Most types of processing systems, including in the food and beverage industries, in pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical manufacturing facilities or even in potable water delivery systems, the entire system is designed for one way flow. Liquids, water, solids, gases, slurries or any other type of material is designed to move in a logical, sequential order.
This movement is controlled through the use of pumps and an understanding of the laws of pressure. All material flow from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, so creating this pressure gradient throughout the system facilitates the flow.
There are situations where the upstream pressure can suddenly drop. This could occur if there is a blockage or clog in the pipe or tube, if there is a leak that prevents pressure from being maintained or if a pump fails. In these situations, the pressure upstream decreases and allows the material in the system to reverse directions, creating a backflow.
Preventing Backflow
A one way check valve is a simple, basic inline valve that prevents backflow. These valves work automatically and do not need to be closed manually or through automated controls.
These valves are designed to have one inlet port and one outlet port. In addition, the one way check valve is designed to remain in the open position to allow the full and complete flow of the material through the valve providing the pressure on the inlet port side stays within a specific range.
Should this pressure drop, the disc, ball or diaphragm in the interior of the one way check valve closes and seals as there is no longer pressure to hold it open, preventing any backflow. Positioning these valves throughout the system and downstream from pumps, holding tanks, mixing areas or whenever backflow would cause contamination, or hazardous conditions are highly effective in extending the life cycle of all system parts and components.
