What will happen if the check valve is installed improperly?

Improper installation of check valves can have significant consequences

Check valves play a crucial role in preventing medium backflow in pipeline systems. Improper installation can cause many serious problems.

When the installation direction of the check valve is incorrect, its function of preventing medium backflow will be completely ineffective. For example, at the outlet of the water pump, if the check valve is installed backwards, after the water pump stops, the water will flow back to the pump under the action of gravity or system pressure, causing the water pump to reverse. This not only damages key components such as impellers and bearings of the water pump, shortening its service life, but may also cause water hammer phenomenon in the pipeline, generating huge pressure impact, causing damage to pipelines, valves and other equipment, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.

Improper installation position of check valves can also cause trouble. If the check valve is installed near bends, reducers, or other locations with high local resistance, the flow state of the medium will become turbulent, affecting the normal opening and closing of the check valve. In working conditions where rapid closure is required to prevent backflow, check valves may not be able to close in a timely manner due to medium impact and turbulent flow, resulting in medium backflow and affecting the stable operation of the entire system. For example, in steam systems, improper installation of check valves may cause steam backflow, resulting in steam leakage, reduced system efficiency, and energy waste.

In addition, if the verticality or levelness of the check valve is not guaranteed during installation, it will cause the valve disc to deviate from its normal position under the action of gravity, affecting the sealing performance. Even if the check valve is in the closed state, medium leakage may occur, which not only wastes resources but also may cause pollution to the surrounding environment. In chemical production, medium leakage may also cause safety accidents and threaten personnel's life safety.

Therefore, when installing check valves, it is necessary to strictly determine the installation direction and position according to the design requirements, and ensure the verticality or levelness of the installation to ensure that the check valve can function normally and ensure the safe and stable operation of the pipeline system.