Check valves are essential in a wide range of applications, including water systems where they help prevent backflow into clean water supply lines. They also make important contributions to system reliability, keeping fluids moving in the right direction even when weather isn’t ideal.
When selecting a check valve, there are many factors that must be considered: material selection, performance requirements, control considerations and maintenance considerations. Selecting the right valve will ensure optimal system functionality.
Depending on the fluids and piping system’s demands, check valves can be manufactured from a variety of materials including stainless steel, plastic or rubber. These valves must be able to handle a wide range of temperatures and pressures.
Some types of liquids and gaseous materials can be highly corrosive to metal check valves, making them susceptible to clogging and jamming. This can have a negative impact on the safety of the system and could lead to flooding.
The elastomers used in rubber check valves are specifically designed to resist clogging and jamming and can handle a wide range of fluids. This makes them an ideal choice for wastewater and stormwater systems where high levels of solids may be present.
Another area where rubber check valves excel is when operating in submerged situations or high flow applications. Their elastomer material can absorb more energy from the fluid than many metal check valves would, which can result in lower noise and more efficient operation.
These valves are also resistant to abrasion and mud. This makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including irrigation, mining, oil and gas and industrial process piping.
They are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations to suit all needs. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally and are typically paired with heavy-duty stainless steel clamps to help keep them secure.
Unlike many other types of check valves, these valves are a passive device that requires no external power or manual assistance to operate. This is important for systems where a lack of access to an outside source of power can be problematic.
Rubber duckbill check valves rely on a flexible rubber diaphragm that creates a normally closed valve unless positive pressure is applied to the flap. Cla-Val’s rubber duckbill check valves are made from quality fabric-reinforced elastomer materials that provide resistance to corrosion and wear caused by continuous operation with abrasive slurries or sludge.
When used in waste and stormwater piping, these check valves are an excellent solution for preventing contaminated water from backing up into the sewer system. They are available in a range of designs and sizes and are often used together with pipe seals and expanders to complete a backflow prevention system.
Rubber check valves are a cost effective and durable mechanism to prevent backflow. They have a low maintenance requirement, are easy to install and require no source of external power or manual assistance. They are a reliable and effective alternative to ball or flap type valves that can be expensive to replace on a regular basis.