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Check Valves

Check valves, also known as non-return or one-way valves, are essential in fluid systems to control the flow of liquids or gases. Their primary function is to permit flow in one direction while restricting reverse flow. A ball check valve operates by allowing fluid movement until pressure changes close the valve, sealing it in the closed position. Actuation Valve works with Abacus and Syveco to provide industry-leading check valves for your business needs.
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Key Features

Key features and benefits of Check Valves from Actuation Valve
1

Key Features

Check valves are designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction while preventing back-flow, ensuring the integrity and efficiency of pipelines and systems by eliminating the risk of contamination or damage caused by reverse flow.
2

Key Features

These valves are simple in design and often self-actuating, meaning they require no external power source to function, leading to dependable and continuous operation without manual intervention.
3

Key Features

Check valves find utility in a wide range of industries and applications, including water supply, wastewater treatment, HVAC systems, oil and gas, and various industrial processes, making them versatile solutions.
Abacus Check Valves
Brandoni Check Valves
Economy Check Valves

What is a check valve?

Check valves, including the single check valve, double check valve, and non return check valve, are crucial for ensuring fluid flows in only one direction, preventing backflow in various systems. A single check valve allows flow in one direction, while a double check valve offers added protection. These non return check valves are widely used in industries such as water, gas, and oil to maintain system integrity and prevent damage from reverse flow. Check valves ensure efficient operation across many applications.

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Keep your system clean and protected with our 22mm non return valves — a simple solution to unwanted reverse flow.
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Why are these Important?

Check valves are crucial components in fluid control systems because they allow flow in only one direction, preventing reverse flow that could cause serious damage or disruption. These valves automatically close if the flow reverses, protecting pumps, compressors, and other sensitive equipment from potential harm caused by backflow. In industrial systems, this function is essential for maintaining pressure stability, preventing contamination, and ensuring the safe operation of pipelines. For example, in water supply networks, check valves stop polluted water from flowing back into clean water lines.

In steam and gas applications, they prevent system shock or pressure surges that could lead to leaks or system failure. By ensuring unidirectional flow, check valves also help maintain process efficiency and reduce energy waste, since reverse flow can create inefficiencies and force pumps to work harder. Their simple design—often with no need for external control—makes them reliable, low-maintenance solutions across industries like oil and gas, water treatment, HVAC, chemical processing, and power generation. Whether installed on horizontal or vertical lines, check valves play a vital role in safeguarding equipment, ensuring consistent flow, and maintaining operational integrity across complex systems.

Where would you find these?

Check valves are vital components in countless fluid and gas systems, designed to allow flow in one direction only and automatically prevent reverse flow. This unidirectional function is crucial for protecting pumps, compressors, and other equipment from damage that can occur when flow reverses. In industrial processes, backflow can cause contamination, pressure surges, or system failure—making check valves essential for maintaining safe and efficient operations. Their simple, self-operating design requires no external control, which means they can reliably function with minimal maintenance. From maintaining consistent pressure to preventing system shock, check valves quietly safeguard critical infrastructure in a wide range of industries.

You’ll commonly find check valves in water treatment plants, steam and boiler systems, oil and gas pipelines, HVAC loops, irrigation networks, and fire protection systems. For example, in pumping systems, they prevent fluid from flowing backward when a pump shuts off, avoiding costly repairs. In compressed air systems, they stop air from leaking back through the compressor. They are also installed in marine applications to prevent flooding, and in chemical processing to avoid dangerous cross-contamination. 

Frequently Asked Questions

A check valve is a one-way valve that allows fluid to flow in one direction while preventing backflow. It operates using a swinging, lifting, or tilting disc or a spring-loaded mechanism to control the direction of flow.

Check valves find applications in a variety of industries, including water and wastewater systems, oil and gas pipelines, HVAC systems, and industrial processes.

Check valves provide reliable and continuous operation, preventing reverse flow, minimising the risk of contamination, and ensuring system integrity without the need for external power sources.

Yes, check valves come in various types, including swing check valves, lift check valves, dual-plate check valves, and more, each designed for specific applications and conditions.

Check valves generally require minimal maintenance but should undergo periodic inspections and potential lubrication to ensure proper functioning.

Most check valves are designed to function in both horizontal and vertical orientations, but it's essential to follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines for optimal performance.

The cracking pressure is the minimum pressure at which a check valve starts to open. It varies based on the valve's design and specifications.

Check valves can be designed for high-pressure applications, but their suitability depends on the valve's specific pressure rating and construction materials.

Check valves are primarily designed to prevent backflow and are not intended for flow rate or pressure control. Control valves are typically used for such purposes.

Yes, Actuation Valve offers sustainable spares and replacement parts for ongoing maintenance schedules.

Yes, check valves can be used for both liquids and gases. The choice of valve type and material should be made based on the specific fluid and application requirements.

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Check Valves

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Industrial Check Valves (Non-Return Valves)

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