Wafer check valves and flanged check valves differ significantly in several aspects. These differences not only affect their performance in practical applications but also determine their respective applicable operating conditions. A thorough understanding of these differences allows for a more informed selection of the check valve type that best suits your specific needs. Below, we'll explore these differences in detail to help you make an informed choice.
1. Differences in Water Hammer Pressure Applications:
Wafer check valves stand out for their compact size and short disc travel. Their spring-assisted closing function allows for rapid closing. In contrast, flanged check valves, despite their longer disc travel, require more time to complete the closing action.
2. Size and Weight Comparison:
Wafer check valves are renowned for their compact design and lightweight design. Their short overall length, compact size, and light weight make installation, handling, and piping arrangements easy, while also significantly saving material and reducing overall costs. In contrast, flanged check valves are lengthy, bulky, and heavy.
3. Differences in Application of Fluid Resistance:
Wafer check valves have relatively low fluid resistance, with a resistance coefficient ξ ranging from 2.6 to 2.7. This coefficient decreases with increasing valve diameter. However, flanged check valves may not fully open under low pressure, resulting in increased fluid resistance. Their resistance coefficient ξ ranges from 1.3 to 3, and this increases with increasing valve diameter.
4. Differences in Installation Methods:
Wafer check valves can be mounted horizontally or vertically and are lightweight, eliminating the need for separate valve supports. Flange check valves, on the other hand, are typically mounted horizontally. Due to their weight, large-diameter valves require appropriate supports.
5. Differences in Opening Pressure:
Wafer check valves have a lower opening pressure, allowing the disc to fully open with a relatively small pressure differential. In contrast, flanged check valves have a relatively high opening pressure, requiring a larger pressure differential to fully open the disc.
6. Valve Reliability Comparison:
Wafer-type check valves are renowned for their simple and compact overall structural design. The impact force during closing is relatively low, thus reducing water hammer pressure, extending valve life, and ensuring high reliability. In contrast, flange-type check valves generate significant impact force and water hammer pressure during closing, which can easily damage the valve.
