Checking Your Industrial Check Valves –What You Need To Look Into

If you try to find the most misunderstood and seemingly underutilized valve ever invented, individuals (even some engineers) will point at the Check Valve.

If mentioned to plant personnel for example, the typical response will be, “they don’t work”. In fact, some industrial professionals go even so far as to re-pipe the entire system just to avoid installation of check valves.

What Is A Check Valve?

Explained in simple wordings, a check valve is a type of system that allows flow (gas or liquid) in one direction. Another usage of check valves is prevention of back or reverse flow, when fluid in the pipe line changes its direction.

Check valves are self automated, i.e. they don’t need help or human intervention to open and shut. Unlike other valve types, check valves work perfectly well even if the plant loses air, electricity or manual intervention.

Where Are They Found?

Despite their somewhat unpopularity, check valves are everywhere, including in your home. Check to see if your basement houses a sump pump. A check valve will probably be installed in the discharge line of the pump. Look outside your home and you’ll see check valves in every industry where a pump is an integral part of operations.   

Mostly Invisible, Check Valves Are Crucial For Everyday Applications Concerned With Flow Control

Also known as non-return or one-way valves, this industrial tool allows flow of liquid or air in only one direction. Tube fittings and valve manufacturers design check valves in a plethora of sizes and types. Consistent development and research is being awarded to check valves so that more applications can use them and prevent costly or dangerous backflow.

Check Valve Uses and Characteristics

Ø  It protects equipment from backflow and leakage damage

Ø  It provides pressure relief and safety of system

Ø  It prevents contamination from backflow

Ø  Manual intervention isn’t required

Ø  It’s powered by differential and flow pressure

Now that you know the advantages and importance of check valves, take note of the following considerations pertaining how to select the best valves for any application.  

Technical Specifications

Ø  What is the material of the check valve? Is it compatible with rest of the system?

Ø  What is the minimum cracking pressure?

Ø  How quickly does it closes and opens?

Ø  Is it flow dependent, powered by spring assist or gravity?

Ø  Does it promise zero leakage?

Are you able to answer the above positively? Then you’ve bought a check valve that’ll perform exceptionally well with your fluid system! Send in a query to SEALEXCEL for further information on check valves and their configurations.