What Is a Dual Plate Check Valve?

A dual plate check valve is a compact check valve that uses two spring-loaded plates to prevent backflow in pipelines. The plates open automatically when fluid flows forward and close rapidly when flow decreases or reverses. This spring-assisted design prevents water hammer and provides reliable backflow prevention in a smaller, lighter package.

How Dual Plate Check Valves Work

The dual plate check valve operates automatically based on pressure differential in the pipeline. When fluid flows forward, upstream pressure pushes the two semi-circular plates open against spring tension, creating a streamlined flow path with minimal resistance.

As flow decreases or reverses, spring tension forces the plates back toward the valve seat at or near zero flow velocity. Once closed, reverse pressure pushes the plates firmly against the seat, creating a tight seal that blocks backflow.

Key components of a dual plate check valve include:

• Valve body: Main housing that connects to pipeline flanges
• Discs (plates): Two semi-circular plates that pivot to open and close
• Hinge pin: Central pivot point allowing smooth plate movement
• Torsion springs: Assist rapid closing at zero velocity to prevent water hammer
• सीट: Internal sealing surface where plates rest when closed

The spring-assisted mechanism distinguishes dual plate check valves from gravity-dependent designs. The springs ensure quick closure regardless of installation orientation or flow velocity.

दोहरे प्लेट चेक वाल्व-CF8

• नॉमिनल डायामीटर: 2″-48″ DN50-DN1200
• दबाव: 150LB-900LB 2.5एमपीए-16.0एमपीए
• कनेक्शन समाप्त करें: आरएफ, आरटीजे, बीडब्ल्यू, टीएचआर, एसडब्ल्यू
• तापमान: -196℃-650℃

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Key Features and Advantages

Dual plate check valves have distinct design characteristics that set them apart from other check valve types. 

The compact wafer-style body fits between existing pipeline flanges without requiring extended spacing. The two semi-circular plates pivot on a central hinge pin with spring assistance for rapid closure.

These design features create several operational advantages:

• The streamlined flow path minimizes pressure drop and energy loss when fully open
• Lighter construction simplifies handling and installation compared to swing check valves
• Spring-assisted closure prevents water hammer by stopping backflow before pressure surges occur
• The design works in horizontal or vertical pipelines without relying on gravity
• Fewer moving parts reduce maintenance requirements and extend service life

Traditional swing check valves allow flow reversal before the disc slams shut, creating destructive pressure surges. The dual plate design eliminates this problem through rapid, controlled closure.

Dual Plate Check Valve Standards

Industry standards govern the design, materials, and testing of dual plate check valves to ensure reliable performance. API 594 is the primary standard covering wafer and wafer-lug dual plate check valves for petroleum and natural gas industries, specifying requirements for design, materials, pressure-temperature ratings, and testing procedures.

Key standards include:

• API 594: Design and testing requirements for wafer check valves
• ASME B16.34: Pressure-temperature ratings and materials
• API 598: Valve inspection and testing procedures

Manufacturers design valves to meet multiple standards simultaneously. An api 594 dual plate check valve undergoes material certification, dimensional inspection, and hydrostatic testing to confirm leak-tight performance under rated conditions.

Dual Plate Check Valve Installation

Proper installation ensures optimal performance and service life. Clean the pipeline thoroughly before installation and verify that the flow direction arrow on the valve body aligns with the intended flow direction.

Installation steps:

1. Position the valve between pipeline flanges with appropriate gaskets
2. Tighten flange bolts in a cross-pattern sequence to ensure even compression
3. Avoid installing immediately downstream of pumps where turbulence could affect operation
4. Allow several pipe diameters of straight run for flow stabilization
5. Pressure test the system according to applicable codes after installation
6. Verify that plates open and close freely during startup

Dual plate check valves install in horizontal or vertical pipelines. In vertical installations with upward flow, the spring mechanism ensures proper closure regardless of gravity effects.

Specifications and Dimensions

Dual plate check valves are available in configurations ranging from small-bore to large-diameter applications. The compact wafer-style design typically measures one-quarter to one-third the length of equivalent swing check valves.

Dual plate double flanged check valve dimensions follow ASME B16.10 face-to-face standards for wafer-style valves. Specific dimensions vary by size, pressure class, and end connection type.

GOWIN, a dual plate check valve manufacturer, produces stainless steel dual plate check valves in sizes from 1/2″ to 48″ with pressure ratings up to Class 2500. Our valves meet API 594, ASME B16.34, and other international standards for industrial applications.

Final Verdict

Now that you understand how dual plate check valves work and their advantages, review your system requirements. Check your operating pressures, temperatures, and available installation space to determine if the compact design fits your application.GOWIN manufactures dual plate check valves meeting API 594 and ASME B16.34 standards for industrial applications. Visit our check valves page to explore specifications and contact our team with your system requirements.