in the valve body, and the cover and sealing test, which tests for leakages around the sealing surface.

• Strength Test

The test fluid is introduced from the inlet, and the outlet is closed. If there is no observable leakage from the valve body and cover, the valve passes the test.

• Sealing Test

The test fluid is introduced from the outlet, and the valve is shut. If there is no observable leakage from the sealing surface, gasket, and packing, the valve passes the test.

Common Check Valve Failures and How To Fix Them

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Check valves, even though solidly constructed and properly structured, are like every other piece of equipment in their need for careful use, tests, and maintenance. 

If the check valve is not tested or maintained as often as it should, it may develop problems that worsen with time and eventually lead to the check valve failure.

Pump check valve failure may result from the piling up of suspended particles in the check valve, and well check valve failure may result from the use of the valve in functions with incompatible materials, leading to the slow destruction of the valve parts. Hence, different modes of check valve failures exist in their different functions and are usually caused by poor research, wrong installation, and irregular maintenance.

Non-return valve failures vary as check valves are of different types and, in some cases, different parts. However, below are some common check valve failures: 

Check Valve Failures

Source: Pro Boat Mag

Some check valve failures in pipe systems, wells, and pumps include:

Reverse Flow

A reverse flow occurs when water flows back from the outlet to the inlet area. Check valves are one-way valves, and a reverse flow is an indication of the check valve failure.

The backflow is especially disadvantageous when it occurs in discharge pump operations, as the backflow of fluid into the pump may cause the impeller to spin in a different direction, resulting in pump damage.

Debris In Pipeline 

Debris can be deposited in the check valves by fluids moving through the pipeline, causing the valve to get stuck in an open or closed position. Irregular check valve maintenance encourages the accumulation of debris over a long period.

Also, debris moving in the fluid at high speed may damage the valve&#;s internal parts. These broken internal parts of the valve then contribute to the accumulation of debris.

Water Hammer

A water hammer occurs when fluid flowing through the pipe is suddenly restricted or forced to move in another direction. It is a pressure surge or vibration which damages pipes, fittings, and the check valve.

This is a common swing check valve failure, in which fluid backflow causes the valve to shut off suddenly, resulting in pressure vibrations throughout the pipe.

• Failing Seat Seal

Check valve discs, balls, or plugs are sealed to the seats using seals such as elastomer rings to ensure proper shutoff. This sealing happens when the inlet pressure falls below the valve cracking pressure, or a fluid backflow occurs.

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These sealing materials lose their ability to seal properly over time due to constant friction and frequent use. With decreasing sealing integrity, fluids seep through the shutoff valves, resulting in the check valve failure.

• Inconsistent Fluid Flow 

Check valve failure can lead to flow disruptions and fluctuations in the valve. Check valves ensure a constant fluid flow in one direction until the fluid is shut off. Therefore, any flow stoppage or inconsistency in flow indicates a failed check valve.

Causes of Check Valve Failures

Source: Pro Boat Mag

Alt text: Check Valve Operation

Troubleshooting of well pump check valve failures and other modes of check valve failures indicate that valve failures are caused by the actions and conditions below.

• Wrong Installation, assembly, and maintenance practices 

The Installation, assembly, and maintenance of check valves, if done wrongly, may lead to serious damage to the valve. Improper installation causes premature wear and tear in the valve, which could result in the valve failing at the early stage of operations.

• High Temperatures 

High temperatures cause the expansion of valve parts and contribute to their quick degradation. It also negatively affects valve sealing integrity, leading to leakages in the valve. Therefore, high-temperature conditions result in check valve failure.

• Low Fluid Pressure

Check Valves function properly with adequate pressure. The insufficient pressure of the fluids causes the valves to open and close frequently, resulting in wear out of the valve parts. 

Also, low pressure caused by clogged or wide pipelines affects the valves negatively and could lead to their failure.

Symptoms, Preventive Measures, And Solutions

Source: Pro Boat Mag

Symptoms 

Check valve failures can cause irreparable damage to the valves and the pipes. However, they show symptoms that, if noticed and attended to, can prevent serious damage. Some of these symptoms are:

• Noise In The Valve: This is a symptom of a water hammer. The valves produce a hammering sound when in operation. This sound is caused by the slamming of the valve closure element when the fluid hits it. 
• High Energy Consumption: Increased energy costs indicate malfunctioning valves. These increased costs are caused by the failure of the valve to regulate the inlet and outlet pressure.
• Wear And Tear of Valve Parts: The wear out of seat seals and other parts of the valve are indications that the valve is failing. Also, when the parts of the valve are sticky, the valve may be failing due to age or corrosion.
• Loss of Internal Parts: If fragments of the check valve parts float on the fluid and a low fluid flow rate is observed, it can be assumed that debris in the pipe is hampering the valve operations.
• Pipe Leakages: Leakages in the pipe joints and other connections may signify valve failure, and the valve should be checked to confirm the cause of leakage.
• Failed Equipment: Equipment failures are late signs of failed check valves as valuable equipment has been affected, and the damage may only be correctable by replacing affected parts.

Preventive Measures

Water hammer, backflow, and other check valve failures can be prevented by following these maintenance guides: 

• Clean Valves: Ensure that debris, fragments of valve parts, and other solid particles are cleaned out of the valves regularly. These particles should be flushed out, and filters and covers should be installed in the valve to prevent the entry of solid particles.
• Install and Use Check Valve Properly: Installation of check valves should be done correctly and preferably using the valve manufacturer&#;s installation guides. Different check valve types should be used for their suitable operations.
• Lubricate Valves Regularly: Valve parts should be lubricated to ensure smooth operations. Lubrication reduces friction in the valve parts and hence reduces wear and tear. This increases the service life of the valves.

Other check valve maintenance and preventive measures include considerations in selecting appropriate valve sizes, material compatibility, and reaction speeds of the valves.

Solutions

For the safety of your valves and to prevent the non-return valve failures from transforming into system failures and more costly repairs, you may need to replace the valve parts or the entire valve. 

But in less critical cases, the valve could be repaired by tightening bolts or removing debris. Some solutions to check valve failures include: 

• Leakages: 

Check valves should first be tested and troubleshot to know the exact areas of the valve leaking and the causes of the valve leakages. For example, swing check valve leakages may be caused by loosened bolts, damaged gaskets, or bad flappers. Bolts should be tightened in the necessary cases, and replaceable valve parts should be replaced. 

• Damaged Valve Parts: 

Check valve parts can be replaced if a part is ineffective and cannot be repaired. In some cases, as soon as the valve part malfunctions, it&#;s safer to change the part at once to prevent that part from affecting the entire valve operation.

There could also be a need to replace the entire valve. In situations where the valve size, type, closing assembly, or reaction speed is inappropriate for the operation, it&#;s best to replace the entire valve.

• Water Hammer

Water hammer can be prevented using the preventive and maintenance guides above. Still, in cases where a water hammer occurs, regardless of the procedures, the pipe where the water hammer occurs should first be located. 

When discovered, some of the various solutions that can be implemented are the installation of water hammer arresters, the release of air pockets in the valve, replacement of intake connections, installation of pressure limiting valves, etc.

• Valve Obstruction 

Obstruction of valve opening and closing may be caused by accumulated debris in the pipeline. Other causes include stuck parts, wrongly installed valves, or the use of wrong valve sizes.

Valves should be disassembled for proper analysis of the problem. The debris in the valves should be cleaned, lubricated, and the valve size should be confirmed with the pipe size before reinstallation. 

Check Valve Assembly And Installation Guide

Source: Hpm Mag

Different modes of check valve failures occur due to improper assembly and installation of the valves. For valves to be installed properly, valve installation rules and guidelines must be followed.

Below are three pipe design rules that must be followed for effective installation and operation of check valves:

Pipe Design Rules

Install Check Valves in Non-turbulent (Laminar) Conditions

Pipes connected to the check valves should be designed straight, upstream, and downstream, as valves work best with smooth and non-turbulent (laminar) flow. 

Five times the nominal pipe size (NPS) of straight pipe is recommended. However, some check valves can be installed with fewer straight pipes. 

Properly Calculate Valve Size

For optimum operation of check valves, appropriately sized valves are important. The sizing rules applied to check valves differ from on-off and control valve sizing rules.

Nominal valve and nominal pipe sizes should not always be assumed to match, and sizing calculations should be done for minimum, maximum, and normal flow conditions.

Install in the proper orientation 

Installing the valve connected to a horizontal or vertical line matters for the smooth operation of the valve. Horizontal lines are usually preferred because of the absence of gravity effect on the valves.

Also, even though many valves work when connected to horizontal pipelines, silent or axial flow check valves are best on vertical lines.

Installation Guides

Error in the installation of the valves results in check valve failure and possible damage to the pipe system. Check valves differ in types and parts. Hence installation depends on the check valve type. 

However, below are some installation best practices for flapper-type swing check valves:

• Check inside the valve to confirm that all material used in transportation and storage has been removed.
• Check the operation of the flapper and make sure it operates freely to the seating surface and back.
• Confirm that there are no materials at the edges that may cause the valve not to seal properly.
• The valve should be installed facing the direction of the flow arrow. Ensure a 3-diameter straight pipe upstream.
• If installed vertically, the flow direction must be against gravity (up-flow).
• A cover must be on the top of the valve if installed horizontally.
• Valves should be inspected and test-run after installation to avoid premature swing check valve failure.

Qualified and licensed professionals should handle the installation of industrial check valves. 

Check Valve Seat Replacement Guide

Valve seats are essential parts of the check valve. The closure elements of check valves seal against the valve seats to ensure proper shutoff. 

Valves seats are replaced for reasons such as: 

• Wear and tear due to friction or age.
• Misalignment with check valve closure element during installation.
• Seat damage by fragments and particles on the surface of the closure element and in the valve.

If valve seats are not replaced, the damaged seats can cause leakages in the valve, backflow, and ultimately, non-return valve failure.

Check valve seats can be replaced by following these steps:

• The fluid should be drained from the pipeline.
• Loosen connecting bolts and nuts, and remove the valve from the pipeline if required.
• Loose and remove the cover bolts, as well as the valve cover.
• Remove the gasket and closure element from the valve.
• Uncouple and remove the damaged seat.
• Replace the seat with a new part.
• Reassemble the valve with the new seat part.
• Put the valve back in operating service.
• Test-run the valve seat to ensure that the problem has been solved.

Check Valve Handle Replacement Guide

Check valves, unlike other valves, mostly work automatically and do not require an on-site or remote control. Hence, most check valves do not have handles, stems, or actuators.

Check valves are mostly influenced by the fluid pressure to open or close. When the inlet fluid pressure is above the valve cracking pressure, the valve opens, and when the inlet fluid pressure is lower than the cracking pressure or there is backflow, the valve closes.

However, the stop check valve has a handle and can be controlled externally. Stop check valves are used to isolate and throttle fluid flow, as well as shut it off. 

Handles on stop check valves can be replaced following these steps: 

• Fluid should be drained from the pipeline.
• The valve should be turned to a closed position.
• Loosen connecting bolts and nuts.
• Uncouple and remove the valve handle.
• Replace the old valve handle with a new one.
• Reassemble the valve with the new handle part.
• Put the valve back in operating service.
• Test-run the valve handle to ensure that the problem has been solved.

Conclusion 

Check valve failures are preventable when adequate attention is given to the operations of the valve. With proper installation, testing, and maintenance practices, costly failures such as well or pump check valve failures can be avoided.

In this post, test procedures, installation guidelines, and proper maintenance practices of check valves were outlined. Also check valve failures, their symptoms, causes, and solutions were highlighted in the post.

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