Duckbill check valves are a type of one-way flow control device that is often used in water treatment plants, stormwater drainage, and wet wells. They are a passive flow-through valve that does not require any maintenance, power source, or manual assistance to operate.
They are available in different sizes and can be installed either by slipping over the end of the pipe or mating to a flange. They are typically installed in the discharge line of a pump or in a wet well.
Rubber duck bill check valves are a popular choice as they have no moving parts and are designed to handle a range of fluids. They are also resistant to rusting, corrosion, and other damage that can occur from the elements.
The rubber elastomer inside the check valve is designed to compress around trapped or suspended solids and therefore create an effective seal. This is a huge benefit over flapper and swing/flap check valves that can easily be damaged by mud, silt, rocks, debris and even marine life.
This is an especially important issue for saltwater projects. These valves need to be able to repel barnacles and algae, both of which can quickly ruin the performance of a duckbill check valve.
When a check valve is fitted correctly it should only open and close with the correct flow rate or differential pressure. This is because failures such as reverse flow or water hammer can be caused by the wrong flow rate.
Choosing the right rubber duck bill check valve for your application is critical. It needs to be able to deal with whatever liquid it is handling, it needs to have a high flow capacity and have a low head loss that allows the valve to open with a minimal amount of pressure.
It also needs to have a good seal that prevents the backflow of the liquid or water from passing through it. This can be achieved through the design of the rubber elastomer that is inside the valve or by the material used for the outer layer.
If it is not designed properly, the rubber may crack or deteriorate over time and this can result in leakage or damage. This is why it is important to choose a rubber duck bill check valve that has been designed specifically for your specific application.
Another thing to consider is the material the duck bill valve is made from and how it is treated before it is used. Some of the materials are less likely to withstand the corrosive nature of some chemicals and others will deteriorate more quickly when exposed to sunlight.
Taking all of these factors into consideration can help to ensure that the right check valve is chosen. Once selected it should then be assembled, installed and maintained properly in order to ensure that back flow is prevented or damage avoided. This is an essential process in any sewage plant or other industrial facility that requires a check valve.