Check Valves

Check valves also known as one way valves or no return valves are a type of valve that allows flow in one direction while preventing backflow in the opposite direction. The valve works by using a disc or ball that moves freely inside the valve body. When the fluid or gas flows in the right direction, the disc or ball is pushed aside, allowing the flow to continue. In contrast, when there is backflow, the disc or ball is pushed against the valve seat, sealing off the flow and preventing any further backflow. This mechanism ensures that fluids and gases flow in the correct direction while minimising the risk of damage to equipment and systems. 

There are several advantages of using a check valve, including that they prevent backflow, which helps to protect equipment and systems from damage. This protection is particularly vital in the oil and gas industries, where backflow can cause significant safety hazards. On top of that, check valves can help to reduce maintenance costs by preventing reverse flow, which can cause wear and tear on pumps and other components. Plus, check valves are also simple to install and operate, requiring minimal maintenance or adjustment.

There are several types of check valves available, each designed to suit different applications and operating conditions. One of the most common types is the swing check valve, which uses a disc that swings open when the fluid or gas flows in the correct direction and swings shut to prevent backflow. Another popular type is a wafer check valve, which is named after its wafer-like shape. A wafer check valve’s shape allows it to be sandwiched between two pipeline flanges without requiring extra connecting hardware. PCI also stocks ball check valves, which use, you guessed it, a ball to block the flow when there is back pressure. Meanwhile, piston check valves use a piston that moves up and down in response to the flow.

Check valves should be used whenever backflow prevention is important, like in plumbing systems, HVAC systems, oil and gas pipelines, and many industrial processes. Backflow can cause significant damage to equipment and potentially even pose a safety hazard, making it essential to use check valves in many situations. What’s more, check valves can also help improve system efficiency and reduce maintenance costs by preventing wear and tear on pumps and other components. 

Check valves and butterfly valves are both commonly used in industrial applications, but they operate in different ways. Check valves are designed to prevent backflow and allow flow in only one direction. On the other hand, butterfly valves are used to control the flow of fluids or gases and can be used to adjust the flow rate or shut off the flow completely. 

This depends upon where you are based and the freight method chosen. If the express freight option is selected it is usually next day delivery to metropolitan areas in Australia for under 5kg. If free freight has been selected it will go by road freight which can be anywhere from 1 to 10 days depending upon your location. It usually averages 3 days.

All of our products come standard with a 12 month warranty. The good news is we have very strict quality controls and all valves leave our warehouse tested (full material and testing certificates to API598 are available) and inspected so there are rarely any issues. Also once your valve is in and operating it will most likely continue to do so for a very long time.