1.  What is the function of a check valve?

The purpose of a check valve is to prevent backflow within a piping system. A check valve is a one-way valve that provides unobstructed flow in one direction as long as the flow pressure remains constant and protects the piping system against reverse flow. The roles it plays are:

Upstream equipment protection: Backflow can easily damage meters, compressors, strainers, pumps and other equipment built for one-way flow. Water hammer is another potentially dangerous phenomenon. Check valves can help minimize the effects of water hammer, especially if the valve is equipped with end-stage dampers.

Preventing media contamination or mixing: By preventing backflow, check valves prevent mixing of different media between two tanks. For example, in a water treatment plant, check valves prevent treated water from flowing back into an untreated water reservoir.

Preventing drainage: When media is being pumped from a suction reservoir to a discharge reservoir, reverse flow is highly likely to occur when the pump is stopped. Check valves are used to prevent this. The valve type commonly used for this is the foot valve

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2.  What factors need to be considered when selecting a check valve?

When selecting a check valve, the following factors need to be considered：

● the type of medium: You need to choose a check valve that is suitable for the type of medium, such as water, gas, steam and so on.

● the working pressure: According to the different working pressures, choose check valves of different materials, structures and valve models.

● the temperature range: In a high temperature or low temperature environment, you need to choose a check valve made of high temperature resistant or low temperature resistant materials.

● the valve size and interface mode: Select the appropriate valve size and interface method to ensure that the piping system performance and flow requirements.

● the installation method: Select the check valve that meets the installation conditions, which can be installed vertically or horizontally.

● the use of the environment: Also consider the use environment of the check valve, such as whether there is vibration, corrosion, etc., in order to select the appropriate material and structure.

● flow direction: Select the correct flow direction to ensure that the check valve can prevent backflow or reverse flow.

● it is also necessary to select valve types that are easy to install and integrate into the system. Compatibility of valves easy to maintain and repair with treated fluid and other system components.

● consider cost, such as initial purchase price, installation costs and long-term maintenance costs.

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3.  How does a check valve work?

Fluid enters a check valve through the inlet and flows in the desired direction to the outlet. As the fluid flows in the desired direction of flow, it exerts pressure on a moveable part within the valve, such as a valve disc or ball. This pressure moves the moveable part away from the valve seat, allowing the fluid to pass freely through the valve. When fluid flow stops or reverses direction, the pressure on the moveable part decreases or changes direction. The spring (if present), the force of reverse flow, and possibly gravity help return the moveable valve assembly to its closed position, pressing firmly against the seat to stop reverse flow. When the removable component is firmly closed against the seat, the check valve prevents fluid from flowing back from the outlet to the inlet port.

Check valves vary greatly from one another depending on the following factors: type of closing mechanism (e.g., lift, twist-open, spring), application (operating pressure, volumetric flow rate), and fluid flow characteristics (viscous, non-viscous, containing solids). However, the fundamental principle of allowing flow in one direction while blocking reverse flow remains consistent across all types of check valves and is in general terms the same as for non-return valves.

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4.  What are the advantages of check valves?

The most significant advantage of using a check valve is that it helps maintain the required flow rate in the system. Because it only allows liquids or gases to flow in one direction, it prevents backflow and pressure loss due to leaks or obstructions. This makes them ideal for any system that needs to maintain pressure at multiple cycles or points in the process.

Check valves can also help reduce energy consumption by better controlling flow and reducing the likelihood of flooding due to backflow. In addition, they are relatively easy to install and require minimal maintenance compared to other valves. Finally, they are cost-effective and have a long service life, making them an attractive choice for many projects.

Check valves an avoid backflow and withstand both high and low pressures. They can be used horizontally and vertically as backup and safety systems and reducer downtime and production losses. Check valves can avoid water hammer, reduces the likelihood of accidental valve failure and maintenance expenditures. They are adaptable to different flow conditions and does not require the use of electricity to operate.

Read more about Taloar check valves.