Check Valves Types and Terms

  • Ball check valves are valves where liquids can flow only one way. The pressure from the liquid forces the ball to move, when the pressure from the fluid stops the ball also stops and the valve closes.
  • Clapper valves are a type of check valve used in firefighting. This valve has a hinged gate (often with a spring pulling it shut) that will only remain open in the outflowing direction.
  • Double check valves consist of at least two independently acting check-valves. They are typically used in liquid services.  
  • Foot valves are often used in conjunction with a pump. The valve aids in pumping water and helps prevent backflow. 
  • Hydraulic check valves prevent backflow in hydraulic systems, typically using a ball or a poppet.   
  • Lift check valves has a disc, sometimes called a lift, that can be lifted up off its seat by higher pressure of inlet or upstream flow. A guide keeps motion of the disc on a vertical line, so the valve can later reseat properly.
  • Plastic check valves can be used for industrial purposes or for lower grade home use, such as in a swimming pool or aquarium. Typically, they are used when resistance to corrosion is needed. 
  • Pneumatic check valves allow fluids to flow in one or two ways. When the fluid is allowed to flow more than one way it is often metered.  
  • Relief valves relieve excess and potentially dangerous pressure from piping systems or closed-top vessels and are normally closed until the set pressure is reached. 
  • Sanitary check valves are used when the fluids contained in the pipes need to remain germ free. These check valves are often used for medical, food, or dairy purposes.  
  • Silent check valves have a spring-operated return mechanism. They eliminate the shock of sudden reversal of flow, making them a favorite for use in clear liquid systems.
  • Stop check valves are a type of check valve with override control to stop flow regardless of flow direction or pressure. When the valve is open, it acts as a check valve, but the valve can be deliberately shut to stop flow. 
  • Swing check valves use outside levers to slow down the flow of materials through a pipe. The lever pulls the disk into the flow which causes the flow to stop more quickly.  
  • Wafer check valves are often used for liquid services. The check valve is made of two half-circle disks hinged together. With positive flow, the two disks fold together to allow materials to flow through the pipe. With reverse flow, they retract to a full circle to restrict flow.

Actuator - A part of a regulating valve that converts various forms of energy (electrical, fluid, etc.) into mechanical motion to open or shut the valve seats.
 
Backflow - A system's reversal of normal flow resulting from an increase in the downstream pressure exceeding that of the supply pressure.
 
Back Pressure -The pressure that is the result of a restriction of the main flow, caused by gravity, pumps, or restrictions on the pipe; measured in inches H20 or PSI.
 
Elastomer - A material that can be stretched or distorted but will return to its original shape.
 
Extended Bonnet - Device used when the material running through a pipe or a valve is at high or low temperatures. This device helps prevent damage to the sealing materials.
 
Fluid Power -Power that is used to provide motion and force to mechanisms by applying, generating, and controlling pumped or compressed liquids or gases; this term also encompasses hydraulics and pneumatics.
 
Penstock Valve - A gate valve often found in waste water treatment plants. It is used to contain fluids.
 
Pilot Valve - A small valve which operates a larger valve with very little power necessary for use; utilized when the system requires the no-return characteristic of a valve for only a portion of the cycle.
 
Pneumatic
- Operated or pressurized by air or other gases.
 
Pneumatic Actuator - A device that utilizes pneumatic energy to regulate or open/close the valve. A spring that is used solely to open the valve, will normally be fitted inside a valve which allows the valve to return to the closed position.
 
Poppet - A valve that moves up to or from its seat perpendicularly.
 
Positioner - Makes certain the closing device of the valve stays in the correct position.
 
Pressure Differential - Pressure difference in a valve between the inlet and the outlet.
 
Pressure Spike - A quick pressure rise.
 
PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch) - A unit of pressure; equivalent to the metric unit of Kilonewtons per square centimeter.
 
Tank Valve - A valve that is able to be inserted into the bottom of a tank.
 
Valve Seat - A stationary part of the valve which restricts fluid or gas flow when it comes in contact with the movable portion of the valve.