Swing or Spring Check Valve: What Is the Difference?
A swing check valve has a disc that pivots on a hinge. It suits steady, non-pulsating flow and is normally installed on horizontal pipe (or vertical pipe with upward flow). A spring check valve closes by a return spring, so Tecofi’s datasheet allows installation in any position. When you need a compact valve clamped between two flanges, the dual plate check valve is the third option, with a spring that assists closing to limit the spread of water hammer. The choice starts from the installation position, the fluid and the connection type.
What a check valve does
A check valve lets the fluid pass in one direction only and closes by itself when the flow reverses, which protects pumps and pipework. An arrow on the body shows the correct direction. Tecofi (France) offers three types in CAD’s check valve category: swing, spring and dual plate.
Swing, spring and dual plate compared
| Criterion | Swing | Spring (axial) | Dual plate |
|---|---|---|---|
| How it closes | Disc pivots on a hinge | Stainless steel spring returns the disc to the seat | Two plates pivot on a central axle, assisted by a stainless steel spring |
| Mounting position (datasheet) | Horizontal, or vertical with upward flow | Any position | Horizontal or vertical with upward flow (CDB6461-VI); horizontal or vertical pipe (CB3448N) |
| Flow conditions | Steady, non-pulsating flow (per datasheet) | Easy opening at low pressure, low head loss | Symmetrical flow with full opening, low head loss; the spring limits the spread of water hammer |
| Connection | BSP thread (CB2143W, CB6140), PN10/16 flanges (CB4248A-MM) | BSP female thread both ends (CA1142, CA1100) | Between PN10/16 and ASA 150 flanges (CB3448N, CB4448-EP); also PN25/40 and ASA 300 (CDB6461-VI) |
| Tecofi models at CAD | CB2143W, CB6140, CB4248A-MM | CA1142 / CA1100 | CB3448N / CB4448-EP, CDB6461-VI |
Key data for each model
- CB2143W (swing, bronze, BSP female): DN1/2″ to DN2″, 20 bar, up to 100°C; for water distribution, HVAC and construction.
- CB6140 (swing, CF8M stainless steel): DN1/4″ to DN2″, up to 16 bar, -20°C to +200°C; metal-to-metal seat.
- CB4248A-MM (swing, ductile iron, PN10/16 flanged): DN40 to DN400, 16 bar; horizontal pipe or vertical pipe with upward flow; for clean and slightly charged water, demineralised water and non-corrosive fluids.
- CA1142 / CA1100 (spring, CW617N brass body, polyamide (nylon) disc, stainless steel spring): DN1/2″ to DN4″, 16 bar, -20°C to +100°C, any mounting position, for water distribution, HVAC and pumping.
- CB3448N / CB4448-EP (dual plate, iron body): DN40 to DN800, 16 bar, designed to EN 16767.
- CDB6461-VI (dual plate, 316 stainless steel): DN40 to DN300, 40 bar, -25°C to +180°C, FPM seat, designed to API 594; for pumping, water supply, the chemical industry and desalination.
The CB4248A-MM, CB3448N and CA1142 datasheets state pressure testing to EN 12266-1 (body and seat tests).
How to choose in practice
- Mounting position: vertical pipework or tight spaces point to a spring or dual plate valve; ordinary horizontal pipe suits a swing valve.
- Flow: Tecofi’s swing datasheets are for steady flow and fluids without heavy solids. If your system has pulsating flow, frequent pump starts or a water hammer risk, say so and CAD engineers will advise.
- Fluid and materials: the datasheets list CB2143W for water supply and HVAC, stainless steel CB6140 for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, and stainless steel CDB6461-VI for sea water and desalination. Check body, disc and seat materials against your fluid.
- Connection: BSP thread for small pipe; flanged or between-flange for larger sizes.
These valves belong to the water and HVAC valve group. See also industrial valves for gate and ball valves on the same line.
What to send CAD for a quotation
- The model if you have chosen one, or the type you want (swing, spring, dual plate).
- Nominal size DN and connection (BSP thread, flange, between flanges).
- Working pressure and temperature.
- The fluid (clean water, wastewater, chemicals, sea water and so on).
- Mounting position (horizontal, vertical with upward flow) and location relative to the pump.
- Body, disc and seat materials if specified.
- Quantity.
Send the model or specification and CAD will quote within 24 working hours.
Frequently asked questions
Can a swing check valve be installed vertically?
Yes, if the flow goes upward. Tecofi's datasheets give horizontal pipe or vertical pipe with upward flow for the swing models. They do not cover vertical installation with downward flow.
In which position can a spring check valve be installed?
The CA1142 datasheet states any position, because a stainless steel spring returns the disc to its seat.
Swing, spring or dual plate?
The swing valve has a clear bore and is normally installed on horizontal pipe; the spring valve can be installed in many positions; the dual plate valve is compact and sits between two flanges. Tell CAD the mounting position and flow so we can choose the right type.
Does a check valve have to be installed in a particular direction?
Yes. The flow direction is shown by an arrow on the body and the valve must be installed accordingly.
