# Check Valves

FluidFlow contains a database of check valves which can be used when building a network. The user can also very easily add new check valves to the database for specific modelling applications. Note, you only need to add a component to the database once - it will then be stored for all future projects. To access this database, select the Database | Check Valves menu item:
Actions
Add | Add a new check valve to the database.
Delete | Delete the currently selected check valve record from the database. Note: There are certain records, added by Flite, that you will not be able to delete.
Clone | Makes a copy of the currently selected check valve record and adds it to the database. For example: cloning 'Angle Swing Check' will result in a new record 'Angle Swing Check (2)'. Note: This action is only available via the context menu when you right-mouse click on the current record.
Import | Import check valve records from a FluidFlow2 database.
Load | Loads a ".comp" file - containing a check valve record - and adds it to your current database. See 'Save' below for more information.
Save | Saves the currently selected check valve record as a ".comp" file type. This means that if you have created a new check valve in your local database (stored on your "DATA" Folder), you can save the check valve file and share with another user. The user can then use the "Load" button to select the file and add the new check valve data to their local database.
Check Valve Data Entry
Name | A descriptive name for this element.
Manufacturer | The name of the check valve manufacturer.
Materials | The materials used to manufacture the check valve may be defined in this field, e.g., Steel, Stainless Steel, Bronze, etc.
Applications | The specific applications in which the check valve may be used, e.g., Chemical, Power, etc.
Max Operating Pressure | If there is a maximum pressure rating for the check valve you should enter this value here. Leaving the value at 0 means that FluidFlow will not make an overpressure check.
Pressure Unit | The pressure units used when defining the Max Operating Pressure.
Defined By | There are three possible entries for this field: ▪Kf Value (Ed Len in diameters). Represents the pressure loss coefficient expressed as equivalent length in terms of pipe diameters. This definition is used almost exclusively by Crane. ▪K Value (# Velocity Heads). Represents the pressure loss coefficient expressed as a function of velocity head. ▪Idelchik Allows you to select the Idelchik pressure loss relationships as the method to be used for calculating the pressure loss through a check valve.
K or Kf Value | This is where users can enter a value of K or Kf based on the selection made for 'Defined By' as described above.
Min Open Velocity x V^0.5 | This the minimum fluid velocity that must pass through the valve for it to be fully open, i.e., the pressure loss relationships hold. It is a value which is provided by the vendor and as such, it is recommended that this value is obtained from the supplier. However, if this is not possible, you can enter a low value such as 0.3 m/s as this parameter is only used to enunciate a warning message if the check valve is not fully open under the modeled operating conditions. Note: 'Min Open Velocity x V^0.5' is often described as V MIN in vendor technical datasheets.
If any of the above is unclear or you require any further information, please contact us at: support@fluidflowinfo.com.