Air Valve FAQs
Air Valve FAQs
Air Valves are valves that intake and release gas (de-aerate) from fluid management systems to protect the equipment from accumulated air pockets that can cause damage through pressure surges or vacuums.
Air can enter into fluid management systems in several ways:
• Naturally dissolved from water and waste fluids.
• During routine maintenance.
• Introduced during the initial installation.
• Drawn into the system through other equipment (e.g. turbulence from pumps).
If left unmanaged the flow-rate of fluid through the pipes becomes unreliable and structural damage can occur, leading to increased running costs due to operational inefficiencies and extra maintenance needs.
Air valves come in three main design configurations:
- Single small orifice air valve (single function/air release valve) - releases gas that accumulates while operating.
- Single large orifice air valve (two function/air vacuum valve) - releases and intakes gas during the system's draining and fluid pressurising (charging) phases.
- Double orifice air valve (three function/combination air valve) - has a small and large opening for different rates of gas intake and release.
Air valve positioning can affect the overall reliability and efficiency of the fluid management system.
- Single-function air valves are most effective at system high points for the release of accumulated air.
- Two-function air valves are ideal at system low points for the release of air pockets as well as the intake of air if fluid pressure drops, as this could affect the uphill flow of liquid.
- Double orifice air valves are best positioned where bulk inflow or outflow of gas is needed, with the added small orifice function maintaining system stability and efficiency.
Read our handy How-to: Choose & Position Air Valves guide in the Knowledge Hub for more information.
The needs and demands of the planned application will determine the ideal air valve design, size, construction materials and installation point.
For expert advice on choosing an air valve email response@ttflow.com, call +44 (0)1630 647200 or complete an online enquiry form.