What is the purpose of a check valve?

A check valve serves the specific function of allowing fluid to flow in only one direction while preventing backflow. This is crucial in many systems where reversing the flow could lead to potential issues, such as contamination, damage to equipment, or inefficiencies in the process. Check valves are commonly used in piping systems to ensure that the fluid does not return to a previous stage in the system, which can be critical in applications like pumps that need to maintain a certain direction of flow.

The other options describe different components or functions that are not associated with check valves. Increasing fluid pressure relates to devices like pumps or compressors, regulating temperature involves valves or devices like thermostats, and measuring fluid flow rate pertains to flow meters. Each of these functions serves distinct roles within a mechanical or fluid system, highlighting that check valves have a unique purpose focused on directional control of fluid flow.