What is the purpose of a floating ball check valve on a ship?

The primary purpose of a floating ball check valve on a ship is to prevent backflow. This type of valve uses a ball that floats to the top of the valve body when fluid is flowing in the correct direction, sealing off the outlet and preventing any backflow from occurring. This mechanism is essential in ensuring that once the fluid moves through the valve, it does not reverse direction and possibly contaminate the supply or disrupt system functions.

While enhancing safety or maintaining water pressure might be ancillary benefits of proper fluid control, these outcomes are not the main functions of a floating ball check valve. The primary role remains focused on ensuring the flow direction is maintained, thus protecting the integrity of the system.

Controlling temperature is a function associated with different types of valves and systems, not directly related to the check valve’s operation. Therefore, the proper functioning of a floating ball check valve is critical for maintaining a safe and effective fluid management system aboard a ship.