Check valves can be found in each industrial application and they are simple tools to be installed in industries. The check valves perform important functions to prevent reverse flow and thus avoid damage. The check valves also ensure effective operations. You can find different types of check valves and they are specifically designed for particular applications. The duckbill check valve is one of the most common kinds of the check valve and its application is broad in the industrial arena.
What are duckbill check valves?
The duckbill check valves are one-piece and elastomeric components that act as the best backflow prevention tool. These check valves contain elastomeric lips that come in the shape of a duckbill that avoids backflow and permits forward flow. The duckbill valves are “self-contained” which means the sealing functionality becomes a big part of the 1 piece elastomeric components. The duckbill check valves are the common product in any industrial system and are effective in eliminating wastewater along with contaminated fluids.
Usage of duckbill check valves for industrial applications
Duckbill check valves play a major role in the water management system. It is considered to be a staple tool in many industrial operations. The duckbill check valves have a flexible sleeve design that provides maximum resistance to rust and wears that is caused mainly due to constant operation with sludge, abrasive slurries and effluent. The flexible sleeve of duckbill check valves offers maximum flow but with the minimum drop in pressure across the valves every time. The concept of a “duckbill” check valve has not been new. It has been in continuous use for more than 10 decades especially in the waterworks. Duckbill check valves are commonly accepted for their benefits in the piping system of industrial processes & also in the stormwater, wastewater and sewer piping systems.
The simple structure of duckbill check valves terminates moving components and any kind of intrusive body structures that can create serious issues with traditional check valves. As there is no presence of mechanical parts that can rust, freezing every industrial operation becomes smooth. Duckbill check valves, unlike conventional check valves, do not need any regular maintenance for replacing hinge balls and flappers.
Unlike the flap or swing check valves, the duckbill check valves made of rubber are very little vulnerable to corrosion and that is the reason they can not bind or seize and are considered to be the most trustable and long-lasting check valves available nowadays. The duckbill check valves can last up to 50 years. For any industrial application, this feature of the duckbill valve can effectively be beneficial.
If any project needs any valve to get submerged underwater or seawater then duckbill check valves provide a great advantage of being algae resistant and barnacle. Thus these valves become ideal for saltwater projects.
One of the main benefits of the duckbill check valve is the ability for coping with a “water hammer”. As the duckbill check valves are made up of rubber and do not create a water hammer and therefore becomes ideal for industrial applications.
Some of the duckbill check valves are made up of hydrocarbon-resistant fluoro silicone rubber or food-grade silicone and can easily handle a wide range of temperatures & media. The versatile features and benefits make them perfect for industrial applications and therefore have been around for so many decades. It is the reason the duckbill check valves offer long-term service and good performance in harsh environments like strong chemical pumps to disposable inflammatory fluid.
The conventional check valves have metal components and often experience malfunctions, seize and corrosion. The duckbill valves can efficiently handle big obstructions without binding and jamming.
How do duckbill valves operate?
The principle operation of duckbill check valves is very simple. The upstream pressure in the check valve gives a force to the lips or “duck billed” to allow flow. When the flow or pressure increases, the “duckbill” opens further, allowing much flow. This is one of the best features of duckbill check valves that allow the solid materials to pass unhindered but with little loss in pressure. When reverse flow or backflow occurs, the duckbill squeezes tightly together to prevent backflow.
Some other features that make duckbill check valves the most preferred one in the industrial sector are:
- a) It is independent of position
- b) Duckbill check valves have a non-twisting flow path
- c) These valves have virtually no internal volume and is devoid of dead space
- d) It is cost-efficient to be installed in industries
So, hopefully after reading this blog, you have come to know how duckbill check valves are essential for industrial applications. These cost-efficient solutions need almost negligible maintenance. Manual assistance for operation is also not needed. You will need no external powers. Duckbill check valves guarantee 100% trouble-free backflow prevention and are ideal for providing constant operation in industrial sectors.
