I. The main functions of Atlas Copco Oil Check Valve
Prevent backflow: After the air compressor stops, the oil check valve closes to prevent the lubricating oil in the oil tank or oil separator from flowing back into the main unit, pipelines, or cylinders, avoiding liquid accumulation or lubricating oil leakage in the main unit.
Pressure maintenance and pre-lubrication: Maintain a certain amount of lubricating oil in the main unit to quickly form an oil film upon the next startup, reducing mechanical wear during the startup (especially crucial for the male and female rotors and bearings of screw compressors).
Stable oil circuit pressure: Ensure that the lubricating oil flows along the set path during operation, avoiding unstable oil supply due to pressure fluctuations.
II. Structure and materials of Atlas Copco Oil Check Valve
Basic structure:
Composed of valve body, valve core (usually ball valve or diaphragm type), spring, sealing elements, etc.
Working principle: When starting, the lubricating oil pressure overcomes the spring elasticity to open the valve core, allowing the oil to flow through; when stopping, the pressure disappears, and the spring pushes the valve core to reset, sealing the oil circuit.
Common materials:
Valve body: Cast iron, cast steel or aluminum alloy (selected based on working pressure and environment).
Valve core: Stainless steel (wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant).
Spring: Stainless steel (prevents rust and failure).
Sealing element: Nitrile rubber (resistant to oil) or fluororubber (resistant to high temperature and chemical corrosion).
III. Common problems and faults of Atlas Copco Oil Check Valve
Leakage:
Reason: Aging of sealing elements, wear of valve core or blockage by impurities, resulting in insufficient sealing.
Consequence: After shutdown, the lubricating oil flows back, causing a delay in lubrication upon the next startup, which may lead to short-term dry friction; in severe cases, it may cause slow establishment of oil pressure during startup and trigger a low oil pressure alarm.
Stuck:
Reason: Impurities in the oil (such as metal debris, oil sludge) block the valve core, or the spring fails due to fatigue.
Consequence: The valve core cannot fully open, resulting in insufficient oil supply and increased temperature in the main unit; or it cannot close, causing continuous backflow of lubricating oil.
Spring failure:
Reason: Elasticity decays or breaks after long-term use.
Consequence: The valve core cannot reset normally, losing its backflow function.
