What do check valves in the discharge line of a chemical feed pump prevent?

Check valves in the discharge line of a chemical feed pump serve a crucial role in preventing the backflow of fluids, specifically chemical solutions, into the water supply. When a chemical feed pump is in operation, it is essential that the chemical being injected into the system remains contained and does not reverse flow back into the source water. The check valve operates by allowing fluid to flow in one direction while blocking flow in the opposite direction.

This functionality is particularly important for maintaining water supply quality and safety, as any contamination from chemicals used in the treatment process can lead to adverse health effects and regulatory violations. Therefore, the primary purpose of the check valve is to safeguard against the potential for chemical solution siphoning back into the water supply, ensuring the integrity of both the water source and the treatment system.

While other factors like pressure buildup, air introduction, and blockage are also important in the operation of pumps, the direct prevention of chemical solutions from siphoning back into the water supply specifically identifies the essential function of check valves in this context.