This component, often sized at three-quarters of an inch, permits airflow in a single direction within an air compression system. It prevents backflow, ensuring that pressurized air does not return to the pump when it is not actively compressing. An example includes its placement in the discharge line of an air compressor, preventing air from flowing back into the compressor tank from the distribution network.
Its importance stems from protecting the compressor pump from damage due to back pressure. It also maintains pressure within the storage tank, improving overall system efficiency by reducing the workload on the compressor motor. This device has evolved alongside air compression technology, becoming a standard fitting as compressed air systems became more prevalent in industrial and domestic applications.