{"id":323,"count":3,"description":"

An air release valve is an automatic valve that releases accumulated air from inside a pipeline, using a float that rises and falls according to the water level. Air entering a pipeline is normal, but if there is no way for it to escape, it will reduce the effective flow area. This forces the pump to work harder and, in severe cases, can cause water hammer, which may lead to pipe cracking.<\/p>\r\n

Operating Principle of an Air Release Valve<\/h2>\r\n

The operating principle of this type of valve is quite simple. Inside the valve is a hollow float, usually made of stainless steel or engineering plastic. When the valve chamber is filled with air, the float sinks, opening the discharge port and allowing the air to escape. When water rises and fills the chamber, the float rises accordingly and seals the discharge port. This cycle repeats throughout the service life of the system without requiring human monitoring or operation.<\/p>\r\n

Basic Structure of an Air Release Valve<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Component<\/strong><\/td>\r\nFunction<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
Valve Body<\/td>\r\nWithstands system pressure and houses the float inside<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Valve Cover<\/td>\r\nRemovable for periodic maintenance and float cleaning<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Float<\/td>\r\nRises and falls with the water level to open and close the air discharge port<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Lever<\/td>\r\nConnects the float to the discharge port, allowing the port to open and close more decisively rather than gradually<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Spring<\/td>\r\nHelps the float seal the discharge port more quickly and precisely. This component is available in some air release valve models but is not included in all types<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Sealing Gasket \/ Rubber Plug at the Discharge Port<\/td>\r\nSeals the discharge port when the float closes, preventing water from leaking out through the air discharge passage<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Comparison of Common Air Release Valve Types on the Market<\/h2>\r\n

Classification by Design<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Type<\/strong><\/td>\r\nFeatures<\/strong><\/td>\r\nRecommended Applications<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
Single-Chamber Air Release Valve<\/td>\r\nHas one air chamber and provides a moderate air discharge capacity<\/td>\r\nSmall piping systems, short pipelines, and pipelines with few high points<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Double-Chamber Air Release Valve<\/td>\r\nHas two air chambers and provides air discharge at approximately twice the rate of a single-chamber type<\/td>\r\nLarge piping systems, long pipelines, and pipelines with many bends<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Combination Air Release Valve<\/td>\r\nIncludes a large discharge port for filling\/draining the pipeline and a small discharge port for operation under stable system conditions<\/td>\r\nLocations at risk of vacuum that may deform or collapse the pipe, main pumping stations, and long transmission pipelines<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Classification by Connection Type<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Type<\/strong><\/td>\r\nFeatures<\/strong><\/td>\r\nRecommended Applications<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
Threaded Air Release Valve<\/td>\r\nDirectly connected through threaded fittings for quick and compact installation<\/td>\r\nSmall pipelines, low flow rates, and applications where costs need to be optimized<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Flanged Air Release Valve<\/td>\r\nBolted through flanges and capable of withstanding higher pressure<\/td>\r\nLarge pipelines, high-pressure systems, or systems requiring frequent removal and maintenance<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Classification by Material<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Material<\/strong><\/td>\r\nFeatures<\/strong><\/td>\r\nRecommended Applications<\/strong><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n
Cast Iron (Epoxy Coated)<\/td>\r\nCost-effective with moderate corrosion resistance<\/td>\r\nConventional water supply and drainage systems and fire protection systems<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Stainless Steel<\/td>\r\nBetter corrosion resistance than cast iron<\/td>\r\nCorrosive water environments or applications requiring high hygiene standards, such as pharmaceutical and food processing systems<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

Where Should an Air Release Valve Be Installed?<\/h2>\r\n

An air release valve must be installed at local high points along the pipeline, where air is likely to accumulate, such as:<\/p>\r\n

- At the peaks of successive uphill and downhill sections<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

When a pipeline passes through hilly terrain, drainage channels, or roads with varying elevations, each peak becomes a potential air accumulation point. Many people install only one valve at the beginning of the pipeline and assume that is sufficient, but air can still accumulate at the high points farther downstream, causing the pump performance to gradually deteriorate as if no air release valve had been installed.<\/p>\r\n

- Immediately after the pump, before entering the main pipeline<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Air can enter the pipeline through the pump during startup or when the water level at the source fluctuates. Installing an air release valve immediately at the pump outlet helps release air early and prevents it from entering the system.<\/p>\r\n

- At the end of the pipeline, before the storage tank or point of consumption<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

Air gradually accumulates along the flow path, and the end of the pipeline is often one of the most affected areas if there are no air release valves installed along the pipeline. If this location is overlooked, the storage tank or downstream equipment may receive water mixed with air, causing noise or vibration in the float valve of the storage tank.<\/p>\r\n

- Along long horizontal sections without a clearly defined slope<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

It may sound counterintuitive, but flatter pipeline sections are more likely to retain air because there is no natural force pushing the air further along the pipeline. For horizontal pipeline sections longer than 500 m, consider installing an intermediate air release valve even if there is no obvious high point.<\/p>\r\n

- Before and after large isolation valves (mainline gate valves or butterfly valves)<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

When these valves are opened or closed, the pressure in the adjacent pipeline section can change suddenly, potentially creating air pockets or localized vacuum conditions. This is also why combination air release valves, which can provide vacuum air intake, are often installed near these locations.<\/p>\r\n

An Phu Thanh - Reliable Air Release Valve Supplier in Ho Chi Minh City<\/h2>\r\n

If you are looking for an optimal solution for your pipeline system, An Phu Thanh is a trusted supplier specializing in high-quality air release valves in Ho Chi Minh City.<\/p>\r\n