In any type of pneumatic system, air pressure is used to force air through the system to the desired location. This could be a short or a long distance depending on the specifics of the system. The air may travel along one line, or there may be branching lines in the system that feed to multiple points, tools or applications.
The Use of a Pneumatic Check Valve
In both simple and complex pneumatic systems, the ability to maintain the air pressure throughout the lines is critical for performance. Even a slight drop in air pressure upstream in the system can create the risk of backflow of the air, resulting in poor performance or complete failure at the ends of the system.
To address this issue, the use of a pneumatic check valve at strategic locations in the system is critical. These check valves work automatically and are set to close or open should the pressure differential drop below a specific set range. This prevents any backflow through the system, which can cause system failures in compressors, vacuum systems, and pumps.
Bypass Valves
In addition, a pneumatic check valve can also be used in a system or for an application where it functions as a bypass valve. This allows the media to bypass other types of valves or to move through the system without the need for manual or external control.
Cracking Pressure
In addition to choosing the correct size and mounting option for the check valve in a pneumatic system, the cracking pressure range of the valve is critical. This is the pressure required to cause the valve to open. The cracking pressure can be enhanced for high pressure applications by using an internal spring in the valve, all which can be engineered to the requirements for the system.
