What Are Check Valves ?&What does a check valve do?
Check valves are one-way fluid control valves used to prevent backflow. "Check" means that the valve opens automatically when the medium flows in the correct direction and closes automatically when the flow reverses, requiring no external actuation. With a simple structure typically composed of a valve body, valve disc, guiding mechanism, and spring, they are commonly made from materials such as stainless steel, brass, or plastic. Check valves feature easy installation, quick response, reliable sealing, and compact design. They are widely used in garden water systems, spool water,pump setups, chemical processing, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage industries, and gas transmission applications.
Check Valves Features
Unidirectional flow control: automatically allows one-way flow and prevents reverse flow.
No external drive required: Operated solely based on fluid pressure, without the need for manual or electric operation.
Simple and compact design: fewer moving parts, easy to install and maintain.
Fast response time: Quickly open and close to protect system integrity.
Reliable sealing: prevents leakage and maintains stable pressure.
Vertical lifting of spring：reliable prevention of backflow
Y-shaped structural design：high flow efficiency
Check Valves Function
◆ Prevent medium backflow
◆ Protect system components
◆ Safe and efficient traffic control
◆ Suitable for various liquid and gas media
◆ Compact design for easy installation
◆ Diverse materials and wide applicability in various fields
Application of Check Valves
Sum Pump System:When the pump stops running, prevent water from flowing back to the sump along the drainage pipe to protect the pipeline and pump system. Ensure that the discharged water is not sucked back, efficient and energy-saving.
Swimming Pool System:Check Valve can effectively prevent water backflow, protect equipment, and ensure stable system operation in the swimming pool system.
Garden Hose:Check Valve is very important for household drainage. If harmful substances such as water or fertilizer in the water pipes flow back into the household water supply system due to pressure when the faucet is turned off, it will be unimaginable.
Check Valve Types
Spring Vertical Lift Check Valve: Adopting a spring assisted vertical lifting valve disc structure, suitable for vertical or horizontal installation. Quick seating, good sealing, and responsive.
Y-Type Spring Lift Check Valve: The valve body is in a "Y" shape, and the valve disc rises and falls in an inclined manner inside, with a spring.Low flow resistance, suitable for higher flow rates and clean fluids, easy to maintain.
Inline Spring Check Valve: Compact straight tube type, usually with a built-in small spring pushing the valve core to close. Flexible installation, commonly used for small-diameter gas-liquid pipelines.
Miniature Inline Poppet Type Check Valve: Compact structure, more inclined towards lightweight systems and pneumatic equipment. Suitable for small systems, gases, or instruments, with fast response and high sealing performance.
How to Install Check Valves in a Water Line?
Installing check valves properly in a water line is a straightforward process, but it requires attention to flow direction and proper sealing. Here are the basic steps：
Turn Off the Water Supply
Shut off the main water supply to prevent leaks and pressure during installation.
Identify the Flow Direction
Check the valve body for an arrow indicating the correct flow direction. This must match the direction of water in your system.
Cut the Pipe
Use a pipe cutter or saw to create a gap where the check valve will be installed. Ensure the cut edges are clean and smooth.
Install the Check Valve
For threaded connections: Apply plumber's tape (Teflon tape) to the threads and tighten with a wrench.For PVC or copper pipes: Use appropriate solvent cement or soldering methods.
Ensure Proper Orientation
The valve must be installed upright or as recommended by the manufacturer. Incorrect positioning can prevent proper operation.
Secure and Test
Turn the water supply back on slowly. Check for leaks and ensure the valve is functioning properly
Check Valves Interface Types
Threaded:Most common, screw in type, suitable for small and medium-sized pipelines.Commonly use 1/8 ~2 inch.
Flanged:Bolt connection, good sealing performance, suitable for high flow and high pressure applications.Commonly use DN15 ~ DN600.
Welded:Used for direct welding of pipelines and valve bodies in high-pressure systems.Commonly use Stainless steel or copper system, size customized according to standards.
Push-in:Commonly used for pneumatic components such as PU and nylon hose systems.Commonly use 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm.
Compression:Used for hydraulic or precision piping systems.Commonly use 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" inch size.
FAQ
Q1.What is the best type of check valves for high-flow industrial pipelines?
For high-flow industrial applications, the swing check valves are often the preferred choice due to its low pressure drop and ability to handle large volumes efficiently. It's commonly used in water treatment plants, oil pipelines, and HVAC systems.
Q2.Can I use a spring-loaded check valve for compressed air systems?
Yes. Spring-loaded check valves are ideal for compressed air and pneumatic systems because they offer fast response, reliable backflow prevention, and can be installed in any orientation.
Q3.Which check valve is suitable for food-grade or sanitary applications?
For food, beverage, or pharmaceutical applications, a diaphragm check valve made with FDA-approved materials is recommended. These valves offer clean, non-contaminating performance and are resistant to corrosion.
Q4.How do I choose a check valve for a corrosive or chemical fluid system?
When handling corrosive fluids, it's best to use a plastic or stainless steel check valve with PTFE seals. These materials offer excellent chemical resistance and long-term durability in harsh environments.
