Wafer-Type vs. Lug-Type Check Valves: Key Distinctions

Not every check valve is created equal. These industrial valves are best for pipelines, tubing, and hoses to prevent the backflow of liquids, gases, and other fluids processed in your workspaces. 

Two of the most widely utilized valves of this kind are your wafer-type check valve and the lug-type check valve. The former are regarded as compact and unidirectional valves designed to prevent backflow circumstances, thanks to their thin, disc-like design that’s more perfect when installed between flanges. 

Meanwhile, lug-type check valve sets are those never insecure with possible issues in your industry as they are designed to allow the flow of fluids in just one direction, of course, preventing backflow, featuring threaded lug holes for the secure mounting between pipeline flanges. By the end of this article, you will learn the following:

– Installation method

– Maintenance advantage

– Pressure rating 

– Temperature resistance

– Weight and cost

– Installation challenges

– End valve capability 

Installation Method

Wafer-type check valves for your industry are supported by flange bolts, fit between flanges, perfect when you have tight spaces and lower-weight industrial applications. On the other hand, lug-type check valves bolt directly toward flanges for the secure, isolated installation that’s never poor in operations. 

Maintenance Advantage

Such wafer-type industrial valves require full line disassemblies, making the maintenance of this group of check valves more complex in industrial systems. Meanwhile, lug-type check valves provide the easier removal of this certain section of your pipeline without disturbing the other. 

Pressure Rating

A lug-type check valve generally supports pressure at higher levels because of their strong bolting design, while a wafer-type check valve are best suited for moderate pressure applications, with compact builds limiting their high-pressure industrial application. 

Temperature Resistance

A wafer-type check valve has lower temperature limits compared to their lug-type counterpart, which handles higher temperatures from their strong layout, design, and gasket options, but this depends on compact design and materials used. 

Weight and Costs

It is the lug-type check valve that’s heavier and more expensive, out of their solid construction and bolting characteristics. Conversely, a wafer-type valve is lighter and more budget-friendly, best for space- and cost-conscious industrial setups. 

Installation Challenges

Wafer-type check valves are easier and quicker to set up than lug-type check valves. The latter is more of a challenge to align because of their multiple bolt holes, and the wafer-type may necessitate precise centering in-between flanges. 

End Valve Capability

While both provide impressive end valve capacities, wafer-type check valves lack the end-of-line capability that your industry may need, and lug-type check valves triumph versus the other in terms of this aspect. 

When it comes to distinguishing between whether you must use a wafer-type check valve or a lug-type check valve, it still depends on the industry you’d want to use them for, your needs, and the results that you want to reach. 
YOUFUMI, our company, specializes in industrial valves that take pride in our century of unparalleled craftsmanship. For more information, talk with our representatives.