Apollo, Bonomi, and JFlow are all well known names synonymous with high quality valves. All three companies include check valves among their products. So who makes the better check valve? This question may be difficult to answer, and will involve taking a closer look at what each manufacturer has to offer.
While not half as complicated as something so sophisticated as backflow preventers, check valves perform a similar task by preventing the backward movement of a liquid through the valve. These check valves remain closed until the force of upstream traveling fluid, known as cracking pressure, exerts enough pressure to open, allowing passage. This is usually around 1/2 to 1 psi. Any pressure pushing backwards on the gate will seal it shut. In-line check valves typically utilize a spring to aid this action. But while every check valve performs the same task, and all work in practically the same way, each model from the three companies is a little bit different, having separate advantages and disadvantages.
Apollo 62-100 Check Valve
The Apollo 62-100 series of in-line, ball cone silent check valve is visibly different from the other two, and it features a key design difference: the Apollo 62-100 is unique because its RPTFE ball-cone check is a rounded, cone-shaped poppet rather than a true sphere.
This type of check valve seals in much the same way as the other two we've been discussing, though it utilizes a spring for fast action. Its cast stainless steel (ASTM A351, Grade CF8M) body is perfect for corrosive environment applications, and the straight-through flow design minimizes pressure loss. It has a one-piece body design (no separate end cap, unlike the two-piece Bonomi and JFlow valves below). In addition, it can handle a max pressure of 400 psig. But, as with the most innovative designs, the Apollo 62-100 check valve comes with a higher price tag.
Bonomi S800 Check Valve
The Bonomi S800 series is a stainless steel two-piece check valve (w/end cap) construction. These in-line check valves are known as silent check valves, and are perfect for preventing water hammer at a moderate (and, in this case, midrange) price. Rugged construction features a stainless steel spring and slide pin seat hold. Seat and gasket are PTFE and can handle pressures of up to 800 WOG. The S800 is available in sizes 1/4" to 2".
Check Valve
The JFlow 6833 is also constructed of stainless steel, and this 2-piece silent in-line check valve. It is comparable to the Bonomi S800 as it also uses a stainless steel spring and slide pin seat hold, PTFE seat and gasket, and can handle the same amount of pressure. Available in sizes 1/4" to 2", the JFlow 6833 costs considerably less.
Comparing These Check Valves
All three valves are NPT threaded, and all perform the same job. All three are constructed from non-corrosive stainless steel and available in pipe sizes 1/2" through 2". While the Bonomi and JFlow valves are virtually identical in design, the Apollo valve differs in its design. Outside of this difference, the only other major difference among the three lies in the price.
All three manufacturers are renowned for their product quality, and all three check valves are for industrial-grade applications. All provide reliable protection against backflow. In comparing and contrasting, then, the choice for which one is the best may come down to cost, needs, and a matter of faith in one product over the other.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a durable, reliable, high-quality check valve, these are some great options -- and they give you an idea of the wide variety of check valves available through ValveMan. Contact us today to learn more!
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