Check valves are often considered the most “quiet” yet essential components in a piping system. Their primary function is to prevent backflow and safeguard pumps, compressors, and the overall stability of the system. However, in real-world applications, poor sealing—commonly referred to as “leakage”—is one of the most frequent and frustrating issues encountered in check valve operation.   When a check valve fails to seal properly, it can reduce system efficiency, trigger pressure fluctuations, cause water hammer, and even damage critical equipment. This article breaks down the technical causes behind check valve leakage and offers practical diagnostic and corrective measures to help you quickly identify and resolve sealing problems, even under challenging operating.   1. Why Does a Check Valve Fail to Close Properly? Common Causes Explained   1. Presence of Particles or Solid Impurities in the Medium Solid particles can become trapped between the disc and the seat, preventing full contact and causing slight or even noticeable leakage.   Typical signs include: ● Significant leakage at small opening positions ● Leakage decreases after cleaning   2. Disc Wear or Seat Damage Frequent cycling, corrosive media, or high-velocity flow can wear the sealing surfaces, resulting in scratches, pits, or deformation. This issue is especially common in high-temperature steam systems.   3. Incorrect Installation Direction or Insufficient Tilt Angle Although it may sound like a basic mistake, incorrect installation still occurs on many job sites. Since check valves rely heavily on gravity and flow direction, improper installation prevents the disc from returning to its closed position smoothly.   4. Flow Velocity Too Low to Create Adequate Differential Pressure A check valve opens through fluid flow. When the flow rate is too low, the disc may flutter or fail to close completely, leading to leakage.   Common scenarios include: ● Insufficient straight-pipe length ● Frequent pump start/stop ● Poorly designed low-flow systems   5. Disc Sticking or Hinge Mechanism Not Operating Smoothly In swing check valves, rust, corrosion, or lack of lubrication at the hinge pin or disc connection may cause sticking, preventing full closure.   6. Thermal Deformation of Sealing Surfaces Due to Temperature Fluctuations In high-temperature conditions such as steam service, thermal expansion and contraction can slightly deform sealing surfaces, resulting in an imperfect seal.   2. How to Quickly Determine If a Check Valve Is Not Closing Properly?   1. Abnormal Pressure Gauge Readings If the inlet pressure remains stable while the outlet pressure gradually rises, backflow caused by check-valve leakage is the most likely reason.   2. Pipe Vibration or Light Knocking Sounds This indicates that the disc is oscillating at high frequency, often due to insufficient flow velocity or a loose dis...

Recently, representatives from Dervos Valve visited long-term industrial valve partners in Norway, Italy, Germany, and Spain. The multi-day trip focused on understanding customers’ current project requirements and discussing future procurement plans and technical specifications in greater depth.     In Norway, our team was invited to visit the customer’s equipment installation workshop and valve application site. Through direct discussions with the engineering and procurement teams, we gained a clear understanding of their concerns regarding high-pressure applications, material selection, and delivery schedules. The customer noted, “Dervos has an excellent grasp of our project needs. Your quick response and professional recommendations give us great confidence.” This feedback reflects not only trust in our product quality but also strong recognition of our service capabilities.   The team then traveled to Italy for technical discussions with our local partners and visited their valve assembly and testing facilities. Our representatives introduced Dervos’s manufacturing capabilities, quality inspection processes, and ongoing product enhancements across ball valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, and check valves. The Italian customer remarked, “The solutions you presented are highly practical and will significantly improve the reliability of our projects.” Such positive feedback further strengthened the confidence in our partnership.   Through this trip, Dervos gained deeper insights into the European market’s expectations regarding valve performance, quality control, and delivery reliability. We will continue to refine our products and services based on customer feedback, ensuring that every partner receives a reliable and fully tailored one-stop valve solution.   Looking ahead, Dervos Valve will remain committed to our service philosophy of listening to customers, responding quickly, and delivering real value. With higher product standards and more professional technical support, we aim to strengthen and advance our cooperation with customers around the world.

Butterfly valves are widely used as regulating and shut-off devices in industrial piping systems, valued for their simple structure, lightweight design, and rapid open-close operation. They find applications across water treatment, chemical, metallurgical, power, oil, and gas industries.   However, even high-quality butterfly valves can experience performance degradation if proper maintenance is neglected over long-term operation.This article explores the structural features, common issues, and maintenance practices to help effectively extend the service life of butterfly valves.   1. Understanding the Operational Characteristics of Butterfly Valves   A butterfly valve primarily consists of a valve body, disc, stem, sealing elements, and an actuator. Its operation relies on the rotation of the disc, driven by the stem, to control fluid flow.   During operation, the disc remains immersed in the fluid, subject to erosion, corrosion, and pressure shocks. Therefore, the valve’s lifespan is closely related to sealing performance, material selection, and the operating environment.   2. Common Factors Affecting Butterfly Valve Lifespan   Frequent Operation and High Differential Pressure High-frequency cycling or prolonged operation under high pressure and flow velocity can cause valve seat wear and stem seal aging.   Corrosive Media and Sediment Build-Up Chemical fluids or particulate-laden media can corrode the disc and clog sealing surfaces, reducing smooth operation.   Improper Installation Misalignment between the valve and pipeline, or uneven bolt tightening, may lead to eccentric disc friction and damage to sealing elements.   Lack of Regular Maintenance Neglecting routine cleaning and lubrication can increase operating torque, accelerate seal wear, and shorten the valve’s overall service life.   3. Maintenance Tips to Extend Butterfly Valve Lifespan   1. Proper Installation as the Foundation Ensure the valve body is aligned with the pipeline center to avoid eccentric stress. Use appropriate gaskets between the valve and flange to prevent localized stress. For actuated butterfly valves, confirm correct travel adjustment to avoid exceeding torque limits.   2. Regular Cleaning and Inspection Periodically remove deposits and debris from the disc surface to prevent seal surface damage. Check stem packing and seals; replace immediately if signs of aging are detected. For pipelines carrying particulate-laden media, flush the valve regularly to prevent clogging.   3. Lubrication and Corrosion Protection Apply grease to the stem, bearings, and drive components regularly to maintain smooth operation. For valves operating in seawater or corrosive environments, select corrosion-resistant coatings or materials such as aluminum bronze or duplex stainless steel.   4. Proper Operation and Control  Avoid rapid or forced operation to prevent disc deformation from impact. If the ...