Our series on check valve operation continues this month with Stage III: Open.  To review, Stage I: Shut highlights the passive and active states of our valves, and Stage II Opening discusses the key role of O-rings and the cartridge seat.  The image to the right displays the shut, opening, and open stages. 

Stage III: Open involves a significant chain reaction of events:

  1. pressure builds
  2. the O-ring lifts off the cartridge seat
  3. a significant amount of gas/liquid flows through the valve

After this series of events, we are now able to assign the valve’s opening pressure. 

With Smart Products, you can choose an open pressure to suit your design criteria.  Valves are rated at the pressure where the "open" stage occurs.

Smart Products uses specialized equipment to measure the effects of pressure on a valve’s performance including the open PSI assignment.  During this test, pressure builds up within the test volume until the valve opens. The valve opens far enough to allow a large amount of flow to escape, which causes a sudden drop in pressure. The test equipment records the point of this occurrence. All Smart Products' valves are rated in this manner.   

Even more noteworthy, Smart Products has the ability to customize the open pressure of valves ranging from 0.07 to 20 PSI.  And, very soon we’ll be able to offer higher pressures because we’re currently testing new spring designs to allow even higher opening pressure of our valves.     

When ordering valves, we can discuss your pressure requirements and help you select the right valve for your application.  If you’re looking for relief valves, Stage III: Open is a critical component to understand because an accurate open pressure ensures your device will function exactly to your device requirements. 

To create a custom valve or order samples for testing, call a Product & Application Specialist at (800) 338-0404.  Visit us online at www.smartproducts.com. 



Stage1_shut

For more information

Smart Products Sales
408-776-3035
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About Smart Products, Inc.

Smart Products, Inc., located in Morgan Hill, California, designs and manufactures an extensive family of plastic valves, pumps, and related components. Designed to allow a virtually limitless number of possible combinations to fit specific needs, products are used in a wide range of applications, including medical diagnostic and treatment, gas analysis, filtration, beverage dispensing, printing, and many others. The company also offers custom design capabilities, special testing, and custom assemblies.