Air Release Clean Water Valves
Air Release Valve for Clean Water Pipeline
Air Release Valve

Air Release Valve

Forex Valves Air Release Valves are designed to automatically remove accumulated air from pressurized pipeline systems during normal operation. They are generally installed at high points of pipelines where air pockets can collect.

By releasing unwanted air from the pipeline, these valves help maintain efficient flow, stable pipeline operation and reliable system performance.

The automatic float-operated mechanism allows accumulated air to escape while providing a positive shut-off when water reaches the valve chamber.

Air Release Valve Product Overview

An Air Release Valve is an automatic valve used to continuously release accumulated air from a pressurized pipeline during normal system operation. These valves are commonly installed at high points where air can accumulate.

Accumulated air can reduce the effective flow area of a pipeline, affect hydraulic performance and contribute to pressure fluctuations. An Air Release Valve helps remove this unwanted air and supports efficient pipeline operation.

Key Features

Automatic Air Release

Automatically releases accumulated air from pressurized pipeline systems during normal operation.

Float Operated

The float mechanism automatically responds to changes in water level inside the valve chamber.

Efficient Pipeline Flow

Helps minimize the effect of trapped air and supports efficient water flow through the pipeline.

Reliable Shut-Off

Resilient seating provides dependable sealing when the valve chamber is filled with water.

Durable Construction

Designed with robust materials for dependable performance in water and industrial pipeline applications.

Easy Integration

Suitable for installation at pipeline high points and compatible with various pipeline configurations.

Technical Specifications

Valve Type Automatic Float-Operated Air Release Valve
Nominal Size 1/2" to 6"
Service Clean Water / Raw Water Applications
Operating Principle Automatic Float Operation
Body Material Cast Iron / Ductile Iron
Optional Body Materials Cast Steel / Stainless Steel / Cast Bronze
Float Material Stainless Steel 316
Internal Trim Stainless Steel 316
Seating Resilient Seating
Connection Threaded / Flanged, depending on size and design
Pressure Rating Application and design dependent
Design Standard AWWA C512, where applicable
Drinking Water Certification NSF/ANSI 61, where applicable
Optional Features Vacuum Check, Outlet Hood, Isolation Valve and Inflow Prevention Arrangement

Construction & Materials

The Air Release Valve consists of a pressure-rated body and cover, float mechanism, linkage assembly, air-release orifice and resilient seating arrangement.

Stainless steel internal components can provide improved corrosion resistance and dependable operation in water service. The final material selection should be based on the fluid, pressure, temperature and application requirements.

How Does an Air Release Valve Work?

During pipeline operation, air can accumulate at high points in the piping system. As air collects inside the valve chamber, the water level decreases and the float moves downward.

The movement of the float opens the air-release orifice, allowing accumulated air to escape from the pipeline while the system remains under pressure.

After the accumulated air has been discharged, water enters the valve chamber and raises the float. The float mechanism then closes the orifice and provides a positive shut-off.

Air Release Valve Applications

  • Water transmission pipelines
  • Municipal water supply systems
  • Water treatment plants
  • Irrigation systems
  • Pumping stations
  • Industrial water systems
  • Process water pipelines
  • Long-distance pipeline networks
  • Raw water pipelines
  • Water distribution systems

Air Release Valve Installation

Air Release Valves are generally installed at high points of a pipeline where air accumulation is expected. Correct positioning helps the valve effectively remove accumulated air during normal pipeline operation.

Valve selection should consider pipeline diameter, operating pressure, required air-release capacity, fluid service and connection requirements.

How to Select an Air Release Valve?

Selecting the appropriate Air Release Valve requires evaluation of the pipeline and operating conditions. Important parameters include:

  • Pipeline diameter
  • Operating pressure
  • Maximum system pressure
  • Required air-release capacity
  • Fluid characteristics
  • Valve body material
  • Connection type
  • Installation location
  • Applicable standards

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Air Release Valve?

An Air Release Valve is an automatic valve designed to remove accumulated air from a pressurized pipeline during normal system operation.

Where is an Air Release Valve installed?

It is generally installed at high points of pipelines where air can accumulate during operation.

What is the purpose of an Air Release Valve?

Its primary purpose is to release accumulated air from the pipeline and help maintain efficient and stable pipeline operation.

What is the difference between an Air Release Valve and an Air/Vacuum Valve?

An Air Release Valve is designed primarily to release accumulated air while the pipeline is under pressure. Air/Vacuum Valves are designed to admit and exhaust larger volumes of air during pipeline filling, draining and vacuum conditions.

Get the Right Air Release Valve for Your Application

Forex Valves supplies Air Release Valve solutions for water, pipeline and industrial applications. Contact our team to discuss the required valve size, pressure rating, material and connection for your application.

Contact Forex Valves