Val-Matic Swing-Flex Check Valve User Manual

Manual No.

SFCV-OM1-9

Swing-Flex
Check Valve

Operation, Maintenance and

Installation Manual

INTRODUCTION 1

RECEIVING AND STORAGE 1

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION 1

INSTALLATION 2

VALVE CONSTRUCTION 2

MAINTENANCE 2

TROUBLESHOOTING 3

DISASSEMBLY 3

RE-ASSEMBLY 3

BACKFLOW ACTUATOR (OPTIONAL) 4

MECHANICAL INDICATOR (OPTIONAL) 5

LIMIT SWITCH (OPTIONAL) 5

BOTTOM OIL DASHPOT (OPTIONAL) 6

PARTS AND SERVICE 7

WARRANTY 7

VAL-MATIC

905 Riverside Dr. ● Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone [phone] ● Fax [phone]
www.valmatic.com

®

VALVE AND MANUFACTURING CORP.

VAL-MATIC'S SWING-FLEX



CHECK VALVE

OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND INSTALLATION

INTRODUCTION



The Swing-Flex
to give years of trouble-free operation. This
manual will provide you with the information
needed to properly install and maintain the valve
and to ensure a long service life. The valve is
opened by the fluid flow in one direction and
closes automatically to prevent flow in the reverse
direction.

An optional backflow actuator may be mounted on
the bottom of the valve to allow manual backflow
through the valve in the reverse direction.

Optional Mechanical Indicators and Limit Switches
may be mounted on the valve cover to provide
local and remote position indication.

An oil dashpot may be mounted on the bottom of
6” and larger valves to provide slow closure over
the last 10% of travel.

The valve is of the swing check type utilizing an
angled seat and fully encapsulated, resilient disc.
It is capable of handling a wide range of fluids
including flows containing suspended solids. The
Size, Flow Direction, Maximum Working Pressure,
and Series No. are stamped on the nameplate for
reference.

Do not use valve for line testing at
pressures higher than nameplate rating or
damage to valve may occur

The "Maximum Working Pressure" is the non­shock pressure rating of the valve at 150
valve is not intended as an isolation valve for line
testing above the valve rating.

Check Valve has been designed

CAUTION

o

F. The

RECEIVING AND STORAGE

Inspect valves upon receipt for damage in
shipment. Unload all valves carefully to the ground
without dropping. Do not allow lifting slings or
chains to come in contact with the seat area; use
eyebolts or rods through the flange holes on large
valves.

Do not use threaded holes in cover for
lifting the valve. Serious injury may result.

Valves should remain crated, clean and dry until
installed to prevent weather related damage. For
long term storage greater than six months, the
rubber surfaces of the disc should be coated with
a thin film of FDA approved grease such as
Lubriko #CW-606. Do not expose disc to sunlight
or ozone for any extended period.

FIGURE 1. SWING FLEX

WARNING



CHECK VALVE

DESCRIPTION OF VALVE OPERATION

The valve is designed to prevent reverse flow
automatically. During system flow conditions, the
movement of the fluid forces the disc to the open
position allowing 100% un-restricted flow area
through the valve. Under reverse flow conditions,
the disc automatically returns to the closed
position to prevent reverse flow.

Several optional features are a backflow actuator,
mechanical indicator, limit switch and bottom oil
dashpot. All of these options ship loose of the
valve and require field installation.

INSTALLATION



Correct installation of the Swing-Flex

is important
for proper operation. It may be installed in either
horizontal or vertical flow-up applications.
However, when horizontal, the valve must be
installed with the nameplate facing up and the
cover level. In all installations, the flow arrow cast
in the valve cover must be pointed in the direction
of flow during normal system operation.

Do not use threaded holes in cover for
lifting the valve. Serious injury may result.

WARNING

FLANGED ENDS: Flanged valves should only be
mated with flat-faced pipe flanges equipped with
full-face resilient gaskets. The valve and adjacent
piping must be supported and aligned to prevent
cantilevered stress on the valve. Once the flange
bolts or studs are lubricated and inserted around
the flange, tighten them uniformly hand tight. The
tightening of the bolts should then be done in

graduated steps using the crossover tightening

method. Recommended lubricated torque values
for use with resilient gaskets (75 durometer) are
given in Table 1. If leakage occurs, allow gaskets
to absorb fluid and check torque and leakage after
24 hours. Do not exceed bolt rating or extrude
gasket.

The use of ring gaskets or excessive bolt
torque may damage valve flanges.

CAUTION

Valve Bolt Recom. Max.
Size Dia Torque Torque
(in) (in) (ft-lbs) (ft-lbs)

3 5/8 25 90
4 5/8 25 90
6 3/4 30 150
8 3/4 40 150
10 7/8 45 205
12 7/8 65 205
14 1 80 300
16 1 80 300
18 1 1/8 100 425
20 1 1/8 100 425
24 1 1/4 150 600
30 1 1/4 160 600
36 1 1/2 300 900
42 1 1/2 300 900
48 1 1/2 300 1,000

Table 1. Flange Bolt Torques

VALVE CONSTRUCTION



The standard Swing-Flex

Check Valve is
constructed of rugged cast iron with a rubber
encapsulated disc. See the specific Materials List
submitted for the order if other than standard cast
iron construction. The disc is the only moving part
assuring long life with minimal maintenance. The
general details of construction are illustrated in
Figure 2. The body (1) is flanged for connection to
the pipeline with an open top sealed with a cast
cover (2). The disc (3) is retained by the cover.

Item Description Material

1 Body Ductile Iron – 250 psi
Cast Iron – 150 psi
2 Cover Ductile Iron – 250 psi
Cast Iron – 150 psi
3 Disc* Steel With Buna-N Facing
4 Cover Seal* Buna-N or Non-Asbestos
5 Cover Bolt Alloy Steel

*Recommended Spare Part

FIGURE 2. CHECK VALVE CONSTRUCTION

MAINTENANCE



The Swing Flex
scheduled lubrication or maintenance. For service
or inspection, the valve can be serviced without
removal from the line.

VALVE INSPECTION: If inspection of the valve is
required, follow the Disassembly Instructions given
on page 3.

Check Valve requires no

TROUBLESHOOTING

Several problems and solutions are presented
below to assist you in troubleshooting the valve
assembly in an efficient manner.

 Leakage at Bottom Actuator: Remove line

pressure and exercise actuator. If leak persists,
replace seals in actuator; see the Backflow
Actuator Seal Replacement Procedure on page

4.

 Leakage at Cover or Flanges: Tighten bolts,

replace cover seal.

 Valve Leaks when Closed: Inspect disc for

damage and replace. Inspect metal seating
surface and clean if necessary.

 Valve Does not Open: Check for obstruction in

valve or pipeline; see Disassembly procedure on
page 4. Operating pressure may be less than
cracking pressure. If less than 0.5 psig, review
application with factory.

DISASSEMBLY

The valve can be disassembled without removing
it from the pipeline. Or for convenience, the valve
can be removed from the line. All work on the
valve should be performed by a skilled mechanic
with proper tools and a power hoist for larger
valves. Disassembly may be required to inspect
the disc for wear or the valve for deposits.

The line must be drained before removing
the cover or pressure may be released
causing bodily harm.

1. Relieve pressure and drain the pipeline. Refer
to Figure 2 on page 2. Remove the cover bolts
(5) on the top cover.

2. Pry cover (2) loose and lift off valve body. 12”
and larger valves have tapped holes in cover
for lifting eyes.

3. Remove disc (3) and inspect for cracks, tears
or damage in rubber sealing surface.

4. Clean and inspect parts. Replace worn parts
as necessary and lubricate parts with FDA
grease such as Lubriko #CW-606.

WARNING

RE-ASSEMBLY

All parts must be cleaned. Gasket surfaces should
be cleaned with a stiff wire brush in the direction of
the serrations or machine marks. Worn parts,
gaskets and seals should be replaced during
reassembly.

1. Lay disc (3) over seat with beaded seating
surface directed down.

2. Lay cover gasket (4) and cover (2) over bolt
holes and disc hinge. Where o-ring seal is
provided, place o-ring into body groove. O-ring
may be held in place with compatible grease
for re-assembly. Food grade grease should be
used for standard Buna-N o-rings. For EPDM
o-rings, silicone grease should be used.

3. Insert lubricated bolts (5) noting that the bolts in
the hinge area are longer than the other cover
bolts.

4. Cover bolts should be tightened to the following
specifications during assembly.

Table 2. Valve Cover Bolt Torques

Valve Size Torque (ft-lbs)
2”-2.5” 1/2" 75
3” 7/16" 50
4” 1/2" 75
6” 5/8" 150
8” 5/8" 150
10” 7/8" 400

12”-20” 7/8” 400

24” 1” 500
30” 1 1/8” 600
36” 1 1/4” 900
42” 1 1/2" 1,400
48” 1 1/2” 1,400

BACKFLOW ACTUATOR FIELD INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE (OPTIONAL)

BACKFLOW ACTUATOR OPERATION:

An optional backflow actuator assembly is

available which can be easily installed in the field.
The actuator is not designed to operate at the
valve’s Maximum Working Pressure rating.
Therefore, prior to using the actuator, close the
pump isolation valve and bleed off line pressure.
To operate, turn the handle clockwise. This will
open the valve disc allowing backflow through the
valve. The handle should turn easily. When the
actuator is fully extended into the valve, the disc
will be partially open. Upon completion of the back
flushing operation, turn the handle counter­clockwise and the valve will automatically return to
the closed position. Lock the actuator in the
closed position with the jam nut provided. The
system is again ready for normal operation.

Relive line pressure before using backflow
actuator or damage may occur.

BACKFLOW ACTUATOR FIELD INSTALLATION:
The backflow actuator is supplied as an optional
assembly from the factory, which is shipped loose
with the valve.

Remove of the bottom plug while under
pressure may cause bodily harm.

1. Depressurize and drain the pipeline.

2. Score the coating around and remove the pipe
plug in the bottom boss of the valve.

3. Inspect the backflow rod and place in the non­extended position. (The rod should extend
about 1" past the end of the brass bushing.)
Apply Teflon thread sealant to brass threads.

4. Insert the threaded end of the assembly into
the valve boss. Slowly turn the assembly into
the boss taking care not to cross-thread the
bushing. Continue turning the assembly into
the valve for a tight fit.

BACKFLOW ACTUATOR SEAL REPLACEMENT:
There are two parts (8 & 9) on the backflow
actuator that are subject to wear. To replace the
seals, the pipeline must first be depressurized and
drained. Next, remove the backflow assembly
from the valve by turning the brass bushing (6)
counter-clockwise. Disassemble the actuator as
follows:

WARNING

WARNING

1. Remove one of the vinyl caps (12).

2. Remove the T-Handle (10) and jam nut (11)
from the rod (7).

3. Remove the rod (7) from the bushing (6) by
screwing in the rod fully clockwise and pull the
rod through the valve end of the bushing (6).

4. Lubricate new seals with FDA approved grease
such as Lubriko #CW-606 and install in the
bushing end grooves.

5. Clean, lubricate, and reinstall rod in bushing.

6. Re-install jam nut (11) and T-Handle (10).

7. Place vinyl cap (12) on handle (10).

8. Apply Teflon thread sealant to bushing and
carefully thread into valve taking care not to
cross-thread the bushing.

FIGURE 3. BACKFLOW ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY

Item Description Material
6 Bushing Lead-Free Brass
7 Rod Stainless Steel
8 Rod Wiper* Molythane
9 O-Ring* Buna-N
10 Handle Stainless Steel
11 Jam nut Brass
12 Cap* Vinyl

Backflow Actuator Parts List

*Recommended Spare Part

MECHANICAL INDICATOR (OPTIONAL)

y

The mechanical indicator is an option that fits into
the cover and can easily be installed in the field by
going through the following steps. The mechanical
indicator is used to visually indicate when the
valve is opened or closed.

1. Remove line pressure and drain valve.

Removal of the pipe plug while under
pressure ma

2. Score the coating around and remove the pipe
plug from the cover.

3. Apply pipe joint compound to indicator body
(21) threads.

4. Insert the indicator body (21), without the
indicator plate (27), into the valve cover and
tighten. Make sure that two of the tapped holes
in the indicator body (21) are aligned with the
valve and pipeline. This will ensure proper
orientation of the indicator plate.

5. Remove the two socket head screws (31) from
the indicator body (21).

6. Slide the indicator plate (27) over the indicator
rod (23) and spring (28).

7. Align the indicator plate (27) as shown on the
back of this card and secure with the 5mm
socket head screws (31).

8. Connect the spring (28) to the indicator plate
(27) notch.

WARNING

cause bodily harm.

LIMIT SWITCH (OPTIONAL)

The limit switch is used in conjunction with the
Mechanical Indicator. The standard limit switch is
MICROSWITCH Model Number 914CE20-3. The
limit switch is SCADA (Supervisory Control and
Data Acquisition) compatible for applications
requiring open/close indication.

NEMA Ratings: 1, 2, 4, 6, 6P, 12, 13
UL Ratings: 5 AMPS, 1/10 HP, 125 or 250 VAC,

SPDT

Installation:

1. Attach limit switch assembly to indicator using
the supplied screws (34) and bracket (32).

2. Position the assembly so that the switch trips
when the valve is closed.

3. Connect wiring to either the normally open or
normally closed contact as shown in the
schematic diagram.

FIG. 4. MECHANICAL INDICATOR ASSEMBLY

Mechanical Indicator Parts List

Item Description Material
21 Body Brass
22 Bushing Brass
23 Rod Stainless Steel T410
27 Plate Stainless Steel T316
28 Spring Stainless Steel T302
31 Screws Stainless Steel T316

FIGURE 5. LIMIT SWITCH ASSEMBLY

BOTTOM MOUNTED OIL DASHPOT FIELD INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
(OPTIONAL)

DASHPOT FIELD INSTALLATION: The bottom
dashpot is supplied as an optional assembly from
the factory. This unit provides control of the disc’s
final 10% travel to the closed position to reduce
valve slam and water hammer. The 10% travel
time is adjustable between 1 and 5 seconds.

1. Depressurize and drain the valve and pipeline.

Removal of the bottom plug in the valve
while under pressure may cause bodily
harm.

2. Score the coating around and remove the pipe
plug in the bottom boss of the valve. Apply
Teflon thread sealant or tape to brass threads
on the dashpot.

3. Insert the threaded end of the assembly into
the valve boss. Slowly turn the assembly into
the boss taking care not to cross-thread the
bushing. Continue turning the assembly into
the valve for a tight fit and so that the tank is
upright.

4. Adjust the air pressure in the tank to be a
minimum of 50 psi over the line pressure. Set
the flow control valve in the mid position (i.e. 1
turn open). The dashpot rod should be
extended and hold the disc open about 1 inch.
The water line pressure will close the disc.

WARNING

CHECKING OIL AND GREASE LEVELS:

1. The check valve should be closed.

2. The air in the oil reservoir must be bled from
the reservoir, using the air fill valve mounted on
the reservoir.

3. Remove the pipe plug from the oil reservoir fill

port.

4. Add hydraulic fluid equal to Mobil #DTE 24 until
fluid is up to level indicated on the reservoir.
Replace pipe plug.

5. Recharge the reservoir with air pressure to a
minimum of 10 psi over the water line pressure.

6. The grease level cannot be checked but it is
recommended that the grease fitting be
charged with grease twice a year. Use a
cartridge grease gun and pump grease into the
fitting using two full strokes. An FDA approved
grease such as Lubriko #CW-606 should be
used (Master Lubricants Company,
Philadelphia, PA)

DASHPOT SEAL REPLACEMENT: There are
several seals in the unit that may require
replacement.

1. Depressurize and drain the valve and pipeline.

2. Unscrew the dashpot from the valve and
remove the 4 bolts holding the dashpot spacer.

3. Replace the (2) rod wipers and o-ring seal.

4. If the oil cylinder is leaking oil, tighten the tie
rod nuts. The cylinder should be returned to
the factory for rebuilding.

5. Reinstall the unit as listed above for a new unit.

FIGURE 6. BOTTOM MOUNTED OIL DASHPOT

PARTS AND SERVICE

Parts and service are available from your local
representative or the factory. Make note of the
valve Model No and Working Pressure located on
the valve nameplate and contact:

Val-Matic Valve and Mfg. Corp.
905 Riverside Drive
Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

www.valmatic.com

A sales representative will quote prices for parts or
arrange for service as needed.

All products are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from the
date of shipment, subject to the limitations below.

If the purchaser believes a product is defective, the purchaser shall: (a) Notify the manufacturer, state the
alleged defect and request permission to return the product; (b) if permission is given, return the product with
transportation prepaid. If the product is accepted for return and found to be defective, the manufacturer will, at
his discretion, either repair or replace the product, f.o.b. factory, within 60 days of receipt, or refund the
purchase price. Other than to repair, replace or refund as described above, purchaser agrees that
manufacturer shall not be liable for any loss, costs, expenses or damages of any kind arising out of the product,
its use, installation or replacement, labeling, instructions, information or technical data of any kind, description
of product use, sample or model, warnings or lack of any of the foregoing. NO OTHER WARRANTIES,
WRITTEN OR ORAL, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY, ARE MADE OR AUTHORIZED. NO AFFIRMATION OF
FACT, PROMISE, DESCRIPTION OF PRODUCT OF USE OR SAMPLE OR MODEL SHALL CREATE ANY
WARRANTY FROM MANUFACTURER, UNLESS SIGNED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE MANUFACTURER.
These products are not manufactured, sold or intended for personal, family or household purposes.

LIMITED WARRANTY

VAL-MATIC

905 Riverside Dr. ● Elmhurst, IL 60126
Phone [phone] ● Fax [phone]
www.valmatic.com

®

VALVE AND MANUFACTURING CORP.