What term refers to valves designed to prevent reverse flow?

The term that describes valves specifically engineered to prevent reverse flow is commonly known as one-way valves. These valves allow fluid to flow in only one direction, effectively blocking any backflow which could potentially cause damage or malfunction in a system.

One-way valves are crucial in various applications, especially in plumbing and fluid control systems, where maintaining the intended direction of flow is vital for safety and functionality. They typically consist of a mechanism, such as a flap or ball, that opens to allow flow in one direction and closes to block the flow in the opposite direction.

While directional flow valves might seem like a related concept, the specificity of the one-way valve in preventing backflow distinguishes it as the correct term. Directional flow valves could refer to various types of valves that manage flow direction but do not specifically denote the backflow prevention requirement.

Pressure relief valves serve a different purpose as they are designed to relieve excess pressure in a system rather than manage flow direction. Isolation valves, on the other hand, are used to shut off flow in a system when maintenance is required but do not inherently prevent reverse flow in the way one-way valves do.