How Check Valves Ensure the Function of Food Processing Systems

Since 1977, Hy-Lok Canada has been manufacturing and distributing exceptional-quality check valves for the natural gas, fluid control, and food processing sectors. If you’re working with a food processing system, check valves play a key role in ensuring its proper function through continuous use. Below, we’ll take a closer look at check valves, how they work, and their application in the food processing industry. Keep reading! 

What Are Check Valves, and What Is Their Purpose? 

Check valves prevent liquid backflow in hydraulic and processing systems. This component has two separate valves for exit and entry, which prevents fluid from moving in the wrong direction. Check valves are used to maintain consistent flow in pumps, cleaning systems, piping systems, and similar equipment. 

Check valves have numerous applications in food cleaning systems and play a key role in food safety. Their fluid control components prevent contaminated rinse water from coming into contact with food as it makes its way to the drainage system. This function also aids pasteurization and fermentation processes, ensuring all food products from these facilities are contaminant-free.

How Check Valves Are Used In Food Processing Systems 

Check valves play several roles in food processing systems, ensuring food-safe practices and the proper function of equipment. Let’s examine these roles in further detail: 

Prevent backflow and lower contamination risk

Check valves reduce the risk of backflow and contamination with earlier production stages. These components prevent filth, rinse water, and pasteurized material from returning to the source. Valves can also separate hot and cold fluids to improve energy efficiency. 

Protect pumps and compressors

Check valves also protect expensive components, like pumps and compressors. Valves can stop “water hammers” or sudden jolting changes in pressure from damaging these delicate components. Units help to “prime” fluid, keeping it within the pump housing until it’s ready for use. 

Maintain consistent flow and pressure in food processing systems

Maintaining consistent flow and pressure is another check valve benefit in food processing systems. Valves prevent disruptions in flow intensity, keeping fluid movement within acceptable tolerances. By moving fluids in one direction, valves can maintain a constant flow rate and prevent sudden jumps in movement that might harm production processes. 

Ensure uninterrupted processing

Lastly, valves can help food manufacturers deliver uninterrupted processing, minimizing equipment downtime. They require less cleaning, servicing, and maintenance and are more durable. 

Why Hy-Lok Check Valves Are the Ideal Choice For Food Processing Systems

At Hy-Lok, we don’t take chances with your safety. Our check valves are 100% factory-tested for cracking and reseal, significantly reducing the risk of failure and ensuring security during food processing. With a pressure rating of up to 3000 psig at 70°F and a temperature rating of up to 375°F, users can enjoy exceptional performance in high-intensity conditions. Our 316 stainless steel and brass check valves meet industry durability and hygiene requirements, guaranteed to stand the test of time. To learn more about Hy-Lok check valves, get in touch or visit our product page