ISO 9001:2015 Certified

'SHAPING INDUSTRIES WITH THE FINEST STEEL'

Check Valve Manufacturer

TES-LOK check valves (non-return valves) — spring-loaded poppet valves that allow flow in one direction only and automatically prevent backflow, protecting instruments, pumps, and process lines. A set spring gives a defined cracking pressure and snaps the poppet shut the instant flow reverses. SS 316, SS 304, Brass, and special alloys. Size 1/2" to 6" (15mm to 150mm). Up to 3000 PSI (207 bar) @ 21°C. Cracking pressure 1/3 to 100 PSI. −23°C to 191°C. ISO 9001:2015 certified. Made in India.

One-Way / Non-Return Spring Poppet SS 316 / 304 / Brass 1/2" to 6" Up to 3000 PSI (207 bar) Cracking 1/3–100 PSI −23°C to 191°C ISO 9001:2015
Check Valve SS 316

TES-LOK Check Valve

Relief Valve

Relief Valve (Related)

Ball Valve

Ball Valve (Related)

What Is a Check Valve?


Definition: A Check Valve — also called a non-return valve (NRV) or one-way valve — is an automatic valve that permits flow in one direction only and closes to prevent reverse flow. Forward flow pressure pushes a spring-loaded poppet off its seat to open the valve; when flow stops or tries to reverse, the spring (assisted by back-pressure) seats the poppet to shut off instantly. The spring sets the cracking pressure — the minimum forward pressure needed to open the valve — so it can be tuned for sensitive instrument lines or higher-flow process duty. No external operation is needed; the valve responds automatically to flow direction.

Check valves protect pumps and compressors from reverse rotation, stop process media flooding back into instruments, prevent contamination between streams, and hold pressure when a line is isolated. TES-LOK supplies inline spring-poppet check valves with tube-fitting, NPT, BSP, and SAE ends across the full material range.

How a Check Valve Works


1
Forward flow opens it: When inlet pressure exceeds the cracking pressure, flow pushes the poppet off its seat and opens the valve.
2
Flow passes through: Media flows past the open poppet with the spring lightly compressed — minimal restriction in the forward direction.
3
Spring sets cracking pressure: The spring rate determines the cracking pressure (1/3 PSI for sensitive lines up to 100 PSI for higher-bias duty), tuning when the valve opens.
4
Reverse flow closes it: When flow stops or reverses, the spring and back-pressure drive the poppet onto the seat, sealing the valve.
5
Backflow is blocked: The seated poppet (soft or metal seat) holds tight against reverse pressure, protecting upstream equipment.

Understanding Cracking Pressure


Cracking pressure is the minimum forward differential pressure that opens the check valve. A light spring (≈1/3 PSI / 0.03 bar) opens at almost any forward flow — ideal for sensitive, low-pressure instrument lines. A heavier spring (up to 100 PSI / 6.9 bar) keeps the valve firmly closed until a higher pressure is reached — useful for back-pressure, anti-siphon, or bias duty. Specify the cracking pressure to match the line.
Spring / Cracking PressureOpens AtBest For
Light (≈1/3 PSI / 0.03 bar)Almost any forward flowSensitive instrument & gauge lines
Standard (1 to 25 PSI)Moderate forward pressureGeneral process & pump protection
Heavy (up to 100 PSI / 6.9 bar)Higher forward pressureBack-pressure, anti-siphon, bias control

Check Valve Types


TypeClosure ElementCharacteristics
Spring Poppet (inline)Spring-loaded poppetCompact, any orientation, defined cracking pressure — standard for instrument lines
Ball CheckSpring-loaded or free ballSimple, good for viscous / slurry media
Swing CheckHinged disc/flapperLow pressure drop, larger lines, mounted in correct orientation
Lift CheckGuided discTight shut-off, horizontal/vertical per design

Technical Specifications


ParameterDetails
BrandTES-LOK (Tesco Steel & Engineering)
TypeSpring-loaded poppet check (non-return) valve
Size1/2" to 6" (15 mm to 150 mm)
Working PressureUp to 3000 PSI (207 bar) @ 70°F (21°C)
Cracking Pressure1/3 PSI (0.03 bar) to 100 PSI (6.9 bar)
Working Temperature−23°C to 191°C (−10°F to 375°F)
SeatSoft (PTFE / FKM / Buna) or metal seat options
SpringSS 316 / Hastelloy; selectable cracking pressure
End ConnectionsTube-fitting (twin-ferrule), NPT, BSP (BSPP), BSPT, UNF, SAE, ISO
Body MaterialSS 316 / 316L, SS 304, Brass, special alloys
OptionsNACE MR0175 (sour), oxygen-clean, custom cracking pressure
CertificationsISO 9001:2015  |  EN 10204 3.1 MTC on request

Material Selection Guide


MaterialCorrosion / ServiceTypical Use
SS 316 / 316LExcellent — chloride resistantGeneral instrumentation, offshore, chemical, marine
SS 304 / 304LGood — general serviceWater, air, mild process
BrassModerate — no ammonia/acidsPneumatics, low-pressure water
Special AlloysApplication-specificAggressive / high-temperature media on request

Why Choose TES-LOK Check Valves?


🚫 Reliable Backflow Prevention

The spring-loaded poppet snaps shut the instant flow reverses, protecting pumps, compressors, instruments, and process lines from damaging reverse flow.

🎯 Selectable Cracking Pressure

Springs from ≈1/3 PSI for sensitive instrument lines up to 100 PSI for back-pressure and anti-siphon duty — tuned precisely to the application.

🔄 Fully Automatic

No external operation needed — the valve responds to flow direction alone, opening on forward flow and sealing on reversal.

🔒 Tight Soft or Metal Seat

Soft seats (PTFE / FKM / Buna) give bubble-tight low-pressure sealing; metal seats suit high-temperature and aggressive service.

🧬 Full Material Range

SS 304, SS 316, Brass, and special alloys, with NACE MR0175 (sour) and oxygen-clean options for demanding media.

📐 Compact, Any-Orientation

Inline spring-poppet design mounts in any orientation in a compact body, integrating directly into instrument tube and process lines.

Installation Guide


1
Confirm rating & cracking pressure: Verify the pressure/temperature rating and cracking pressure suit the line — light spring for sensitive lines, heavier spring for back-pressure duty.
2
Observe flow direction: Install with the arrow on the body pointing in the direction of forward flow. Installing it backwards blocks forward flow.
3
Connect the ends: Make up the ends per type — twin-ferrule make-up for tube ends, PTFE tape on tapered NPT/BSPT, bonded seal on parallel ends. Hold the body with a wrench.
4
Allow for cracking pressure: Account for the cracking pressure in the system's pressure budget, especially on low-pressure instrument lines.
5
Test forward & reverse: Confirm free forward flow above cracking pressure and tight shut-off against reverse pressure before placing in service.
⚠ Check the flow-direction arrow before installing: A check valve fitted backwards will block forward flow and fail to protect against backflow. Also keep the line clean — particles can hold the poppet off its seat and cause reverse leakage. Use a filter upstream on dirty media, and select the cracking pressure deliberately for the duty.

Industry Applications


IndustryTypical Use PointWhy Check Valve
Oil & Gas / OffshoreInstrument & sample line protection, pump dischargeBackflow prevention; NACE sour materials
Refinery & PetrochemicalAnti-contamination between streams, pump protectionReliable non-return; full material range
Power GenerationPump & compressor discharge, instrument linesPrevents reverse rotation & backflow
Chemical ProcessingReagent dosing, anti-siphon, stream isolationSS 316 / special alloys; tuned cracking pressure
Pharmaceutical / LabDosing & sampling non-returnClean SS 316; sensitive low cracking pressure
Gas & Analyser SystemsSample line protection, calibration gasTight seal; prevents back-mixing
Hydraulics & Test RigsPump & accumulator protection, load holdingHigh-pressure non-return; fast response
Water & UtilitiesPump discharge, anti-siphonPrevents reverse flow & water hammer

Frequently Asked Questions


Q1. What is a check valve?

A check valve (non-return valve) is an automatic valve that allows flow in one direction only and prevents reverse flow. Forward flow pushes a spring-loaded poppet off its seat to open the valve, and when flow stops or reverses, the spring seats the poppet to shut off. No external operation is required — it responds to flow direction alone.

Q2. What is cracking pressure?

Cracking pressure is the minimum forward differential pressure needed to open the check valve. TES-LOK check valves are available from about 1/3 PSI (0.03 bar) for sensitive instrument lines up to 100 PSI (6.9 bar) for back-pressure and anti-siphon duty. The spring is selected to set this value for the application.

Q3. Is a check valve the same as a non-return valve (NRV)?

Yes. "Check valve," "non-return valve (NRV)," and "one-way valve" all refer to the same device — a valve that permits flow in one direction and blocks reverse flow. TES-LOK supplies inline spring-poppet check valves for instrument and process service.

Q4. What pressure and temperature can the valve handle?

TES-LOK check valves are rated up to 3000 PSI (207 bar) at 70°F (21°C), with a temperature range of −23°C to 191°C (−10°F to 375°F). Sizes run from 1/2" to 6" (15 mm to 150 mm), and cracking pressure can be specified from 1/3 to 100 PSI.

Q5. Which way does a check valve get installed?

Install the valve with the flow-direction arrow on the body pointing in the direction of intended (forward) flow. Fitted backwards, it will block forward flow and fail to protect against backflow. The inline spring-poppet design can otherwise be mounted in any orientation.

Q6. What seat options are available?

Soft seats (PTFE, FKM/Viton, or Buna) give bubble-tight sealing on low-pressure and instrument lines, while metal seats suit high-temperature and aggressive service. The seat is selected to match the media, temperature, and sealing requirement.

Q7. Can a check valve be used to throttle or isolate flow?

No. A check valve only controls flow direction; it is not for throttling or manual isolation. Use a needle valve for fine throttling and a ball valve or plug valve for manual isolation. Check valves complement these by preventing backflow.

Q8. Can these valves be supplied for sour or oxygen service?

Yes. Check valves can be supplied to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 for sour (H₂S) service with compliant materials and hardness, and oxygen-cleaned for oxygen service. Specify the fluid, pressure, temperature, and required cracking pressure, and we will select the correct body, poppet, spring, and seat.