Clapper valve

Clapper valve is a type of valve used in various applications, including water supply systems, fire protection systems, and aircraft fuel systems. The clapper valve is designed to allow fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow.

Design and Operation

The clapper valve consists of a hinged gate, or "clapper", which swings open when fluid is flowing in the correct direction. When the fluid tries to flow in the opposite direction, the pressure pushes the clapper against the valve seat, creating a seal and stopping the flow.

The clapper is typically made of a durable material such as stainless steel or bronze, and the valve seat is often made of a softer material such as brass or rubber to ensure a tight seal. The hinge mechanism can be a simple pin or a more complex arrangement depending on the application.

Applications

Clapper valves are used in a variety of applications where backflow prevention is important. In water supply systems, they are often used in check valves to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. In fire protection systems, clapper valves are used in sprinkler systems to ensure that water only flows when a fire is detected. In aircraft fuel systems, clapper valves are used to prevent fuel from flowing back into the tank during engine operation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The main advantage of clapper valves is their simplicity and reliability. They have few moving parts and can operate for many years with little maintenance. However, they can be prone to wear and tear, especially if the fluid they are controlling contains abrasive particles. In addition, they can cause a pressure drop in the system, which may need to be compensated for in the system design.

See Also

• Check valve
• Non-return valve
• Valve