Which Are the Most Serious Defects in Check Valves?

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Which Are the Most Serious Defects in Check Valves?

In practically every industrial application, check valves are used as one-way or non-return valves. Checking valves are essential devices that fulfill a necessary role by preventing reverse flows and ensuring efficient operations. Water hammer, for example, can be caused by reverse flow. The system and its piping may be catastrophically damaged or ruptured due to recurrent severe pressure surges in associated pipework, valves, and pumps. Even if a failure does not happen right away, the frequent impact of the water hammer can cause fatigue, leading to a loss of system integrity.

Checking valves are operated by a pressure differential and have a single intake and outlet. The valve will automatically open if the upstream pressure reaches a specified level, and no other action is required. This minimum working pressure, often known as the cracking pressure, is one of the essential features stated in all check valves. Check valves are used in various fluid flow and pumping applications, including chemicals, pulp and paper, food processing, water and wastewater treatment, industrial, maritime, and mining, pumps, pipelines, power generation, and HVAC.

Defects in Check Valve

Valves are sensitive components that must function properly and safely. Valve failure, on the other hand, is highly prevalent.

According to Flow Control, a variety of causes contribute to valve failure, including:

Seat seals and worn elastomers

  • The pipeline is clogged with debris.
  • Working in very high-temperature environments
  • Valve installation, maintenance, and assembly are all done incorrectly.

The difficulty with a check valve is frequently not the valve itself but the application and other considerations. Keep these three frequent problems in mind when troubleshooting or repairing a check valve:

  • Water Hammer

One of the most prevalent check valve issues is the water hammer, a pressure surge that occurs when a liquid or gas is suddenly forced to stop or change direction. It frequently happens when a valve at the end of a pipeline system is suddenly closed. This can cause noise and vibration, leading to damage and increased maintenance or repair expenses.

However, a water hammer can be avoided by utilizing a faster-closing check valve, preventing pressure surges and shock waves from damaging and rupturing equipment. The usefulness of our silent check valves in preventing and, in many cases, eradicating water hammers is well known.

  • Reverse Flow

Another typical check valve issue is reverse flow, which may be exceedingly costly, especially when it happens near the pump’s output, forcing the pump to spin backwards.

To avoid this problem, a fast-closing and tight shut-off valve is required, and the right spring-assisted in-line check valve will accomplish just that, preventing reverse flow.

  • Oversizing

If there’s a lot of valve chatter—the valve opening and closing repeatedly—probably it’s due to oversizing. It’s crucial to note that check valves should be sized rather than the line size for the application. In the open or fully closed position, you want the disc to be stable against the internal stop; this will prevent recurrent fluttering and, as a result, premature failure.

Seal Excel is the name to trust in the industry when precision and great product quality are critical! With years of expertise, we understand the value of high-quality, long-lasting, and precision-designed pneumatic valves and fittings in the business, which is why we never compromise on quality! 

We are the leading check valve manufacturers with a diverse product line that includes our high-quality, precision-engineered pneumatic check valves. We are proud manufacturers of stainless steel pneumatic fittings check valves, and we have built a reputation for quality assurance thanks to our comprehensive in-house testing facilities, which validate product quality through various testing techniques.