A check valve is also known as a one-way valve or a non-return valve. Its design outlay is such that it will allow a fluid or a gas to flow in one direction only. These valves typically have two openings on either end – on one side to let in the fluid/ liquid and on the other hand to let out the liquid/ fluid. Such a system takes advantage of cracking pressure in physics and as a consequence of the execution of this law of natural science check valves will work automatically without the application of any external control.
Your typical check valve is rather inexpensive and is small in stature. There are a dime a dozen examples of check valves that you might come across in your day-to-day experiences without even knowing it; examples of this system are a s follows:
Ball Check Valves: This is a kind of valve in which the stoppage of flow is done by a spherical ball. In such a system, the design is such that the ball is aided with a spring to stop the flow; for instance the tank of your water canal toilet that uses such a mechanism will rely on the aide of such a design pattern to basically rise and in by so doing seal the port of entry where the water flows from the tank into the holding tank of the water canal.
A diaphragm check valve: This is best exemplified by an individual respiratory system. The system primarily relies on the use of a diaphragm/ base to allow for the inflow of air into the system. The key however is that the pressure on the outside must be higher than the pressure on the inside to keep the air flowing. This difference in pressure is known as – pressure differential – is what keeps the flow of air going in living organisms.
Stop Check Valve: This is a valve with an over ride capacity over the entire system. It normally comes into operation when there is a case of system failure – say for instance back flow of material that will mitigate against the working of the system or even a case of insufficient forward pressure. This override mechanism can be activated by an external source say for instance by physically/ manually shutting the system down or may kick in automatically.
Knowledge of check valves is important in the manufacturing industry and is also an important aide in as far as general knowledge is concerned. You may from the above article build up on this knowledge and use it to expand the knowledge base that your mind holds. For instanc,e from the information gleaned here the discerning reader may even deduce the fact that the human heart -specifically the ventricles – act as a valve of sorts. There are many more check valve systems that are not mentioned in the article, systems that affect us on both large and small scale basis on a day to day basis all on account of the check valve.
