316L Stainless Steel Clamp Check Valve — Viton Seal

Cematic's 316L stainless steel clamp check valve is the standard component to ensure unidirectional flow in industrial lines with clamp connections. Its spring design ensures closure when there is no flow.

This prevents fluid backflow without requiring a minimum differential pressure. In addition, the SS316L + Viton combination provides high resistance to corrosion and temperature, making it suitable for aggressive environments and corrosive fluids up to 180 °C.

Its standard sanitary polished interior finish facilitates cleaning between production cycles. Furthermore, its clamp-type connection allows for quick installation and disassembly without special tools.

Consequently, it is the preferred choice in industrial installations where frequent maintenance and agile disassembly are operational requirements.

Principle of Operation — Spring Clamp Check Valve

The clamp check valve operates automatically and without external actuation. When the fluid flows in the correct direction, the pressure overcomes the spring force, thus opening the disc and allowing flow.

When the flow ceases or reverses direction, on the other hand, the spring returns the disc to the seat and immediately closes the valve. In this way, it does not require a minimum differential pressure to close, thereby protecting the line against any attempt of fluid backflow.

The quick opening and good sealing of the disc also minimize the impact on downstream flow and reduce pressure losses. For this reason, it is the most widely used type of check valve in industrial installations with clamp connections.

Why SS316L + Viton in a Check Valve

The selection of the body and seal material also defines the actual application range of the check valve. The SS316L + Viton combination is correct in the following cases:

• Superior chemical resistance: Viton resists a significantly wider chemical range than EPDM or NBR, making it suitable for aggressive fluids, acids, organic solvents, and chemicals that would degrade other elastomers.
• High temperature up to 180 °C: Viton maintains its sealing properties up to 180 °C, while EPDM is limited to 110 °C. Therefore, it is the correct seal for steam lines, hot water, and process fluids at elevated temperatures.
• Body corrosion resistance: SS316L also contains molybdenum in its composition, which offers greater resistance to chlorides and aggressive environments than SS304. Consequently, it is the standard material in high-demand chemical, petrochemical, and food industries.
• Disc and spring in SS316L: All internal components in contact with the fluid are made of SS316L, thus maintaining material consistency and eliminating the risk of galvanic corrosion between components.

Technical Specifications

Fluid Compatibility

This 316L stainless steel clamp check valve with Viton seal is compatible with a wide range of industrial fluids. The main groups are described below:

• Aggressive and corrosive chemical fluids — Viton resists acids, organic solvents, and chemicals that would degrade EPDM or NBR; therefore, it is the standard seal in the chemical and petrochemical industry.
• Clean steam and hot water up to 180 °C — Viton resists steam at SIP sterilization temperatures; likewise, SS316L does not corrode with clean steam condensate.
• Food and pharmaceutical fluids — SS316L meets the material requirements for food contact; in addition, Viton is compatible with most food and pharmaceutical process fluids.
• Process water and treated water — SS316L resists corrosion from process water, including water with chlorides; however, for seawater or very high concentrations of chlorides, consult Cematic's technical team.
• Petrochemical fluids and hydrocarbons — Viton resists hydrocarbons, oils, and solvents typical of the petrochemical industry; however, verify specific compatibility for extremely aggressive fluids.

Applications of the Stainless Steel Clamp Check Valve

Chemical Industry

The 316L stainless steel clamp check valve is suitable for chemical processes where aggressive or corrosive liquids are handled. Viton resists a wide range of chemicals, thereby ensuring seal integrity with fluids that would degrade conventional elastomers.

Likewise, the clamp connection allows for quick disassembly for inspection or seal replacement without interrupting the entire circuit.

Water and Wastewater Treatment

In water treatment systems, this check valve also prevents backflow and ensures that treated water does not return to the system. The corrosion resistance of SS316L is also suitable for handling water with chlorides and disinfection agents.

Consequently, it is a more durable alternative to check valves made of materials with lower chemical resistance.

Petrochemical Industry

The heat and corrosion resistance properties of SS316L and Viton are also beneficial in petrochemical environments. For this reason, this valve is reliable in lines that handle hydrocarbons, solvents, and chemicals at high temperatures.

Additionally, the PN 20/25 pressure covers most process services in petrochemical plants.

Tubing Systems and Clamp Connections

In installations where clamp connections are standard, this check valve also integrates directly into the circuit without adapters or reducers.

Therefore, it simplifies the line design and reduces the number of components. In addition, clamp disassembly allows the valve to be replaced in seconds without modifying existing piping.

Energy and Steam Systems

In systems with process steam up to 180 °C, this check valve therefore ensures unidirectional flow and protects equipment from damage due to fluid backflow. Likewise, the SS316L spring maintains stable closing force over time.

It even withstands frequent thermal cycles that would degrade standard material springs.

For the complete range of check valves, see check valves collection →

Technical Data Sheet