What is a Non-Return Valve (NRV)? Types, Working, and Symbols of NRV

A non-return valve is a single-way valve that allows the fluid to flow only in one direction. The main importance of non-return valves is their working of allowing flow in the downstream direction and preventing the flow in the upstream direction. In this article, we will briefly learn about non-return valves, their types, functions, working, uses, and symbols.

Non-return valves are also known as NRVs. They are usually small, simple, and inexpensive. There are various types of non-return valves but the main function is the same. They are also known as one-way valves, check valves, clack valves, reflux valves, or retention valves. In the year 1907 Frank P Cotter developed the first simple model of a non-return valve.

Working Principle of a Non-Return Valve

Non-return valves use the mechanism to allow the medium only in the downstream direction. It has two openings: one inlet and the other outlet. A closing member (ball, clapper, or disc) separates the inlet and outlet, staying in between. When the fluid enters the non-return valve through the valve inlet, the fluid pressure keeps the closing member open. On the other hand, when the fluid attempts to flow in the backward direction from the outlet side to the inlet side, the closing member closes the entrance, which prevents the flow. Non-return valves work automatically without the need for control of any external element.

Applications of Non-Return Valves

Non-return valves find a range of applications in industrial and domestic sectors. Some of the uses of nonreturn valves are:

• Pump Discharge: A non-return valve known as a check valve is always installed at the pump discharge piping to prevent the backflow of the fluid.
• Transportation Fluid System: Transportation fluid systems use non-return valves in their pipelines to avoid the backward movement of the fluid.
• Nuclear Industry: Nitrogen feed systems, dump lines.
• Industrial Sampling systems
• Fluid Injection Systems of aircraft, spacecraft
• Laboratory Purification system
• Mixing chambers: A non-return valve is installed at each individual line to avoid gas mixing with the original source.
• Domestic Uses like Sprinkler systems, Home heating systems, inflatable mattresses and boats, drip irrigation systems, Rainwater harvesting systems, Hydraulic jacks, etc.

Types of Non-Return Valves

There are various types of nonreturn valves found for industrial applications. Their exact working mechanism may differ slightly, but the main function is similar. They are two-port valves. Since most non-return valves work automatically, they usually don’t have any handle or stem.

Depending on the exact working mechanism of the movable part that allows or blocks the fluid flow, non-return valves are classified as follows:

Swing check non-return valves:

In this type of non-return valve, the movable part is a disc. It swings on a hinge or trunnion to allow/block the fluid flow. A variety of different types of disc and seat designs are found to be used in different applications. In general, soft-seated swing check valves are more leak-tight.

Stop check non-return valves:

Stop check non-return valves possess an override control that stops the flow. It does not depend on the fluid pressure or flow direction.

Ball non-return valves:

The ball type of NRV features a movable spherical ball to block the flow. Sometimes they are spring-loaded.

Diaphragm NRVs:

This type of non-return valve uses a diaphragm (usually made of flexible rubber) that is controlled by fluid pressure.

Lift check non-return valves:

In a lift check NRV, a disc known as a lift operates to allow/block the flow. When the inlet pressure is high, the disc is lifted and the flow is allowed. When the pressure drops gravity force or outlet pressure lowers the disc and the flow is stopped. Normally used for high-pressure service.

In-line NRVs:

This type of non-return valve uses a spring and the flow is allowed when the upstream pressure exceeds the spring tension. Again when the pressure goes below the pressure to overcome spring tension the flow is blocked.

Folding disc non-return valves:

Mainly used for gaseous or low-pressure liquid service, this type of non-return valves are made in a wafer body pattern. They are also known as double-disc or split-disc check valves.

Tilting Disc NRVs:

Tilting disc types of non-return valves are suitable for turbulent, pulsing, or high-speed flows. The disk of this type of NRV floats within the flow and fluid runs on its top and bottom surfaces.

Foot Valves, Duckbill Valves, etc are also examples of non-return valves

Non-Return Valve Symbol

The non-return valve symbols vary slightly from company to company. The common non-return valve symbols in P&IDs are provided below in Fig. 1

Selecting a Non-Return Valve

Selecting the proper type of NRV helps in smooth, trouble-free, low-maintenance, long-term operation. The selection of an NRV is influenced by various parameters like:

• Type of fluid to be carried.
• Location of the non-return valve
• Pressure and temperature of the flowing fluid.
• Hydraulic characteristics like minimum and maximum flow rates
• Closing time (Slow, normal, or fast-acting)
• Installation type; Vertical or Horizontal
• Cost

The table in Fig. 2 provides a sample guideline for selecting a proper type of NRV.

Functions of Non-Return Valves

The most important functions that a non-return valve performs are:

• It prevents damage to the upstream equipment due to reverse flow and
• Preventing reverse flow after shutdown (Water hammer/Surge)

Because of this, non-return valves are also known as safety-critical valves.

Non-Return Valve Maintenance

To ensure suitable maintenance of non-return valves, providing isolation of the check valve/NRV is always considered. In general, a gate or ball valve is used as an isolator. As a general engineering practice, the non-return valve or check valve is installed at a distance of 5D (D=Pipe/Pipeline OD) from the pump or any pipe fittings to avoid turbulence. The maintenance of non-return valves is carried out based on the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Difference between Non-Return Valve and Check Valve

Both the check valve and non-return valve perform the same duty of restricting and allowing flow only in one direction. Both are one-way valves. All valve types that act as unidirectional valves are non-return valves and the check valve is one of them. Most of the time check valves and non-return valves are used synonymously. There are various types of nonreturn valves such as foot valves, duckbill valves, etc. So, in layman’s language we can say:

All Check Valves are Non-Return Valves but All Non-Return Valves may not be Check Valves.

Can non-return valves (NRVs) be installed vertically?

Yes, some non-return valves can be installed in a vertical orientation. However, not all non-return valves can work in a vertical line. While installing an NRV, the manufacturer’s direction of the flow arrow must be studied and installed accordingly.

Difference between a reflux valve and a non-return valve

Both reflux valves and non-return valves are used to control the direction of fluid flow and prevent backflow in piping systems. They usually denote the same type of valve, and thus there is no difference between them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s find the answers to some of the frequently asked questions that professionals wish to learn about non-return valves.

Further Studies

For more details about the check valve types, components, working, and applications, follow the following article:

• What are Check Valves? Types, Working, and Symbols of Check Valves