Air release valves are among the most important ones in the water supply lines. That’s because the formation of air and vacuum in your water pipelines can lead to serious operating problems and even some dramatic consequences, such as reduced pumping efficiency, pipeline corrosion, faulty metering and instrumentation devices, air hammer or even full pipe failure. If there is a substantial vacuum, the pipe can collapse inwards due to the pressure difference on both sides of the pipe’s walls.
Air gets into piping systems typically through empty pipelines, air in the fluid, or through mechanical systems like pumps, pipe joints, and valves. Leaks or faulty seals in these components can lead to air infiltrating the piping system. Products like the new American Iron and Steel compliant Air and Vacuum MAXIAIR model from Flomatic Valves can help eliminate the problem.
MAXIAIR Air/Vacuum valves are designed to exhaust large quantities of air at system startup and admit large quantities of air to provide pipeline vacuum protection when negative pressure develops during power failures or pipeline breaks. They release air from the system while filling and allow air to enter the system during shut down or if there is a break in the line. Basically, when water enters, the valve the float rises and closes the orifice. When the fluid level drops the float drops away from the orifice and allows air to enter the system to prevent possible damage.
Models are engineered to meet AWWA Standard C512 for clean water pumping applications and feature a two-bolt Quick Access cover, corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel float and trim, resilient Buna-N seating, and full nominal pipe size threaded female inlet and outlet ports. In order to ensure proper function, MAXIAIR valves should be installed at the high points in the system in a vertical position above the water main. They are available in 1/2- and 1-inch outlet sizes.
“In stock and ready to ship, our new AWWA C512 and AIS compliant MAXIAIR Air/Vacuum valves are ideal for clean water applications that require air release and vacuum pipeline protection,” says Brian Allen, engineering manager at Flomatic Valves. “Featuring a strong fusion-bonded, epoxy-coated ductile iron body and cover (including internal surfaces) with 316 stainless steel internals, the MAXIAIR is designed with the operator in mind for ease of maintenance.” 800-833-2040; www.flomatic.com
