Types of Flange Check Valve

In most projects, check valves are not the first item everyone talks about. But when a pump spins backwards, a line slams shut, or a meter is damaged by reverse flow, the flanged check valve suddenly becomes very important.

For EPC teams, OEMs, and maintenance managers, understanding the main flanged check valve types makes it easier to choose a design that actually matches the duty, not just the spec sheet.

In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common flange-end designs, how they work, and where they’re usually applied, with a practical, project-focused view.

What Is a Flanged Check Valve? 

UN flanged check valve is a one-way, self-acting valve with flanged ends that bolt directly to the pipeline. When media flows in the correct direction, the internal disc opens. When flow stops or reverses, the disc closes, blocking backflow and protecting upstream equipment.

On P&IDs, the flanged check valve symbol shows:

• Flow direction through the valve
• That it’s a non-return (one-way) device
• Sometimes the internal type, such as swing or dual plate

Because the flanges match common standards (ASME, EN, JIS, etc.), these valves are easy to install, remove, and maintain across a wide range of industrial systems.

Why Use Flanged Check Valves in Industrial Systems? 

Compared with threaded or welded designs, a flanged body gives you:

• Secure sealing for medium and high-pressure duties
• Easy removal for inspection or replacement
• Good alignment on large, heavy pipelines
• Standard dimensions that fit existing flanges and gaskets

In other words, a flanged connection is often the safest and most maintenance-friendly approach for critical lines in power plants, refineries, chemical plants, and water facilities.

Main Types of Flanged Check Valve 

Flange-end check valves are available with several internal mechanisms. Choosing the right one depends on your medium, layout, and operating profile.

Below are the most common types used in industrial projects.

1. Flanged Swing Check Valve 

Clapets anti-retour à battant use a hinged disc that swings open with forward flow and closes when flow reverses.

Typical features:

• Simple structure and low pressure drop
• Suitable for clean water, oil, and general services
• Works well in horizontal lines and some vertical upflow lines

For stable, non-pulsating flow where water hammer is under control, swing-type flanged check valves are often the first choice.

2. Flanged Ball Check Valve 

UN flanged ball check valve replaces the disc with a spherical ball. When the flow moves in the forward direction, the ball lifts off the seat. Reverse flow pushes it back into position to seal.

This design is popular when:

• The medium carries soft solids or sludge
• You want a self-cleaning action as the ball rotates
• Maintenance teams prefer a very simple internal layout

You’ll often see ball check valves on wastewater lines, pump discharges, and some slurry services.

3. Flanged Dual Plate Check Valve 

UN flanged dual plate check valve (also called a double-door or split-disc check valve) uses two spring-loaded plates mounted on a central pin. The plates open when the flow pushes them and snap back quickly when the flow drops.

Principaux avantages :

• Very short face-to-face compared with traditional swing types
• Lightweight, especially in larger diameters
• Spring-assisted closing reduces water hammer and noise

These are widely used in power plants, district energy networks, and large-bore cooling water lines where space and weight are limited.

4. Flanged Spring Check Valve 

UN flanged spring check valve uses a single disc or piston plus a spring that pushes it back towards the seat. It doesn’t wait for strong reverse flow to close; the spring helps it shut earlier.

This is helpful when you:

• Have high-rise or long pipelines prone to pressure surges
• Need faster closing to prevent water hammer
• Install the valve in vertical lines or near sensitive equipment

Spring-assisted “silent” check valves are common on boiler feedwater, chilled water, and high-speed pump discharges.

5. Flanged Wafer-Type Check Valves 

UN flanged wafer check valve ou flanged wafer-type check valve is clamped between two flanges with a slim body. Internally, it can be swing, dual plate, or spring-loaded; what changes is the compact wafer form.

Why engineers like wafer check valve flanged designs:

• Short face-to-face saves space in skids and tight pipe racks
• Lower weight makes handling easier on-site
• Straightforward installation between existing flanges

These valves are common in HVAC, cooling water, and industrial process lines where every millimetre of spool length matters.

How to Choose the Right Flanged Check Valve 

When you specify a flanged check valve, looking only at size and pressure class is risky. A better approach is to start with the application and work backwards.

Key selection points:

• Medium: clean water, seawater, condensate, chemicals, slurry, steam
• Operating pressure & temperature: include transients and safety margins
• Flow profile: steady, pulsating, frequent start/stop, vertical vs horizontal
• Water hammer risk: choose spring-assisted or dual plate where needed
• Material compatibility: body, trim, and seat vs corrosion and erosion
• Standards & approvals: API, ASME, EN, ISO, and project-specific specs

In many cases, working directly with a flanged check valve manufacturer will help you refine the selection much faster than comparing catalog pages alone.

Typical Applications and Flanged Check Valve Installation Tips 

You’ll find flanged check valves across:

• Power plants (cooling water, condensate, boiler feed)
• Oil & gas production and pipelines
• Petrochemical and chemical plants
• Fire water systems and utility water
• Municipal water and wastewater treatment

Good practice for installers:

• Follow the arrow and flanged check valve symbol on the body for the correct flow direction.
• Use the right gasket type and bolt torque values for the flange standard.
• Ensure straight runs upstream/downstream when recommended by the OEM.
• For high-energy systems, prefer spring-assisted or dual plate designs to cut down water hammer.

Working With Trusted Flanged Check Valve Suppliers 

For OEMs and EPC contractors, a strong relationship with technically competent flanged check valve suppliers reduces project risk.

• Recommend the correct type and material based on your line list
• Provide clear documentation (tests, material certificates, standards)
• Support special requirements like coatings, trims, or custom face-to-face

Manufacturers like Vanne de casseroles, which focus on industrial valves, combine engineering support with contrôle de qualité strict so your flanged check valves arrive project-ready rather than needing rework on site.

Conclusion 

UN flanged check valve may be a single line in your specification, but it plays a major role in protecting pumps, instruments, and entire process units. Swing, ball, dual plate, spring-assisted, and wafer-type designs all solve slightly different problems.

By matching the valve to your real operating conditions and partnering with a knowledgeable flanged check valve manufacturer, you can reduce water hammer, extend equipment life, and avoid costly downtime.

If you’re planning a new system or upgrading existing lines, reach out to Vanne de casseroles for support in selecting flanged check valves tailored to your project requirements.

Points clés à retenir 

• Different duties need different designs. Swing, ball, dual plate, spring, and wafer-type flanged check valves each have strengths in specific conditions.
• System conditions come first. Medium, pressure, temperature, flow profile, and layout should guide your flanged check valve selection.
• A good supplier adds value. Experienced flanged check valve suppliers help optimise flow performance, uptime, and lifecycle cost, not just unit price.

FAQs About Flanged Check Valves 

Q1: What does a flanged check valve do?
A1: It allows flow in one direction and automatically blocks reverse flow, protecting pumps, meters, and other upstream equipment from backflow and pressure surges.

Q2: When should I use a flanged ball check valve?
A2: Use a flanged ball check valve when the fluid may contain solids or sludge. The rolling ball design is more tolerant of debris and helps reduce clogging in wastewater and slurry lines.

Q3: What is special about a flanged dual plate check valve?
A3: A flanged dual plate check valve has two spring-loaded plates and a very short face-to-face length. It’s lighter and more compact than a traditional swing check, and it closes faster, reducing water hammer.

Q4: Does a flanged wafer check valve perform as well as a full-body valve?
A4: Yes, when correctly selected and installed. A flanged wafer check valve or flanged wafer-type check valve simply uses a thinner body but can still meet the same pressure and performance standards.

Q5: How do I pick the right flanged check valve manufacturer?
A5: Look for proven industrial experience, recognised standards, full test documentation, material traceability, and responsive technical support. This ensures your valves match the demands of your project and local regulations.