The check valve is an excellent invention for sending media without flowing backward. It will make work easier and more comfortable for you in many cases. In this post, you will learn where you can use check valves properly for different applications. But before that, you have to know about it to choose and use the right one.

What Is A Check Valve?

The check valve is a mechanical device that permits the media to flow only in one direction. To clarify, it is a valve made up of several mechanical components to send the media in one way without any backflows. Thus, it is also known as a one-way, non-return, reflux, or retention valve. 

Popular Check Valves

This valve comes in a variety of types. Each one is suitable for different applications and purposes. Read on to choose the best suit for your needs.

Swing Check Valve

This variant is probably the most widely used of all other check valves. It works on a simple principle like opening and closing a door. There is a disc with a hinge that is installed inside of the valve. The disc swings up and down with the help of the hinge to control the media flow.

When the fluid enters the valve through the inlet, the flow power pushes the disc up. Therefore, it makes the path flow. The disc does not come down until the pressure becomes low. After that, when the flow stops, the weight of the disc forces the hinge to go down. As a result, it seals the path, and no backflow occurs. 

Spring Check Valve

The spring check valve is yet another popular one. This valve has a spring attached with an obstructive element. Although the spring is pretty weak, it can hold the element with the valve seat.

For the flowing force, the obstructive element goes against the spring and presses it to go backward. Thus, the valve seats open and allow it to flow. After the force stops, the spring kicks the element back again to seal the seats. Therefore, it prevents everything that tries to come back.

Ball Check Valve

The mechanism of the ball check valve comes in two variants. One is the spring-load ball, and the other is the free flow ball. The working procedure of the spring-load one is similar to the spring check valve. Everything is the same, and just the ball replaces the obstructive element.

In the free flow ball variant, the ball can move anywhere inside the valve without any interruption. The seat of this valve is machined perfectly to fit the ball. In addition, the chamber has a spherical design for leading the ball into the seat and sealing it.

Diaphragm Check Valve

The diaphragm check valve consists of three parts: the inlet port, outlet port, and a flexible rubber diaphragm. The diaphragm is placed inside, and pressure is applied back from the outlet port for sealing. To open this valve, the flow pressure from the inlet side must be greater than the pressure from the outlet side. However, this valve always acts like a normally closed valve.

Tilting Disc Check Valve

Last but not least, the tilting disc check valve is similar to the swing one. It also works with a disc that tilts like a flipping coin but halfway. The disc hangs with a handle and covers the seat. It can tilt up to 180 degrees because other mechanism does not allow it to tilt completely.

Once the media flow starts, it hit the disc at the bottom and forces it to go horizontal. Therefore, media can flow efficiently without any interruption. Finally, after the flow stops, the disk becomes vertical again to prevent backflow.

Why and Where You Should Use Check Valves?

As you already know, check valves to prevent media backflows. This is their innate purpose. However, check valves are primarily used in pipelines. And without it, there is a big chance of water hammering in the pipes. Water hammer will easily damage your pipes badly. Also, it saves the original media from mixing with other things from outside. So, it would be best if you used a check valve to stay safe from these problems.

Because of their variety and unique functions, you will see them in almost every industry. Firstly, in your domestic applications such as washing machines, wastewater lines, lawn sprinklers, dishwasher, etc… check valves does a great job. This keeps contaminated water away from the main water supply to ensure the water stays fresh.

Check valves are also used in many industrial applications that you cannot finish counting. For Examples, pump or lifting systems, water circulation lines, processes, gas mixing systems, air compressors, HVAC, boilers… and many many more. All of these applications require a barrier in the backflow. That is why check valves are so popular there.

Above all, you can now assume that you can use check valves… and which type would be the best suit for that application. 

Check Valve Buying Guide

You are now just one step behind from using check valves that is buying them. Follow these selection criteria when purchasing: 

· Think about whether the valve construction material is compatible with your application. Not all the material suits all types of media. To get a durable and efficient service, you should choose brass valves. Most importantly, brass is suitable for almost all types of media.

· Properly check the max pressure, cracking pressure… and temperature tolerance capabilities of the valve. 

· Pick up the decent type and right size that will match your application perfectly.

· Consider the direction of your preferred installation, horizontal or vertical.

· Do not forget the other requirements such as flow direction, response time, normally open or closed, and access for maintenance.

However, sometimes it isn’t easy to choose the right one and buy a quality valve. But nothing to worry about until Plumberstar is here. From Plumberstar, you can take expert advice on selecting a valve. Also, all kinds of premium-quality check valves… and other valves are available at affordable prices at the Plumberstar factory.

Hopefully, you got enough knowledge from this post to use the check valves. So, you can start using them now. And for more plumbing helps, do not miss our regular blog.