(194a) Check Valves in Ethylene Plants

Check valves are important devices in any plant. They protect millions of dollars worth of equipment and are therefore to be regarded as critical. Careful selection and sizing is paramount in order to ensure a trouble free operation. This paper describes the most common check valves available on the market, and their advantages and drawbacks. Furthermore guidelines are given on a careful selection, and finding a balance between cost (including energy loss due to pressure drop) and performance (speed of closure and reliability).