Located between the compressor and the air receiver tank or main head, a check valve is designed to prevent air from leaving the tank or head and returning to the inlet line when the compressor is turned off. Meanwhile, the unloader valves allow air to flow out of the compressor line to reduce the load on starting. To open or close, a check valve depends on the air flow line. There is an internal disc in a check valve.
It opens and allows air to pass only forward. When the air velocity or flow decreases, the disc starts to close. And when the flow is reversed, the disc closes completely. A ball check valve uses a floating or spring-loaded ball that rests on the sealing seat to close the orifice.
The sealing seat typically tapers conically to guide the ball into the seat and create a positive seal, thus stopping reverse flow. When the fluid pressure on the inlet side exceeds the opening pressure, the ball dislodges from its seat, allowing flow. When the inlet pressure does not exceed the opening pressure, or there is back pressure, the ball will close with the back pressure or through the spring, effectively closing the hole. True Union ball check valves allow for easy removal and replacement of balls, eliminating the need to purchase a new valve.
Read our article on ball check valves for more information. The compressor tank check valve is normally screwed onto the compressor air tank. Threads, which are coated with a reddish pipe compound, become a coupling port on the compressor tank itself and tighten perfectly. The lift check valve of an air compressor is an essential part that can be found in every compressor out there.
Check valves are used, for example, in reciprocating piston compressors, rotary screw compressors and scroll compressors. However, if you find that there are air leaks, this could easily mean that there is a problem with the check valve. Some in-line check valves also have a third port, which is generally used for inspection or if the application requires an air vent. The number of check valves may vary depending on the make, type, size and model of the air compressor.
Port 3 is where air from the compressor pump escapes from the tank check valve and enters the compressor tank. This means that air will not flow through the check valve unless the specified minimum opening pressure is reached. Thank you for informing me that a check valve prevents backward airflow and dirt can enter it that prevents operation. Inside the air compressor check valve, you'll find a disc or ball (most balls in smaller check valves) and a spring that pushes down the disc or ball.
If the check valve or flapper valve at the bottom of the tank check valve assembly becomes dirty or ruptured, air may escape from the tank. Check valves are considered to be one of the most essential and important parts of the operation of each air compressor. The sole purpose of installing a check valve in an air compressor is to ensure full passage of air from one direction only and to block the passage of air from another, while discouraging any reverse flow of compressed air. If I turn off the power, the air continues to escape until the pressure cut is reached and then it stops.
Port 1 is where the line would join from the pump head to allow compressed air to flow from the pump to the compressor tank. Turn off the compressor, drain all air from the tank, pull the tank check valve where the pump line reaches the tank and make sure the tank check valve is actually sealing when there is air in the tank. The valve opens when air flows with a pressure level, but the valve closes if there is a reverse flow. .
