Implementing Inline Check Valves

Inline check valves allow an industrial system to control liquids and gases that are flowing through their pipelines. These valves are especially useful in situations where a system needs to keep a liquid of gases flowing in one direction, because inline check valves prevent the substances from traveling back down the path they had previously traveled. Inline check valves contain two openings; one that allows a liquid to enter, and one that serves as an exit passage for liquid to leave.

Inline check valves work by responding to different amounts of pressure. When a substance flowing through a pipeline exerts enough pressure on a spring, the valve opens and allows the liquid to pass through. When the flow slows down and the pressure is lessened, the spring is released. This action causes the valve to close again, and the closed valve prevents any of the liquid from flowing back in that direction. The point at which the spring experiences enough pressure to open the valve is referred to as the cracking pressure of the valve. This point can be controlled and manufactured for a specific amount of pressure. The size and strength of the spring can be altered to adjust the cracking pressure. In each specific implementation, a check valve can be made that responds to the needs of the company.

Inline check valves are commonly found in household pipelines, as well as larger industrial systems. The valves can be custom ordered for a specific implementation. Different sizes of inline check valves are available, and different materials can be used to create those valves. Most commonly, inline check valves are made from various types of metals and plastics. A company may be more inclined to use valves composed of one material than the other based on the temperature, pressure, and substances involved in the operation. Since the goal of effective production includes implementing fixtures that will not contaminate the substances, it is important to consider what types of reactions might result when the materials interact with each other. Additionally, efficient production relies on fixtures that work well and are maintained over time. For this reason, some companies prefer to implement plastic inline check valves, since they are not prone to the rust that some metal valves may develop after regular contact with certain liquids. The rust build-up on a valve system would require it to experience frequent cleaning or replacement, as too much build-up will prevent any substances from actually entering through the valve system and progressing to their ultimate location.

There are countless systems in both homes and industries where backflow would be absolutely disastrous if it were to occur. Installing appropriately sized inline check valves, composed from a compatible material, helps to ensure that these types of situations do not occur. Additionally, the cracking pressure point needs to be aptly determined before inline check valves are installed. If a valve is able to meet the needs of the company, than the systems will run smoother overall, and possible disasters can be averted.