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In any fluid transfer system, the pump acts as the real heart of the whole setup. Its steady work directly decides how efficient and safe the entire system runs. The valves placed on the pump’s suction (inlet) side and discharge (outlet) side work as vital control points. They handle important jobs like controlling flow, managing pressure, protecting equipment, and keeping the fluid isolated when needed.
Picking the wrong valve can easily cause extra energy waste, early equipment breakdown, or even serious safety problems. This article looks at the most common valves used on pump suction and discharge lines. It clearly explains how they work, what to consider when choosing them, and the main points for proper installation and regular care.
Valves on pump suction and discharge lines do much more than just open or close the pipe. Their main jobs include:
1. Start-up and shutdown protection Closing the discharge valve during start-up greatly lowers the motor starting torque and stops overload. Closing it during shutdown stops reverse flow that could harm the impeller.
2. Flow regulation Carefully adjusting the valve opening lets the system match real demand.
3. Safety and backflow prevention Check valves automatically stop reverse flow.
Gate valves remain the most popular isolation valves on pump suction and discharge lines, especially in diameters ≥ DN50. They give a straight flow path with almost no pressure drop when completely open.
A wedge or parallel gate moves up or down across the flow by a stem. Rising-stem types clearly show valve position, while non-rising-stem ones stay compact and fit well in buried or tight spaces.
Mainly used for simple on/off isolation. On the discharge side, always place a check valve downstream so reverse flow cannot happen when the gate valve stays closed.
Globe valves become the usual pick when throttling or frequent operation is necessary, mostly in lines ≤ DN50.
A disc or plug moves straight against a seat. The fluid must change direction (usually 90° twice). This creates higher pressure drop but offers excellent shut-off and control.
Straight-pattern (most common), angle-pattern (for 90° turns), and Y-pattern or DC designs that lower pressure loss.
Always follow the “low-in, high-out” rule: fluid should enter below the disc. This keeps the line pressed against the seat when closed, gives better sealing, and cuts stem thrust.
Check valves (non-return valves) are required on nearly every pump discharge line. They protect the pump from reverse rotation and water hammer during power loss or shutdown.
· Swing check: low pressure drop, good for large sizes and clean fluids
· Lift check: better sealing at low flow, used in smaller sizes or higher pressure
· Silent (nozzle) check: spring- or weight-assisted closing to reduce slam and water hammer
· Tilting-disc or dual-plate: compact, low head loss, now very common in new systems
Match the valve’s pressure drop and closing speed to pump inertia and system slowdown rate. This keeps water hammer as small as possible.
Butterfly valves provide fast operation (quarter-turn) and light weight. They work perfectly for large-diameter, low-to-medium pressure jobs.
· Concentric (centerline) — cheap, suitable for water service up to ~PN16
· Eccentric (single/double/triple offset) — better performance, tighter shut-off, longer seat life in tough service
Ball valves deliver true full-bore flow with nearly zero pressure drop and very tight sealing.
· Floating ball (common up to ~DN200, medium pressure)
· Trunnion-mounted (for bigger sizes and higher pressures)
High-pressure systems, thick fluids, slurries, or where pigging is needed. Now often chosen when tight shut-off and regular operation matter most.
1. Medium compatibility Pick body and seal materials that resist corrosion, erosion, and extreme temperatures well.
2. Pressure, temperature, and size matching Nominal pressure rating must be higher than maximum system pressure by a safe margin (usually 1.5×).
3. Functional requirements
o Pure isolation → gate or butterfly
o Throttling → globe or high-performance butterfly/ball
o Backflow prevention → check valve
4. Pressure-drop constraints Keep permanent loss very low on suction (to prevent cavitation) and discharge (to save pump head).
5. Life-cycle cost and reliability Balance first cost against how often maintenance is needed, spare parts availability, and expected service years.
Pump → Isolation valve (gate/butterfly) → Check valve → Flow-control valve (globe, if required) → Pipeline
· Always respect flow-direction arrows on globe and check valves
· Leave enough space for stem removal and actuator service
· Support heavy valves separately so pump nozzles feel no stress
Check valves prevent backflow, often paired with gate or butterfly for isolation.
Partial opening causes erosion on sealing surfaces, leading to leaks.
Pump → isolation valve (gate/butterfly) → check valve → regulation valve (globe) → pipeline.
FLUIDO stands as a leading manufacturer, supplier, and factory of high-quality valves including gate, globe, check, butterfly, and ball types, along with pipe fittings and flanges. With over 20 years of experience since 1994, ISO9001 and CE certifications, and service to 35+ countries, FLUIDO delivers reliable, customized solutions for pump systems worldwide.
Businesses seeking reliable valve manufacturers, suppliers, or factories for pump inlet/outlet applications can partner with FLUIDO. Inquire today at info@fluidovalve.com or visit www.eathu.com to discuss project requirements and obtain quotes.
