Sanitary check valves are designed to allow fluids to pass through pipelines in a single direction, making them essential for preventing backflow that can result in cross-contamination. Steel & O’Brien is the leading manufacturer of stainless steel sanitary check valves in the industry today, thanks to our dedication to using only the best materials and processes.
Steel & O’Brien’s wide range of stainless steel sanitary check valves help make sanitary simple for you and your operations. We manufacture these in a variety of sizes and pressure ratings, with multiple capabilities to help them fit into virtually any scenario you may have. These are critical for protecting your pumps and other valuable equipment from backflow caused by sudden pressure changes in your pipes.
These versatile valves are used across numerous sectors where preventing reverse flow is essential. The most prominent examples of industries that rely on these are the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. In terms of design, the two most common variants of check valves are spring and ball models. The former utilizes a ball that drops from a chamber into the flow path to stop fluids, while the latter uses a spring to push a shutter against the aperture of the pipe. Both are relatively simple in design, requiring little in the way of maintenance. They also can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, making them suitable for a broad range of applications. Although most piping is horizontally oriented, there are instances in which vertical piping is necessary. In these cases, our sanitary check valves can be installed in the vertical orientation to ensure up or down transport of fluids is maintained without the risk of backflow.
Another type of check valve we offer is the air blow check valve, which uses pressurized air to push the rubber plug away from the seat and open the valve. When the air is cut off, the plug returns to its original position thanks to a spring, which seals the valve once again. These are typically installed to help with clean-in-place solutions for pipelines or to stir products in tanks. These also are easy to disassemble and clean.
Choosing the right check valves for your specific application means understanding the unique standards of your industry, as not all sanitary valve products are suitable for every use. You also should pay close attention to the compatibility of the materials used in their manufacture and any chemicals you use in your processes. A sanitary check valve also may be damaged if it is used at temperatures or pressures it was not designed to withstand. Depending on your infrastructure, you also may require a sanitary fitting that is compatible with clean-in-place equipment. If you have any questions concerning the suitability of any of our products, please feel free to reach out and speak with one of our experts. We can help you find the hygienic check valves and other fittings that are ideal for your specific requirements and will offer the highest levels of performance in your facility. Our status as a leading sanitary check valve manufacturer means we have the expertise and product lineup to help you make sanitary simple.
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