Air check valves are critical components in pneumatic systems. They regulate air flow to maintain the system's desired pressure levels, prevent backflow of fluids, and protect components from damage.
At Orange Coast Pneumatics, we offer a diverse range of air compressor parts from The SMC Corporation of America. SMC is a leading provider of pneumatic automation components that are designed to meet several industrial requirements.
Find the best one-way air valve for your pneumatic systems, here. Then, continue reading to learn about pneumatic check valves and their four, basic variations.
What is the Purpose of a Pneumatic Check Valve?
In a pneumatic system, compressed air flows through pipes and components. Any backflow or reverse flow of air can cause equipment failure, loss of pressure, or contamination of the system.
Pneumatic check valves act as a one-way valve to prevent backflow and protect the system from damage. They are used in various applications, including vacuum pumps, compressors, and pneumatic cylinders.
Simple check valves only permit flow in one direction, while pilot-operated check valves can permit reverse flow when released via a pilot signal. All SMC check valves feature low cracking pressure in the normal flow direction.
What are the Four Basic Types of Air Pump Check Valves?
The 4 most common types of air-flow check valve include:
- Ball Check Valves
- Diaphragm Check Valves
- Swing Check Valves
- Spring Check Valves
Ball Check Valves
This type of check valve has a ball that seals the opening, allowing the air to flow in only one direction. When the pressure in the pipe exceeds the pressure above the ball, it pushes the ball against the seat, closing the valve.
Diaphragm Check Valves
Diaphragm check valves have a flexible diaphragm that seals the valve opening. The pressure above the diaphragm keeps the valve closed until the pressure below the diaphragm exceeds the pressure above it, causing it to open.
Swing Check Valves
Swing check valves have a hinged disc that swings open to allow the air to flow in one direction. The disc swings back to its closed position when the pressure in the pipe drops below the pressure above it, preventing backflow.
Spring Check Valves
Spring check valves have a spring-loaded disc that seals the valve opening. The spring keeps the disc closed until the pressure above the disc exceeds the spring pressure, allowing the air to flow in one direction.
Air Compressor Check Valves from Orange Coast Pneumatics
SMC offers two types of check valves: standard check valves and pilot check valves. The main difference between the two types is that pilot check valves can reverse air flow after receiving a pilot signal.
SMC's standard check valves are available in various sizes and configurations, including threaded and push-to-connect fittings. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to install, making them an excellent choice for most applications.
SMC's pilot check valves enable reverse flow once they receive a signal from the pilot. They are ideal for use in applications where the valve is located in a hard-to-reach area or when precise
