CHECK VALVES - SWING, TILTING DISC & PISTON - API594/API6D/BS1868/B16.34
Australian Pipeline Valve - Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual
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1 . 0 I N S T A L L A T I O N
Piping should be properly aligned and supported to reduce mechanical loading on
the end connections.
1.1 INSTALLATION POSITIONS
Check valves are unidirectional and have the direction of flow indicated on the valve body. Australian
Pipeline Valve swing or tilting disc check valves may be installed in horizontal lines or vertical lines
where the direction of flow as indicated on the valve body is upwards.
Australian Pipeline Valve piston check valves are only for use in horizontal lines with bonnet facing up.
Check valves must be fitted in horizontal pipe runs with the cover facing vertically upward. Variance to
either side of the vertical axis must not exceed five (5) degrees. Swing-check valves and spring-loaded
check valve designs can be positioned in vertical pipe runs with upward flow.
Check valves must not be installed in a vertical down flow pipe run or in a
horizontal pipe run with the cover in the vertical down position. Always install
valves in the direction indicated by the flow arrow stamped on the body.
Note
Flow disturbances caused by the system components (e.g. pipe fittings, discharge of
pumps, etc.) can lead to valve chatter, which can cause rapid wear of seats and trim
and ultimately lea to valve malfunction. APV recommends that a sufficient distance
be maintained between the check valve and any component that can cause flow
disturbance as follows:
a) System components that create flow disturbance - examples are pumps, fittings and valves. When
installing a check valve near system components, APV recommends a minimum of 10 pipe diameters of
straight pipe between the upstream system components and the inlet of the check valve and a
minimum of 2 pipe diameters of straight pipe between the downstream system components and the
outlet of the check valve.
b) Pipe bends and transitions - examples are elbows, tees, branch connections and reducers. APV
recommends a minimum of 6 pipe diameters of straight pipe between the upstream system component
and the inlet of the check valve and a minimum of 3 pipe diameters of straight pipe between the
downstream component and the outlet of the check valve.
Spring loaded piston check valves are recommended for reciprocating compressor service in which a
history of noisy check valve operation has been experienced.
