VD 500-600 E

SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION SELECTION GUIDELINES SELECTION DIAGRAM LIQUIDS OR GAS AND STEAM FLOW LIQUIDS DAMPER CONTROLLED CLOSING OR UNCONTROLLED CLOSING FREE-ACTING OR POSITIVE VALVE ACTION TYPE GZA NO FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY OR FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY TYPE RZN TYPE RZI TYPE GBZ (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE) TYPE AZI (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE) FULL BORE TYPE TYPE MFK GASES, STEAM GRAVITY CLOSING OR ASSISTED CLOSING TYPE GMZ TYPE FCV WITH GRAVITY CLOSING TYPE FCV WITH ASSISTED CLOSING TYPE MAG WITH GRAVITY CLOSING TYPE MAG WITH ASSISTED CLOSING CONCLUSION

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

INTRODUCTION The purpose of check valves or non-return valves is to allow fluid flow in one preferred direction and to prevent backflow or flow in the opposite direction. As pressure drops in a pipe and the fluid momentum slows, a check valve ideally begins to close. As the flow direction reverses, the check valve closes completely. Based on this simple requirement it appears that a single check valve design would be sufficient for use in any application. In addition to this basic non-return function, however, there are other service requirements which must be met by a check valve design which can vary extensively with different applications. The following examples will illustrate the different requirements imposed on check valves. Consider a check valve used on a pump discharge where the pump supplies water to a long discharge line and also a check valve utilized on a steam extraction line from a turbine to a heater. A pump discharge line check valve in a liquid requires a damping device so the valve can close after the pump trips to ensure controlled closure for maximum attenuation of pressure surge. In a steam extraction line, flow reversal can occur within 0.2 seconds on loss of turbine pressure. This requires a check valve with very fast closing capabilities, low inertia of the valve disc and minimal inherent friction of all moving components so that the impact of delayed valve closure is reduced to a minimum. The ADAMS range of check valves is probably the most comprehensive and sophisticated product line produced by any manufacturer. Types available range from gravity closed fast acting tilting disc valves to ultra fast closing power assisted check valves for high pressure, high temperature applications and ultimately to hydraulically damped combined function check valves for severe pump applications. The majority of our check valve designs are furnished with the exclusive ADAMS inclined conical seal system. This sealing system, utilized to seat the disc properly in the closed position, has been used in thousands of valves over the past 30 years. During our history we have continually improved and developed our seat technology to the forefront of valve technology. This sealing system provides tight shut-off over a wide range of service temperatures, freedom from jamming, and low trim inertia for faster valve response to flow changes. The present ADAMS range of check valves represents the result of our 30 years of experience with manufacturing, development and testing of check

valves for a wide range of applications. Results of ongoing development and extensive testing will be used for continuous improvement of the current check valve designs to maintain our position of leading check valve technology.

SELECTION GUIDELINES The Selection Diagram (Figure 1) lists all ADAMS check valve types together with selection criteria which should provide some assistance in finding the proper check valve type for a specific application. The following information is intended to provide some explanation of the selection criteria followed by a brief description of the check valve designs indicated in the Selection Diagram.

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

CHECK VALVES

LIQUIDS

GASES, STEAM

DASHPOT CONTROLLED CLOSING

UNCONTROLLED CLOSING

GRAVITY CLOSING

ASSISTED CLOSING

FREE-ACTING

POSITIVE VALVE ACTION

COMPRESSOR BLOWER

TURBINE

TYPE GZA

TYPE GMZ

TYPE FCV
WITH ASSISTED CLOSING

TYPE MAG
WITH ASSISTED CLOSING

NO FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY

WITH FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY

COMPRESSOR BLOWER

TURBINE

TYPE RZN

TYPE GBZ

TYPE MAG
WITH GRAVITY CLOSING

TYPE FCV
WITH GRAVITY CLOSING

TYP RZI

TYP AZI

TYPE MAG
WITH GRAVITY CLOSING

FULL BORE TYPE

TYPE MFK

Figure 1 Selection Diagram for the ADAMS range of Check Valves

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

LIQUIDS OR GAS AND STEAM FLOW As shown in the Selection Diagram a distinction has been made between liquid and gas or steam flows. The reason for this distinction is as follows: - The difference in inertia and elasticity of the different fluid types - The time it takes for the flow velocity to become zero after a pump, compressor or turbine trip. The time until flow reversal can take several seconds with liquid flows, while gas or steam flows can go to zero in less than 0.2 seconds in some applications. These variables call for specific check valve designs and possible accessories which must provide the basic inherent dynamic characteristics to ensure successful performance in service. produces a dynamic impact load on the disc and body seat. Stresses caused by the impact load can lead to serious damage of valve internals or, in the worst case, those internals are broken off depending on the magnitude of the impact load and the adequacy of the valve design. The magnitude of the dynamic impact load depends solely on the velocity of the disc at impact and the inertia of the moving valve parts.

Figure 3 Same installation and service conditions as for Figure 2 above. Downstream pressure after closure of ADAMS RZN DN 400 (16") with damping device.

LIQUIDS DAMPER CONTROLLED CLOSING OR UNCONTROLLED CLOSING The ideal check valve should begin closing with decreasing flow and close completely at the zero flow condition. In practice the check valve closure is normally delayed to some extent, and the partially opened check valve is then subjected to backflow.

Unlike the performance of undamped check valves, the ADAMS range of damped check valves provides the feature of a controlled closing action on the cessation of forward flow due to the use of a hydraulic damper. The ADAMS damped check valve can initially close undamped rapidly with decreasing forward flow and will gradually slow the disc closing speed to slowly reduce the backflow. This controlled closing action of the damped check valve attenuates significantly the magnitude of pressure surge (see Figure 3). In addition, the dynamic impact load on the check valve is reduced to negligible value. The hydraulic dampers as used on ADAMS check valves provide a number of features: - Closing spring to initiate disc closing acceleration at the start of flow transient - Up to three-stage damping to meet the most complex system requirements - Adjustable damping rates to control the disc closing speed All of these features are conveniently accessible from the outside for adjustment to tune the check valve performance during start-up (see Figure 4).

Figure 2 Multi-pump installation. 1 pump in service, 1 pump tripped out. Pressure rise on downstream side after closure of undamped check valve of size DN 400 (16")

A check valve without a damping device will be accelerated in the closing direction when subjected to backflow and will slam shut, giving rise to high pressures on the downstream side (see Figure 2). These pressure changes are frequently called waterhammer because of the sound which often accompanies the pressure surge. The rapid and uncontrolled closure of an undamped check valve due to flow reversal

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

It is frequently assumed that the magnitude of pressure surge resulting from a rapid check valve closure under reverse flow conditions may present a problem for low pressure piping systems only. However, the pressure surge can easily rise to values that are 10 times the steady state system pressure. With water as the flowing media in steel piping the maximum surge pressure is approximately 10 bar (45 psi) for every 1 m/s (1 ft/s) change in the flowing velocity. The pressure surge travels from the source of velocity change (the slamming check valve) at the speed of sound through the piping system. As a result, not only the check valve is subjected to the pressure surge but also the entire piping system. Surge does not originate with the check valve, but it can be magnified by incorrect valve selection or attenuated by the correct one. Rapid uncontrolled closure of a check valve out of tune with the fluid system can be catastrophic.

increased particularly in sizes ranging from 1200 mm (48") to 3000 mm (120"). These valves are usually used on pump discharge lines to function as a check valve. On pump start-up the valve is positively moved to full open and on pump trip due to receipt of a trip signal, the valve will close. The advantage of a positively operated valve over a free-acting check valve is the reduced pressure loss across the valve due to its full open position regardless of flow rate and the streamlined design of the valve interior. The advantage of a free-acting check valve is the automatic response to flow changes without requiring an external signal or energy supply.

TYPE GZA The design of the GZA valves utilizes the Type OSK tight shut-off valve as the basis, and an external lever with closing weight with a hydraulic cylinder. The valves are usually supplied with a hydraulic power unit which can be fitted to the valve as a compact self-contained unit. On pump start-up the valve is positively opened and remains in the full open position during normal service due to hydraulic pressure applied to the external hydraulic cylinder. On pump trip the valve is also tripped to close due to receipt of a signal. The valve closes on its own accord by means of the lever and closing weight. As the valve closes, the hydraulic cylinder is used as a damping device providing two- or three-stage multi-rate adjustable and controlled closing action. Use of multiple control valves and sensors which initiate the trip action can increase the system redundancy to ensure the safety aspects of the valve performance. The trip signal can be either hydraulic or electric. GZA valves are frequently used in power plant applications to reliably protect large pumps in the cooling water system against reverse flow.

Figure 4 Schematic design of multi-rate adjustable damping system (RZN, GBZ) and closing characteristics.

FREE-ACTING OR POSITIVE VALVE ACTION In many applications it is commonly required that a check valve automatically opens on forward flow and closes on cessation of flow without any external signal or energy supply. The automatic or free-acting performance of the ADAMS check valve ensures extremely reliable system protection. During the past 15 years, however, the demand for positively operated valves has

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

NO FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY OR FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY The conventional check valve generally provides no capability for flow control and is solely utilized for the check valve function. In many applications, however, the check valve is installed in the piping system in series with a shut-off valve. It is a reasonable idea to combine the functions of the two valves in a single valve. A combination shut-off and check valve provides a number of features: - Installation space and costs savings - Reduction in pressure loss - Flow control capability together with the priority check valve function - Possible use as drain valve

TYPE RZI The RZI is essentially the same basic design configuration as the RZN except for its more advanced damping system which is setting new standards in surge control. Using ADAMS exclusive multi-rate adjustable interval damping system, the RZI provides the optimum control over surge in liquid transmission lines. In addition to providing adjustment for each of three separate damping rate increments, the point during the check valve closing travel at which each rate change occurs is completely adjustable. This means that the RZI can be tuned to exactly match the closing characteristics required in a pump installation to prevent excessive pressure surge.

TYPE RZN This fast acting tilting disc check valve with low inertia ensures quick valve re-sponse to liquid flow changes. The dual eccentrically mount-ed disc provides maximum hydrodynamic performance for low pressure loss and freedom from jamming and flutter. The ADAMS inclined conical seal system ensures that shut-off against reverse flow is tight and progressive. The RZN Type check valve with its multi-rate adjustable damping system offers complete primary protection in even the most adverse applications. The compact design allows installation in very confined spaces. The RZN is the ideal choice for every installation which demands an ultra-reliable non-slam check valve.

TYPE GBZ (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE) This combination stop and check valve combines tight shutoff, flow control and check valve functions in a single compact unit. Like the Type MAG, RZN and RZI designs, a fast acting tilting disc check valve is used as the basis for the GBZ design. The GBZ is fitted with a compact gearbox which contains the reduction gear, lost motion coupling and a hydraulic damping unit. The lost motion coupling ensures priority function as a check valve so that the valve can auto-close from any partial or full open position. Throttling of the valve, which can be achieved by turning the handwheel, can be quite useful for filling a piping system during start-up or after an outage. Additionally, the valve disc can be locked in full open position by turning the handwheel to drain a piping system. The handwheel can even be replaced in the field with an electric actuator for automated remote operation.

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

The integral, hydraulic damping cylinder provides multi-rate adjustable damping for controlled and non-slam closure to cope with arduous system requirements.

hydraulic power unit which permits the use of the hydraulic damping cylinder for positive valve operation. The AZI is a beneficial choice for every installation calling for the application of a shutoff valve and a non-slam check valve in larger sizes or higher pressures than the GBZ was designed for.

FULL BORE TYPE

Since the GBZ can replace two (2) conventional valves, there are a number of savings such as less weight, less space, lower installation costs and low pressure loss (Figure 5). These features make the GBZ ideally suited for installation on pump discharge lines.

The full bore check valve provides unrestricted flow passage in the normal flow direction with the valve disc lifting clear of the fluid stream. The interior of valve body is shaped without any major change in cross sectional area to give smooth flow passage. These features make the full bore check valve particularly suitable for contaminated fluids such as sewage, preventing material build-up in the valve to eliminate blockage.

TYPE AZI (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE) The function of the AZI is identical to that of the Type GBZ combination stop and check valve. The AZI, however, extends the range of applications because of its availability in larger sizes and higher pressure ratings. Instead of a single gearbox used on the GBZ, the AZI is fitted with a hydraulic damping unit on one side and a gearbox with an integral lost motion coupling on the other. The hydraulic damping unit provides optimum control over surge pressure in liquid piping systems. Fully adjustable damping increments in conjunction with adjustable damping strokes ensure a fully controlled and non-slam closing action. The gearbox, including a lost motion coupling, provides flow control and automatic check valve function which can be very beneficial for filling a piping system. The handwheel at the gearbox can be easily replaced with an electric actuator for remote operation. As an alternative the AZI gearbox can be replaced with a

TYPE MFK The MFK is a full bore check valve providing unrestricted flow passage in the normal flow direction. The valve is fitted with a multi-rate adjustable hydraulic damping unit for non-slam closure. Developed as a modular design with a variety of accessories, this valve covers a range of applications in liquid waste handling. The basic design concept of this check valve makes the MFK particularly suitable for application in piping systems with sewage or other contaminated media.

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

GASES, STEAM GRAVITY CLOSING OR ASSISTED CLOSING For the protection of rotary equipment such as compressors and turbines against reverse flow it is sometimes suitable to utilize check valves where closing is achieved just by gravity. These valves are usually identified as noncritical check valves. When protection of valuable rotary equipment against reverse flow is of importance, check valve designs are available as combined function or assisted closing check valves where some method of positive actuation is added to the basic auto-closing valve. These assisted closing actuators fitted to the check valves overcome increased inherent valve friction caused by any deposits or wear due to frequent cycling. They are providing a backup protection for rotating equipment because they are forcing valve closure in the event the check valve should fail to auto-close on cessation of flow. Positively assisted closing action is frequently required for check valves utilized on large compressor discharge lines and on steam extraction lines to heaters where a large amount of energy is stored in the specific extraction system. Methods of actuation include double acting pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders with options of spring return or accumulator stored energy systems. Another feature of the assisted closing actuators is the optional provision for on-load exercising, a test procedure which is widely used with check valves installed in steam extraction lines from turbines. The actuator is periodically tripped (sometimes daily), and as the valve disc is momentarily forced far enough closed to demonstrate that the check valve operates freely and returns to its initial operating position after actuation force is removed. On-load testing can be performed locally or remotely.

TYPE GMZ The ADAMS Type GMZ assisted nonslam check valve is designed for gas systems where ultrareliable high integrity operation is required. The basic element is a fast acting tilting disc check valve with stable flow response. Disc movement is controlled by a lever, an adjustable closing weight and a light hydraulic damper to prevent slam or disc oscillation. Assisted closing is provided by a single-acting pneumatic cylinder connected to the lever arm by a clevis. The pneumatic actuator is controlled by a solenoid valve which permits tripping for positively assisted closure with either a de-energized or energized state. The solenoid valve is normally operated through a compressor start-up and shut-down signal. In normal GMZ operation the disc is opened by forward flow to a position where flow and gravity forces are balanced. With loss of forward flow the GMZ will auto-close as the hydraulic damper permits smooth non-slam closure. In addition, normal shut-down procedure is initiated by a signal to the solenoid valve to start pneumatic assisted closure prior to cessation of the forward flow. Special options and accessories available include air open / spring close actuators, steam jacketing, limit switches and position transmitter for remote indication of disc position. The Type GMZ check valve is particularly suitable for installations in gas systems and widely used on compressor discharge lines.

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

TYPE FCV WITH GRAVITY CLOSING Developed as a result of many years experience on large steam turbines and compressors the ADAMS Type FCV is a very robust check valve with the lowest inertia moving parts designed to with-stand very fast closure with complete reliability. Such characteristics are essential for valves designed to protect vital machinery and systems from damage following a trip-out or an emergency shut-down.

Figure 7 Closing time of an FCV of 450 mm (18") size, class 300 in free air

The basic design features of the FCV Type check valve are as follows: Figure 6 Opening characteristics of a 450 mm (18") FCV valve, class 300 versus turbine load

On loss of load, large steam turbines can rapidly accelerate to overspeed due to reverse steam flow caused by the energy contained in the extraction and feedwater heater system. Flow reversal can occur in less than 0.2 seconds and this can cause very high impact loads on check valve closure if delayed. This necessitates the special design features of the Type FCV. The Type FCV is designed to respond as rapidly as possible by means of low inertia components, optimum closing moment and minimum friction.

Low inertia of moving valve parts Low inherent friction Ultra-fast response to flow changes Reduced distance disc travel Optimum opening characteristics (Figure 6) Ultra-fast valve closure (usually in 0.2 to 0.5 seconds in free air - depending on valve size - Figure 7) - Extremely reliable sealing system for tight shut-off and freedom from jamming - Hard faced seat and disc tips to withstand high impact loads - No bolting inside the valve for complete reliability The Type FCV has achieved an enviable record of reliability over long periods of service with very low maintenance, even in units with numerous shut-downs. The Type FCV with gravity closing is particularly designed for use on steam extraction lines to protect turbines against overspeed and partial water induction on load rejection.

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

TYPE FCV WITH ASSISTED CLOSING An air open/spring return actuator is fitted on top of the valve body to provide assisted closing action. The closing actuation is direct acting via a pad on the back of the valve disc thus avoiding the use of a shaft seal. With air pressure acting on the cylinder, the piston rod retracts and compresses the closing spring. The check valve is opened by steam flow and closes automatically by gravity on cessation of flow. On receipt of a signal the actuator is tripped, and the check valve is forced to close in the event the valve has failed to auto-close. The FCV with assisted closing is the ideal choice as an extremely reliable and long lasting check valve for installation in steam extraction systems where positive assist actuation is specified by the turbine manufacturer.

pressurized chamber out of the flow stream to avoid the friction of a shaft seal and to further enhance reliability and reduce flow disturbance. The weight chamber is provided with adequate drains to eliminate problems with condensate or dirt build-up and is accessible for maintenance.

TYPE MAG WITH ASSISTED CLOSING The MAG is also available with an actuator for positively assisted closure. The MAG is fitted with a rotary Type actuator which operates via a lost motion coupling on the valve shaft. The coupling is contained in the weight chamber to ensure that shaft seal friction is not affecting the valve performance. Actuation can be either manual, electric, hydraulic or pneumatic. The MAG is generally used on large, low pressure steam extraction lines either with or without power assisted closure as specified. Another application of the MAG is for use on process gas lines to protect large cracking furnaces against flow reversal during the switch-over procedure or due to a tube rupture in the furnace.

TYPE MAG The ADAMS Type MAG has been specially designed and developed for low pressure gas/steam service to protect steam turbines and compressors from the effects of reversal of gas/steam flow on trip or emergency shutdown. Its main features are ultra-reliable fast closure, tight shut-off, low pressure loss and the ability to withstand a large number of cycles without failure.

CONCLUSION The check valve Types as presented in this discussion are available in a wide range of sizes, pressure ratings and materials. In addition, many special construction features and various accessories can be supplied to meet requirements for specific applications. The foregoing discussion together with the Selection Diagram lists the most common check valve applications. There are many special options and designs which cannot be covered in a brief guide like this. ADAMS produces many special valves (air admission, line break, emergency shut-down, etc.) some of which utilize check valve features. Leaflets giving detailed data on special applications are available on request.

TYPE MAG WITH GRAVITY CLOSING The MAG is a gravity closing tilting disc check valve opened by gas / steam flow and designed to close rapidly just prior to flow reversal. The disc is profiled to improve aerodynamic lift, and the closing weight partially balances the disc weight in any open position to minimize pressure loss. The weight is contained in a

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SELECTION GUIDE FOR CHECK VALVES

VD 500-600 E

When specifying check valves for major projects it is advisable to consult your nearest ADAMS sales office or representative for specific information and advice. Thank you for considering ADAMS.

HEAD OFFICE + WORKS Adams Armaturen GmbH Baukauer Strasse 55 D-44653 Herne Tel.: (0 23 23) 2 09-0 Fax: (0 23 23) 2 09-2 86 / 2 87 E-mail: [email protected] www.adams-valves.com

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