A check valve is a critical device that prevents backflow, widely used in water treatment, oil & gas pipelines, chemical processing, and steam systems.   After long-term operation, check valves may experience issues such as leakage, vibration noise, or sticking. If not addressed promptly, these problems can reduce system efficiency and even cause equipment damage or safety hazards.   So, how can you tell if a check valve needs replacement? Which faults can be repaired, and which require a full replacement? This article provides a systematic guide.   1. Basic Operating Principle of Check Valves   The primary function of a check valve is to automatically prevent backflow. When fluid flows in the intended direction, the valve disc is pushed open by pressure; when flow reverses, the disc closes automatically, using either its own weight or a spring, preventing backflow.   Common types include: Lift Check Valve Swing Check Valve Dual Plate Wafer Check Valve Ball Check Valve    Although their designs vary, the key criteria for determining whether a check valve needs replacement remain the same: sealing performance, operational smoothness, and structural integrity.   2. How to Determine if a Check Valve Needs Replacement   Visible Leakage (Internal or External) If fluid continues to flow backward when the valve is closed, it indicates significant wear or deformation of the sealing surfaces, preventing an effective seal. If the leakage exceeds system tolerances and cannot be corrected by cleaning or resurfacing, the valve or its sealing components should be replaced.   Sticking or Inflexible Valve Disc After long-term operation, the valve stem, guides, or disc may become stuck due to scaling, corrosion, or debris. If cleaning, descaling, or lubrication fails to restore smooth operation, replacement is recommended.   Excessive Noise or Vibration Frequent opening and closing or rapid disc rebound can cause vibration or knocking sounds. This is usually due to spring failure, loose valve components, or worn guides. Persistent or frequent noise should trigger inspection of the valve’s structural integrity and consideration for replacement.   Corroded or Cracked Valve Body or Cover Exposure to acidic, alkaline, or high-temperature fluids can corrode or crack the valve body, compromising structural strength and posing safety risks. Such damage cannot be repaired and requires full valve replacement.   Frequent Backflow or Abnormal System Pressure Fluctuations Poor sealing or delayed valve response can cause system pressure variations, including water hammer. If repeated adjustments do not resolve the issue, it indicates aging of the internal spring or disc mechanism, necessitating timely replacement.   3. Common Fault Diagnosis and Solutions   Fault: Valve fails to close completely, causing backflow Cause: Worn sealing surfaces, deformed disc, or trapped debris Solution: Remove ...

If you’ve ever hesitated between choosing a flanged or threaded globe valve, you’re not alone. Globe valves are common shut-off valves widely used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, shipbuilding, and water treatment. While both connection types can control fluid flow, they differ significantly in terms of installation method, sealing performance, and suitable applications. This article will provide a systematic comparison of flanged and threaded globe valves from the perspectives of structure, performance, and application.   I. Fundamental Difference in Connection Methods   1.Flanged Globe Valve A flanged globe valve connects to the pipeline through flanges, with bolts tightening the flange faces together to ensure a secure seal.This connection type offers excellent strength and reliability, making it ideal for medium to high-pressure, large-diameter, and frequently operated systems.In industrial applications, typical sizes range from DN50 to DN300, and flange dimensions generally follow international standards such as ANSI, DIN, or JIS.   2. Threaded Globe ValveA threaded globe valve typically uses either internal (NPT/BSP) or external threads to connect to the pipeline, relying on the threads themselves for sealing.This compact and lightweight structure allows for easy installation and is mainly used in small-diameter (usually ≤ DN50) and low-pressure systems, including residential pipelines.Because it does not require welding or flange gaskets, a threaded valve is more cost-effective in both installation and maintenance.     II. Comparison of Sealing Performance and Maintenance   Flanged Globe ValveFlanged globe valves typically use metal or flexible graphite gaskets for sealing, offering excellent resistance to high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion.During long-term operation, maintenance or valve replacement is straightforward—simply loosen the flange bolts to disassemble the valve.   Threaded Globe ValveThe sealing of a threaded globe valve mainly depends on the thread engagement and sealing materials such as PTFE tape or sealing paste.However, repeated disassembly can damage the threads and increase the risk of leakage.For this reason, threaded globe valves are better suited for fixed installations, clean fluids, and low-pressure systems.     III. Structural Dimensions and Installation Requirements   Flanged Globe ValveFlanged globe valves are larger in size and require more installation space, but they provide superior vibration resistance and pressure tolerance.They are commonly used in industrial piping networks or pump station systems where sufficient structural support is available.   Threaded Globe ValveThreaded globe valves feature a compact design, making them ideal for confined spaces or lightweight piping systems such as laboratories, compressor inlets and outlets, and domestic water supply lines.However, thr...

Have you ever encountered repeated fluid shocks, frequent valve cycling, or excessive noise in your pipeline system? If a check valve is not selected properly, issues such as leakage, valve damage, or fluid hammer can occur. While check valves are effective at preventing backflow, they are not suitable for all operating conditions. The following cases require special attention:   High-frequency opening and closing conditions Check valves rely on the disc or flap to close automatically. If the medium in the pipeline flows frequently or the valve cycles too often, impact, water hammer, or vibration may occur, shortening the valve’s service life. In such cases, consider using spring-loaded or damped check valves, or even other valve types better suited to the application.   High-viscosity fluids or media with solid particles Thick fluids or those containing solids can prevent the valve disc from closing fully, increasing the risk of leakage. For slurries, mud, or liquids with a high concentration of particles, specialized valves or additional filtration equipment should be used instead.   High-pressure systems In high-pressure applications, the valve disc is subject to strong impacts and repeated collisions, which can cause wear on the sealing surfaces or structural damage. For such environments, more robust backflow prevention solutions should be considered.   Systems Sensitive to Pressure or Flow Variations When a check valve closes, it may cause pressure loss or flow fluctuations. If the system is highly sensitive to such variations, careful evaluation of the valve type and installation location is required to avoid negative impacts on overall pipeline performance.   Conclusion A check valve is an essential device for preventing backflow, but it should be used with caution in certain operating conditions such as high-frequency cycling, high-viscosity fluids, high-pressure systems, or applications sensitive to flow variations. By properly assessing the pipeline operating conditions and fluid characteristics, you can ensure the check valve performs at its best, extends service life, and reduces maintenance costs.