Understand Check Valves, Including How To Properly Repair Them

By Author: Dchel Valves
Total Articles: 43
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The top manufacturer of Check valves in India is D Chel Valves. These Valves may be adjusted to our clients' needs and are offered in a variety of sizes, shapes, and dimensions. We are India's top Valve Manufacturers and gate valves.
What is a Check Valve?
Check Valve is the Most important valve in a system. Check valve work to ensure smooth operation and safety. A check valve, clack valve, non-return valve, or one-way valve could be a mechanical device, a valve, that commonly allows fluid (liquid or gas) to flow through it in just one direction.
Why Check Valves Matter ?
What is the purpose of check valves? If you need fluids to flow through pipes in one direction, you can’t do without them. Check valve design incorporates a two-port system, with an opening that allows fluid to pass through.
Once the fluid has passed, the valve closes to prevent backflow. Check valves can also automatically shut off if the downstream pressure builds too much.

Common uses of check valves:
Water & waste pumping systems
Water pipes
Sewage systems
Heating systems
Fire hoses
...
... Marine & Naval industry
Oil & gas pipelines
Flush toilet mechanisms

Maintaining a Check Valve
A check valve doesn’t require too much maintenance. They are built to last for years. However, they can develop leaks if debris or other foreign particles get stuck between the ball and the seat, causing check valve function to degrade.

Step 1: Keep it clean
Take steps to prevent damage to check valves by keeping the area clean. If you can reach the valve, all you should need is a towel to wipe off dust and dirt. If the debris is caked on, use a wire brush.

Step 2: Keep an eye out
Another easy tip is to do regular inspections of your equipment. It’s a good way to spot potential problems before you end up needing expensive repairs.

Check valve inspection:
Check for leaks
Look for signs of corrosion, rust or mineral build-up
Replace the valve if there are extensive leaks or worn/broken pieces
Open & close the valves to make sure they aren’t seizing
Inspect pressure & temperature of fluid flowing through
Ensure they aren’t close or over the rated limit for the valves
NOTE: Be sure to monitor high-stress and high-pressure valves more frequently.

Step 3: Clean everything up
You’ll need to take the valve out and disassemble it to look for debris and scratches. Wash all the parts with hydraulic fluid or whatever fluid is used in your pipe system.

Check the housing for corrosion, damage or a rough surface. Buffing can help take care of rough surfaces.

Step 4: Keep the valve lubricated
This step is often overlooked, but lubrication can keep you from having to replace or repair valves. It can also ensure optimum check valve operation, helping them last longer.

Rotate the valve to make sure the lubricant gets into the valve cavity.

Be sure to use the correct lubricant for your system. Each system has specific requirements and if you use the wrong one it could damage the valves. For example, lubricants with clay or other solid-based thickeners can harden, leaving residue behind.

Step 5: Apply protective insulation
Extreme temperature changes can affect check valve functions. They can even cause expensive damage. If your pipes are outside, you may need to add and inspect protective insulation as part of your maintenance routine.