Air Valves Back To Basics

AVK UK CONNECT
AIR VALVES
BACK TO BASICS - CHAPTER 6
AIR VALVES PAGE 1 OF 2
DUTY: Air valves, when fitted to a pipeline, will effectively allow air to be expelled as well as introduced into a pipeline during the many phases of operation including
filling, pumping and emptying. Generally fitted at the peak points of the pipeline, these work automatically and come in many different shapes and sizes. The two
main different types evolve around 1) clean water/potable water applications and 2) raw water, dirty water and sewage applications. It is vital that the correct air
valve is used for the correct application, there are fundamental differences between the two ranges and failure to fit the correct valve will cause operational issues.
SIZING: Air valves should always be sized according to the volume of air within the pipeline and not just the size of the
pipeline. Control of accumulated air within any pipe system will extend the whole life of the pipe system and deliver
reduced operational costs and an efficient hydraulic performance.
HISTORICAL DESIGNS: The fundamentals and the function of an air valve have remained the same, with
advancements in materials and technology, what has changed is the actual design as well as the choice of materials.
See attached picture of an older heavy cast iron design with integral isolator.
DESIGNS: This chapter covers valves suitable for the first category only e.g. clean potable water applications. Air valves
for raw water, dirty water and sewage applications are covered in Chapter 7. It is widely accepted that with proper
sizing and siting of air valves in a rising main pipeline, can result in efficiencies in excess of 15% to 20% in terms of
reduced power consumption on the pumps. Within these two basic categories the ranges are then split further into
valve types; these relate to the many functions required and are further explained below.
NAMES: The clean water range that AVK UK offer is split into 3 types, all used for specifics needs and duties
SINGLE SMALL ORIFICE SINGLE LARGE ORIFICE DOUBLE ORIFICE OR COMBINATION

701/10 and 13 701/30 701/40, 50 and 60
Single small orifice

This allows for releasing air in SMALL volumes in a pressurized system as and when it accumulates at the peak points within a pipeline. Available in a variety of
materials; reinforced nylon, brass, cast/ductile iron or stainless steel.
Single large orifice

This allows for air to be released in LARGE volumes from pipelines usually at the filling process, once the system becomes pressurised typically this valve will
remain closed. It will only open once the system becomes depressurised and the valve will open allowing LARGE volumes or air to be brought back into the pipeline,
breaking any vacuum that has been created. Available in a variety of materials; cast/ductile iron, with a number of coatings available relating to the environment of
operation. This type of valve is often fitted just after a pump.
Double Orifice
This valve contains both large and small orifice so is a combination of the above and is by far the
more popular valve type supplied. Available in a variety of materials.
EFFICIENT CAPTURING: The effective removal of air is also relevant to how it is captured. The EFFICIENT
smaller the collection area the greater the chance of the air flowing past the air valve. INEFFICIENT
CAPTURING
CAPTURING
=50% of A NOT TO SCALE
=50% of A
=A
Ideal (recommended)
IF IN DOUBT ASK - 01604 601188

For more information on this product range contact:
Graham Charnley - AVK Market Sector Manager.
Mobile: +44 (0) 07778 536288
Email: [email protected]
All documentation is available on the AVK UK website : www.avkuk.co.uk MAY 2016
AVK UK CONNECT
BUTTERFLY
BACK TO BASICS - CHAPTER 6
AIR VALVES PAGE 2 OF 2
DESIGNS TODAY: AVK air valves offer a rolling seal in automatic air valves, allowing a more reactive performance to the variances of fluid pressures and
conditions. On the large orifice valves, the main float is designed to remain open longer, allowing more air to escape and an EPDM seal that is formed to seal around
the outer edge of the float, again offering improved performance on previous designs and requiring a lower minimum line pressure to secure tight seal.
PRESSURES: Maximum pressures are key in any valve selection however with air valves, minimum seating pressure needs to be considered. Our standard range
VALVES
will handle low pressure ratings of 0.2 bar sealing pressure with 0.1 bar option across the range. A 0.05 bar option is also available on selected models.
Air Valve Discharge flows at 16 bar for standard UK stock products:

Series 701/10 and 13, DN25 option 175 cubic meters per hour
Series 701/30, DN80 option 1,000 cubic meters per hour
Series 701/40, DN50 option 300 cubic meters per hour
WORKING AND TEST PRESSURES: All air valves are body tested to 1.5 x working pressure and seat tested to 1.1 x working pressure. Test pressure and durations
are carried out in line with EN 12266-1.
SIZE RANGE: AVK offer DN12 to DN300, with variable inlet arrangements; BSP threaded and flanged.
TEMPERATURE: 0 degrees to +70 degrees (90 degrees intermittently).
INSTALLATION: Designers should aim for vertical installation, however valves can accommodate a 5 degree offset from vertical. If the air valve is to be installed off
line form the pipeline, a minimum of 7 degrees is recommended of rise in the branch pipe.
RELEVANT STANDARDS: All AVK water air valves carry the full WRAS approvals. Where applicable the flanges are to BS EN 1074.
AIR VALVE SPARES: Full internal spares, rolling seals, floats, retaining pins and bodies are available along with training on field maintenance procedures.
MAINTENANCE: Recommended maintenance should be yearly, however each system should be reviewed in accordance with maintenance procedures.
ISOLATION: AVK always advocate the use of an isolator with an air valve in order to facilitate isolation. Typically these can be ball valves, gate valves or butterfly
valves, depending on the installation details.
Butterfly valve with lever ball valve gate valve with bevel
EXPECT... LASTING INNOVATIONS NEW PRODUCTS

SERIES 701/43 one piece SERIES 701/46 one piece full SERIES 701/65 High Flow SERIES 701/84 Chambered air
double orifice air valve, female BSP bore double orifice air valve, NP16 Non-Slam full bore double orifice valves with integral isolation
threaded inlet flanged inlet, non-slam option air valve, NP16 flanged inlet
available, 2,000+ m3/hr discharge
IF IN DOUBT ASK - 01604 601188

For more information on this product range contact:
Graham Charnley - AVK Market Sector Manager.
Mobile:+44 (0) 07778 536288
Email :[email protected]
All documentation is available on the AVK UK website : www.avkuk.co.uk MAY 2016

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AVK UK CONNECT

SINGLE SMALL ORIFICE SINGLE LARGE ORIFICE DOUBLE ORIFICE OR COMBINATION

Single small orifice

Single large orifice

IF IN DOUBT ASK - 01604 601188

Air Valve Discharge flows at 16 bar for standard UK stock products:

TEMPERATURE: 0 degrees to +70 degrees (90 degrees intermittently).

EXPECT... LASTING INNOVATIONS NEW PRODUCTS

IF IN DOUBT ASK - 01604 601188

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