Lotion Pumps Manufacturers

How does the check valve in a lotion pump prevent air from entering the container?

The check valve in a lotion pump is a critical component that prevents air from entering the container. It operates based on a one-way flow mechanism. Here's how it works to prevent air ingress:
Valve Design: The check valve is designed as a small, spring-loaded mechanism typically located at the bottom of the lotion pump assembly. It consists of a valve seat and a valve ball.
Initial Position: When the lotion pump is at rest, the valve ball sits in the valve seat, sealing the passage between the pump's dispensing nozzle and the product reservoir inside the container. In this position, it prevents air from entering the container.
Dispensing Action: When you press down on the pump head, it creates pressure within the pump chamber. This pressure forces the valve ball to move away from the valve seat, allowing the product to flow up through the dip tube and out of the dispensing nozzle.
One-Way Flow: The check valve is designed to allow product flow in one direction, from the container to the dispensing nozzle. It doesn't allow the product to flow back into the container once it has been dispensed.
Preventing Air Ingress: As the check valve remains closed when the pump is at rest, it effectively seals off the product reservoir from the outside environment, including air. This prevents contamination, drying out of the product, or exposure to contaminants that might degrade the quality of the contents.
In summary, the check valve in a lotion pump acts as a one-way barrier, allowing product to be dispensed when the pump is pressed while preventing air from entering the container when the pump is not in use. This design maintains the product's integrity and helps extend its shelf life.