


With or without spring – when does the check valve need spring return?
| Feature | Without spring (gravity close) | With spring return |
|---|---|---|
| Closing principle | Disc closes under its own weight after flow stops | Spring begins closing disc as flow decelerates – before reversal |
| Water hammer protection | Low – disc waits for backflow before closing | High – disc closes before backflow; pressure surges effectively reduced |
| Installation position | Horizontal only (hinge axis horizontal) or vertical upward flow | All positions: horizontal, vertical up AND down, inclined |
| Cracking pressure | Very low – disc weight only | Slightly higher – spring force must be overcome |
| Required for | Low-velocity lines, gravity mains | Pump discharge, booster systems, PTFE & metal seats (always), vertical downward flow |
Rule of thumb: On every pump discharge and with PTFE or metal seats, a spring-return check valve is mandatory. For even faster closure and better water hammer protection at larger sizes: dual plate check valve.
Seat selection – NBR, EPDM, PTFE, FKM or metal?
| Seat | Temperature | Media | Spring? |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBR | –10 °C to +80 °C | Water, mineral oil, fuel, sewage | Optional |
| EPDM | –40 °C to +120 °C | Drinking water, hot water, steam, dilute acids/alkalis | Optional |
| PTFE | –10 °C to +200 °C | Universal: acids, alkalis, solvents, oxidisers | Required |
| FKM (Viton) | –10 °C to +180 °C | Fuels, aromatics, concentrated acids | Optional |
| Metal | –10 °C to +300 °C | Steam, thermal oil, abrasive media | Required |
EPDM seats with DVGW W270 / ACS / WRAS compliance are the standard for drinking water. When in doubt: FERGO resistance check tool.
Body materials – stainless steel, galvanised steel or plastic?
- Stainless steel 1.4408 (RK100 / RK101): disc & body CF8M; screws 1.4401; up to +200 °C (PTFE) / +300 °C (metal); corrosion-resistant, hygienic, food-grade. For chemicals, pharma, food, drinking water, offshore
- Galvanised steel 1.0619 (RK100): economical alternative for neutral media; zinc coating for outdoor use; up to +120 °C. For HVAC, general water supply, industrial utilities
- PP-H plastic (RK106): PN10/16; lightweight, chemically resistant, electrically insulating; NBR or FKM seat. For chemical plants, water treatment, electroplating
- PVC-U: for cold, non-flammable chemical media up to +60 °C; lightweight, cost-effective
- GGG40.3 + PFA lining: ductile iron body with full PFA lining for highly aggressive chemicals – see PFA check valve
All certificates detail in the FERGO certificate portal.
Single-flap or dual plate – which check valve for water hammer protection?
| Criterion | Single flap (RK100/RK101) | Dual plate (RF200/RF202) |
|---|---|---|
| Closure element | Single disc on hinge pin | Two spring-loaded half-discs on central shaft |
| Closing speed | Medium (with spring) to slow (without) | Very fast – milliseconds due to low inertia |
| Water hammer protection | Good (with spring) | Excellent – industry standard for pump discharge > DN100 |
| Pressure loss | Low | Very low – plates lie parallel to flow |
| Size range | DN32–DN400 | DN50–DN300 |
| Preferred for | General backflow protection, DN32–DN100 | Pump discharge, high velocity, DN100+ |
Rule of thumb: From DN100 on pump discharge, always specify a dual plate check valve. For smaller DN or lower velocities, a single-flap with spring is sufficient. Other types: disco check valves · lift check valves · threaded check valves.
Wafer check valves in stock – EU-wide delivery
All 439 wafer check valves ship from the FERGO warehouse in Neuss, Germany. Delivery: 2–5 working days by DHL across Europe. Special configurations (aluminium bronze, PVDF, ANSI flange drilling, 3.1 material certificates) on request. Technical advice: +49 (0) 21 31 / 15 39 28-0 · [email protected]










