What’s the Difference Between Lift Check Valve and Swing Check Valve?

The primary difference between a lift check valve and a swing check valve lies in disc movement. Lift check valves use a disc that moves vertically up and down. Swing check valves use a disc that swings on a hinge. These different movement mechanisms affect pressure drop, sealing performance, and installation requirements.

Lift Check Valve vs Swing Check Valve: Side-by-Side Comparison

This table compares key performance characteristics and operational requirements for both valve types.

Lift Type Check Valve

• Nominal diameter: 1/2″-60″ DN15-DN2000
• Pressure: 150LB-2500LB 0.6Mpa-42.0Mpa
• End Connection: RF, RTJ, BW, THR, SW
• Temperature: -196℃-650℃

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Movement Mechanism

A lift check valve uses a disc that moves vertically up and down within the valve body. Forward flow lifts the disc, and gravity or backpressure pushes it down to seal when flow stops.

A swing check valve uses a hinged disc that swings open with forward flow and swings closed when flow reverses.

Flow Path

Lift check valves force fluid to change direction, typically making a 90-degree turn as it passes through. Swing check valves provide a straight, unimpeded flow path when fully open. The hinged disc swings out of the way, allowing fluid to pass with minimal obstruction.

Pressure Drop

The flow path difference directly affects pressure drop. Lift check valves create higher pressure drop due to the directional change and turbulence. Swing check valves produce lower pressure drop because of their streamlined flow path, making them more energy-efficient for high-volume applications.

Sealing Performance

Lift check valves provide tighter, more precise seals because the disc drops straight onto its seat with consistent alignment. This suits applications where even small leakage is unacceptable.

Swing check valves offer good sealing, but precision depends on disc angle and backpressure. The seal may not be as tight in low backpressure conditions.

Pressure Suitability

Lift check valves handle high-pressure and high-temperature systems effectively. Their robust construction and tight sealing work well in steam lines, hydraulic systems, and gas pipelines.

Swing check valves excel in low-pressure systems with large-volume flow such as water distribution and HVAC applications.

Installation Flexibility

Installation requirements differ based on valve design and how gravity affects disc closure.

• Lift check valve installation: These valves require specific orientations for proper function, working best in horizontal pipelines where gravity assists closure. Spring-assisted designs enable vertical applications but orientation still affects optimal performance.
• Swing check valve installation: These valves offer more versatility, accommodating horizontal, vertical (upward flow), or inclined pipelines with minimal performance impact. This adaptability makes them easier to integrate into retrofit applications with space constraints.

Water Hammer Susceptibility

Lift check valves reduce water hammer through their design. The disc closes at or near zero flow velocity, preventing the sudden pressure surges that damage piping systems.

Swing check valves are more prone to water hammer and slamming, especially in systems with rapid flow changes. The disc can slam shut, creating destructive pressure surges.

Maintenance Requirements

Maintenance demands vary based on internal complexity and the number of moving parts.

• Lift check valve maintenance: These valves have more complex internal components requiring regular inspection and care. Keeping the piston aligned and clean is essential for proper operation, making maintenance more demanding over time.
• Swing check valve maintenance: These valves feature simpler designs with fewer moving parts, making inspection and repair straightforward. The basic construction reduces maintenance frequency and complexity compared to lift check valves.

Cost Considerations

Lift check valves cost more due to their precision construction and additional internal components. Swing check valves are more cost-effective with simpler design and lower manufacturing complexity. The price difference often makes swing check valves the preferred choice for general-purpose applications where budget matters.

Conclusion

Lift check valves provide precise sealing for high-pressure applications with clean fluids. Swing check valves offer low pressure drop for general-purpose flow control. Your choice depends on system pressure, fluid characteristics, and space constraints.

GOWIN manufactures swing check valves and lift check valves meeting international standards including ASME B16.34 and BS1868. As a dual plate check valve supplier, we also produce compact dual plate designs for space-constrained applications. Our check valves are available in sizes from 1/2″ to 60″ with pressure ratings up to Class 2500. 

Contact us today to discuss your backflow prevention requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between swing check valve vs lift check valve?

Swing check valves use a hinged disc. This affects pressure drop, sealing precision, and installation flexibility.  Lift check valves use a disc that moves vertically.

Can swing check valves be installed vertically? 

Yes, but only with upward flow. The disc needs gravity to close properly. Downward flow prevents closure and causes backflow.

Which valve type requires less maintenance? 

Swing check valves require less maintenance due to simpler design and fewer moving parts. Lift check valves need regular inspection to maintain piston alignment.

What is dual plate check valve vs swing check valve? 

Dual plate check valves are more compact and close faster, preventing water hammer better. Swing check valves offer lower pressure drop and simpler maintenance.