Sanitary Check Valve: What is it and What is it Used For?

This article is intended for plant managers and engineers responsible for selecting and installing check valves used in hygienic processing operations. 

While there are many different types of valves found in the processing industries, we will focus on two, ball check valves and spring check valves, which are commonly used in these types of sanitary applications.

We’ll explain how these types of valves work, and as appropriate, look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

WHAT’S COMMON TO ALL TYPES OF CHECK VALVES?

There is a wide range of check valve types, and while each operates somewhat differently, all check valves share a few commonalities.

• Compared with other types of valves, check valves are relatively simple and inexpensive to purchase.
• These types of valves are mechanically operated and function automatically. They do not require air, electricity, or manual intervention from an operator to open and close. They also come without valve handles or stems.
• When looking at a check valve from the outside, it’s hard to tell if the valve is in the open or closed position. Also, operators cannot quickly determine the condition of the valve's internal operating parts from the outside.
• Many check valves use a disc or shutter that closes against a seat. These closing mechanisms can stick in the open position, rendering the check valve inoperable.

CHECK VALVES SUITABLE FOR SANITARY PROCESSING APPLICATIONS