Lift check valves

Lift check valves are similar in configuration to globe valves, except that the disc or plug is automatically operated. The inlet and outlet ports are separated by a cone shaped plug that rests on a seat typically metal; in some valves, the plug may be held on its seat using a spring. When the flow into the valve is in the forward direction, the pressure of the fluid lifts the cone off its seat, opening the valve. With reverse flow, the cone returns to its seat and is held in place by the reverse flow pressure.

If a metal seat is used, the lift check valve is only suitable for applications where a small amount of leakage, under reverse flow conditions, is acceptable. Furthermore, the design of a lift check valve generally limits its use to water applications, subsequently, they are commonly used to prevent reverse flow of condensate in steam traps and on the outlets of cyclic condensate pumps.

The main advantage of the lift check valve lies in its simplicity, and as the cone is the only moving part, the valve is robust and requires little maintenance. In addition, the use of a metal seat limits the amount of seat wear. The lift check valve has two major limitations; firstly, it is designed only for installation in horizontal pipelines, and secondly, its size is typically limited to DN80, above which, the valve would become too bulky.

The piston-type lift check valve is a modification of the standard lift check valve. It incorporates a piston shaped plug instead of the cone, and a dashpot is applied to this mechanism. The dashpot produces a damping effect during operation, thereby eliminating the damage caused by the frequent operation of the valve, for example, in pipeline systems, which are subject to surges in pressure, or frequent changes in flow direction (one example would be a boiler outlet).