SELECTION GUIDE

FOR
VD 500-600 E CHECK VALVES
 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION PAGE 2

SELECTION GUIDELINES PAGE 2

SELECTION DIAGRAM PAGE 3

LIQUIDS OR GAS AND STEAM FLOW PAGE 4

LIQUIDS PAGE 4

DAMPER CONTROLLED CLOSING

OR UNCONTROLLED CLOSING PAGE 4

FREE-ACTING OR
POSITIVE VALVE ACTION PAGE 5
TYPE GZA PAGE 5
NO FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY
OR FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY PAGE 5
TYPE RZN PAGE 6
TYPE RZI PAGE 6
TYPE GBZ (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE) PAGE 6
TYPE AZI (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE) PAGE 7
FULL BORE TYPE PAGE 7
TYPE MFK PAGE 7

GASES, STEAM PAGE 7

GRAVITY CLOSING
OR ASSISTED CLOSING PAGE 7
TYPE GMZ PAGE 8
TYPE FCV WITH GRAVITY CLOSING PAGE 8
TYPE FCV WITH ASSISTED CLOSING PAGE 9
TYPE MAG WITH GRAVITY CLOSING PAGE 9
TYPE MAG WITH ASSISTED CLOSING PAGE 10

CONCLUSION PAGE 10

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of check valves or non-return history we have continually improved and
valves is to allow fluid flow in one preferred developed our seat technology to the forefront
direction and to prevent backflow or flow in the of valve technology. This sealing system
opposite direction. As pressure drops in a pipe provides tight shut-off over a wide range of
and the fluid momentum slows, a check valve service temperatures, freedom from jamming,
ideally begins to close. As the flow direction and low trim inertia for faster valve response to
reverses, the check valve closes completely. flow changes.
Based on this simple requirement it appears
that a single check valve design would be The present ADAMS range of check valves
sufficient for use in any application. In addition represents the result of our 30 years of
to this basic non-return function, however, experience with manufacturing, development
there are other service requirements which and testing of check
must be met by a check valve design which
can vary extensively with different applications.
valves for a wide range of applications. Results
The following examples will illustrate the of ongoing development and extensive testing
different requirements imposed on check will be used for continuous improvement of the
valves. Consider a check valve used on a current check valve designs to maintain our
pump discharge where the pump supplies position of leading check valve technology.
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 SELECTION GUIDELINES
check valve in a liquid requires a damping
device so the valve can close after the pump The Selection Diagram (Figure 1) lists all
trips to ensure controlled closure for maximum ADAMS check valve types together with
attenuation of pressure surge. In a steam selection criteria which should provide some
extraction line, flow reversal can occur within assistance in finding the proper check valve
0.2 seconds on loss of turbine pressure. This type for a specific application.
requires a check valve with very fast closing
capabilities, low inertia of the valve disc and The following information is intended to provide
minimal inherent friction of all moving some explanation of the selection criteria
components so that the impact of delayed followed by a brief description of the check
valve closure is reduced to a minimum. valve designs indicated in the Selection
Diagram.
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

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

CHECK VALVES

LIQUIDS GASES, STEAM

DASHPOT UNCONTROLLED GRAVITY ASSISTED

CONTROLLED CLOSING CLOSING CLOSING
CLOSING

POSITIVE VALVE COMPRESSOR

FREE-ACTING ACTION BLOWER TURBINE

TYPE GZA TYPE GMZ TYPE FCV

WITH ASSISTED CLOSING

TYPE MAG
WITH ASSISTED CLOSING

NO FLOW CONTROL WITH FLOW CONTROL COMPRESSOR TURBINE

CAPABILITY CAPABILITY BLOWER

TYPE RZN TYPE GBZ TYPE MAG TYPE FCV

WITH GRAVITY CLOSING 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 VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

LIQUIDS OR GAS AND STEAM FLOW

As shown in the Selection Diagram a produces a dynamic impact load on the disc
distinction has been made between liquid and and body seat. Stresses caused by the impact
gas or steam flows. The reason for this load can lead to serious damage of valve
distinction is as follows: internals or, in the worst case, those internals
are broken off depending on the magnitude of
- The difference in inertia and elasticity of the impact load and the adequacy of the valve
the different fluid types design. The magnitude of the dynamic impact
- The time it takes for the flow velocity to load depends solely on the velocity of the disc
become zero after a pump, compressor or at impact and the inertia of the moving valve
turbine trip. The time until flow reversal parts.
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 characte- Figure 3
Same installation and service conditions as for Figure 2 above.
ristics to ensure successful performance in Downstream pressure after closure of ADAMS RZN DN 400 (16")
service. with damping device.

Unlike the performance of undamped check

valves, the ADAMS range of damped check
LIQUIDS
valves provides the feature of a controlled
closing action on the cessation of forward flow
DAMPER CONTROLLED CLOSING
due to the use of a hydraulic damper. The
OR UNCONTROLLED CLOSING ADAMS damped check valve can initially close
undamped rapidly with decreasing forward flow
The ideal check valve should begin closing with and will gradually slow the disc closing speed
decreasing flow and close completely at the to slowly reduce the backflow. This controlled
zero flow condition. In practice the check valve closing action of the damped check valve
closure is normally delayed to some extent, attenuates significantly the magnitude of
and the partially opened check valve is then pressure surge (see Figure 3). In addition, the
subjected to backflow. 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
Figure 2 - Up to three-stage damping to meet the
Multi-pump installation. 1 pump in service, 1 pump tripped out. most complex system requirements
Pressure rise on downstream side after closure of undamped check
valve of size DN 400 (16")
- Adjustable damping rates to control the
disc closing speed
A check valve without a damping device will be
accelerated in the closing direction when All of these features are conveniently acces-
subjected to backflow and will slam shut, giving sible from the outside for adjustment to tune
rise to high pressures on the downstream side the check valve performance during start-up
(see Figure 2). These pressure changes are (see Figure 4).
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 VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

It is frequently assumed that the magnitude of increased particularly in sizes ranging from
pressure surge resulting from a rapid check 1200 mm (48") to 3000 mm (120"). These
valve closure under reverse flow conditions valves are usually used on pump discharge
may present a problem for low pressure piping lines to function as a check valve. On pump
systems only. However, the pressure surge start-up the valve is positively moved to full
can easily rise to values that are 10 times the open and on pump trip due to receipt of a trip
steady state system pressure. With water as signal, the valve will close.
the flowing media in steel piping the maximum
surge pressure is approximately 10 bar (45 psi) The advantage of a positively operated valve
for every 1 m/s (1 ft/s) change in the flowing over a free-acting check valve is the reduced
velocity. The pressure surge travels from the pressure loss across the valve due to its full
source of velocity change (the slamming check open position regardless of flow rate and the
valve) at the speed of sound through the piping streamlined design of the valve interior. The
system. As a result, not only the check valve is advantage of a free-acting check valve is the
subjected to the pressure surge but also the automatic response to flow changes without
entire piping system. requiring an external signal or energy supply.

Surge does not originate with the check valve,

but it can be magnified by incorrect valve TYPE GZA
selection or attenuated by the correct one.
Rapid uncontrolled closure of a check valve out The design of the GZA
of tune with the fluid system can be valves utilizes the Type
catastrophic. OSK tight shut-off
valve as the basis,
and an external lever
with closing weight
with a hydraulic cy-
linder. 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
Figure 4 damping device providing two- or three-stage
Schematic design of multi-rate adjustable damping system (RZN, multi-rate adjustable and controlled closing
GBZ) and closing characteristics.
action.

FREE-ACTING Use of multiple control valves and sensors

OR POSITIVE VALVE ACTION which initiate the trip action can increase the
system redundancy to ensure the safety
In many applications it is commonly required aspects of the valve performance. The trip
that a check valve automatically opens on signal can be either hydraulic or electric.
forward flow and closes on cessation of flow
without any external signal or energy supply. GZA valves are frequently used in power plant
The automatic or free-acting performance of applications to reliably protect large pumps in
the ADAMS check valve ensures extremely the cooling water system against reverse flow.
reliable system protection.
During the past 15 years, however, the de-
mand for positively operated valves has

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

NO FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY TYPE RZI

OR FLOW CONTROL CAPABILITY
The RZI is essen-
The conventional check valve generally pro- tially the same basic
vides no capability for flow control and is solely design configuration
utilized for the check valve function. as the RZN except
for its more advan-
In many applications, however, the check valve ced damping system
is installed in the piping system in series with a which is setting new
shut-off valve. It is a reasonable idea to standards in surge
combine the functions of the two valves in a control. Using
single valve. A combination shut-off and check ADAMS exclusive
valve provides a number of features: multi-rate adjustable interval damping system,
the RZI provides the optimum control over
- Installation space and costs savings surge in liquid transmission lines. In addition to
- Reduction in pressure loss providing adjustment for each of three separate
- Flow control capability together with the damping rate increments, the point during the
priority check valve function check valve closing travel at which each rate
- Possible use as drain valve change occurs is completely adjustable. This
means that the RZI can be tuned to exactly
match the closing characteristics required in a
TYPE RZN pump installation to prevent excessive
pressure surge.
This fast acting
tilting disc check
valve with low inertia TYPE GBZ
ensures quick valve (COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE)
re-sponse to liquid
flow changes. The This combination stop and check valve
dual eccentrically combines tight shut-
mount-ed disc pro- off, flow control and
vides maximum hy- check valve func-
drodynamic perfor- tions in a single
mance for low pressure loss and freedom from compact unit. Like
jamming and flutter. the Type MAG, RZN
and RZI designs, a
The ADAMS inclined conical seal system fast acting tilting disc
ensures that shut-off against reverse flow is check valve is used
tight and progressive. The RZN Type check as the basis for the
valve with its multi-rate adjustable damping GBZ design. The GBZ is fitted with a compact
system offers complete primary protection in gearbox which contains the reduction gear, lost
even the most adverse applications. The motion coupling and a hydraulic damping unit.
compact design allows installation in very The lost motion coupling ensures priority
confined spaces. function as a check valve so that the valve can
auto-close from any partial or full open position.
The RZN is the ideal choice for every Throttling of the valve, which can be achieved
installation which demands an ultra-reliable by turning the handwheel, can be quite useful
non-slam check valve. 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 VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

The integral, hydraulic damping cylinder hydraulic power unit which permits the use of
provides multi-rate adjustable damping for the hydraulic damping cylinder for positive
controlled and non-slam closure to cope with valve operation.
arduous system requirements.
The AZI is a beneficial choice for every
installation calling for the application of a shut-
off valve and a non-slam check valve in larger
sizes or higher pressures than the GBZ was
designed for.

FULL BORE TYPE

Figure 5 The full bore check valve provides unrestricted

Outlines of swing check/gate valve and GBZ installation flow passage in the normal flow direction with
the valve disc lifting clear of the fluid stream.
Since the GBZ can replace two (2)
The interior of valve body is shaped without
conventional valves, there are a number of
any major change in cross sectional area to
savings such as less weight, less space, lower
give smooth flow passage. These features
installation costs and low pressure loss (Figure
make the full bore check valve particularly
5).
suitable for contaminated fluids such as
sewage, preventing material build-up in the
These features make the GBZ ideally suited for
valve to eliminate blockage.
installation on pump discharge lines.

TYPE MFK
TYPE AZI
(COMBINED FUNCTION VALVE)
The MFK is a full bore
check valve providing
The function of the
unrestricted flow pas-
AZI is identical to
sage in the normal
that of the Type GBZ
flow direction. The
combination stop
valve is fitted with a
and check valve.
multi-rate adjustable
The AZI, however,
hydraulic damping unit
extends the range of
for non-slam closure.
applications be-
Developed as a
cause of its
modular design with a variety of accessories,
availability in larger
this valve covers a range of applications in
sizes and higher pressure ratings. Instead of a
liquid waste handling.
single gearbox used on the GBZ, the AZI is
fitted with a hydraulic damping unit on one side
The basic design concept of this check valve
and a gearbox with an integral lost motion
makes the MFK particularly suitable for
coupling on the other. The hydraulic damping
application in piping systems with sewage or
unit provides optimum control over surge
other contaminated media.
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

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

GASES, STEAM TYPE GMZ

GRAVITY CLOSING OR ASSISTED CLOSING The ADAMS Type

GMZ assisted non-
For the protection of rotary equipment such as slam check valve is
compressors and turbines against reverse flow designed for gas
it is sometimes suitable to utilize check valves systems where ultra-
where closing is achieved just by gravity. reliable high integrity
These valves are usually identified as non- operation is required.
critical check valves. The basic element is a
fast acting tilting disc
When protection of valuable rotary equipment check valve with
against reverse flow is of importance, check stable flow response. Disc movement is con-
valve designs are available as combined trolled by a lever, an adjustable closing weight
function or assisted closing check valves and a light hydraulic damper to prevent slam or
where some method of positive actuation is disc oscillation. Assisted closing is provided by
added to the basic auto-closing valve. These a single-acting pneumatic cylinder connected
assisted closing actuators fitted to the check to the lever arm by a clevis. The pneumatic
valves overcome increased inherent valve actuator is controlled by a solenoid valve which
friction caused by any deposits or wear due to permits tripping for positively assisted closure
frequent cycling. They are providing a backup with either a de-energized or energized state.
protection for rotating equipment because they The solenoid valve is normally operated
are forcing valve closure in the event the check through a compressor start-up and shut-down
valve should fail to auto-close on cessation of signal.
flow.
In normal GMZ operation the disc is opened by
Positively assisted closing action is frequently forward flow to a position where flow and
required for check valves utilized on large gravity forces are balanced. With loss of
compressor discharge lines and on steam forward flow the GMZ will auto-close as the
extraction lines to heaters where a large hydraulic damper permits smooth non-slam
amount of energy is stored in the specific closure. In addition, normal shut-down
extraction system. Methods of actuation procedure is initiated by a signal to the solenoid
include double acting pneumatic or hydraulic valve to start pneumatic assisted closure prior
cylinders with options of spring return or to cessation of the forward flow.
accumulator stored energy systems.
Special options and accessories available
Another feature of the assisted closing include air open / spring close actuators, steam
actuators is the optional provision for on-load jacketing, limit switches and position
exercising, a test procedure which is widely transmitter for remote indication of disc
used with check valves installed in steam position.
extraction lines from turbines. The actuator is
periodically tripped (sometimes daily), and as The Type GMZ check valve is particularly
the valve disc is momentarily forced far enough suitable for installations in gas systems and
closed to demonstrate that the check valve widely used on compressor discharge lines.
operates freely and returns to its initial
operating position after actuation force is
removed. On-load testing can be performed
locally or remotely.

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

TYPE FCV WITH GRAVITY CLOSING

Developed as a result
of many years ex-
perience 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:

- 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
Figure 6
Opening characteristics of a 450 mm (18") FCV valve, class 300 versus valve size - Figure 7)
turbine load - Extremely reliable sealing system for tight
shut-off and freedom from jamming
On loss of load, large steam turbines can rapidly
- Hard faced seat and disc tips to withstand
accelerate to overspeed due to reverse steam
high impact loads
flow caused by the energy contained in the
- No bolting inside the valve for complete
extraction and feedwater heater system. Flow
reliability
reversal can occur in less than 0.2 seconds and
this can cause very high impact loads on check
The Type FCV has achieved an enviable
valve closure if delayed. This necessitates the
record of reliability over long periods of service
special design features of the Type FCV.
with very low maintenance, even in units with
numerous shut-downs. The Type FCV with
The Type FCV is designed to respond as rapidly
gravity closing is particularly designed for use
as possible by means of low inertia components,
on steam extraction lines to protect turbines
optimum closing moment and minimum friction.
against overspeed and partial water induction
on load rejection.

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

TYPE FCV WITH ASSISTED CLOSING pressurized chamber out of the flow stream to
avoid the friction of a shaft seal and to further
An air open/spring enhance reliability and reduce flow disturbance.
return actuator is The weight chamber is provided with adequate
fitted on top of the drains to eliminate problems with condensate
valve body to or dirt build-up and is accessible for
provide assisted maintenance.
closing action. The
closing actuation is
direct acting via a TYPE MAG WITH ASSISTED CLOSING
pad on the back of
the valve disc thus The MAG is also
avoiding the use of a shaft seal. With air available with an
pressure acting on the cylinder, the piston rod actuator for positively
retracts and compresses the closing spring. assisted closure. The
The check valve is opened by steam flow and MAG is fitted with a
closes automatically by gravity on cessation of rotary Type actuator
flow. On receipt of a signal the actuator is which operates via a
tripped, and the check valve is forced to close lost motion coupling
in the event the valve has failed to auto-close. on the valve shaft.
The coupling is contained in the weight
The FCV with assisted closing is the ideal chamber to ensure that shaft seal friction is not
choice as an extremely reliable and long lasting affecting the valve performance. Actuation can
check valve for installation in steam extraction be either manual, electric, hydraulic or
systems where positive assist actuation is pneumatic.
specified by the turbine manufacturer.
The MAG is generally used on large, low
pressure steam extraction lines either with or
TYPE MAG without power assisted closure as specified.
Another application of the MAG is for use on
The ADAMS Type MAG has been specially process gas lines to protect large cracking
designed and developed for low pressure furnaces against flow reversal during the
gas/steam service to protect steam turbines switch-over procedure or due to a tube rupture
and compressors from the effects of reversal in the furnace.
of gas/steam flow on trip or emergency shut-
down. Its main features are ultra-reliable fast
closure, tight shut-off, low pressure loss and CONCLUSION
the ability to withstand a large number of cycles
without failure. The check valve Types as presented in this
discussion are available in a wide range of
sizes, pressure ratings and materials. In
TYPE MAG WITH GRAVITY CLOSING addition, many special construction features
and various accessories can be supplied to
The MAG is a gravity meet requirements for specific applications.
closing tilting disc
check valve opened The foregoing discussion together with the
by gas / steam flow Selection Diagram lists the most common
and designed to check valve applications. There are many
close rapidly just special options and designs which cannot be
prior to flow reversal. covered in a brief guide like this. ADAMS
The disc is profiled produces many special valves (air admission,
to improve aero- line break, emergency shut-down, etc.) some
dynamic lift, and the of which utilize check valve features. Leaflets
closing weight partially balances the disc giving detailed data on special applications are
weight in any open position to minimize available on request.
pressure loss. The weight is contained in a

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 SELECTION GUIDE
FOR VD 500-600 E
CHECK VALVES

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: info@adams-armaturen.de
www.adams-valves.com

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