In a hydraulic system, why is a non-return valve used when connecting a pump to a cylinder?
To ensure one-way fluid flow & no backflow
A non-return valve, also called a check valve, is designed to open and pass fluid freely in one direction while seating firmly closed against any flow in the opposite direction.
Fitted in the line between the pump and the cylinder, it lets the pump push fluid forward into the cylinder during the working stroke, allowing normal one-way delivery.
When the pump stops or the cylinder pressure tries to reverse, the valve seats and blocks the pressurised fluid from draining back toward the pump, so the load is held in position and the pump is protected from back-pressure.
This one-way, no-backflow action is the whole reason for placing the valve at that connection.
Reducing leakage between connections is the job of seals and fittings, not of a directional check valve, so that option misstates its purpose.
Increasing pressure in the cylinder is done by a relief or pressure-control valve, and permitting flow in both directions is the exact opposite of what a non-return valve does, so both are incorrect.
Hence, the answer is To ensure one-way fluid flow & no backflow.
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