For a lot of people in a variety of industries, a check valve is a simple component that may not get a lot of thought in the design and construction of the system. The role of any check valve is to automatically, and without the need for any outside control, shut down if the flow of the media through the valve attempts to reverse.
This is maintained by the pressure of the inlet side of the valve forcing the valve to remain open. Should that pressure drop, the valve closes and is held closed by the reverse pressure from the outlet side of the valve. Once the correct pressure is built up again on the inlet side, the valve opens, and the flow resumes.
Options to Consider
While this is simple, check valve suppliers can be helpful in determining the type of check valve to use in s system. Most commonly used are the swing, butterfly, stop, lift and disc types of valves.
Each of these valves, with the exception of the stop check, is used for one purpose. The stop check operates as a globe valve, which allows the control or the regulation of the flow of the fluid through the valve. When this valve is open, and the pressure drops, the check valve component then activates, preventing backflow even when the valve is in the open position.
Choosing one type of valve over another can be difficult. By working with knowledgeable check valve suppliers, it is easy to see the potential pros and cons of choosing one type of valve over another.
Not all check valve suppliers offer this type of service and support. Additionally, it is important to work with a company that has expertise in your industry and knows the requirements for valves, fittings, and pipes to meet industry standards and requirements.