Air release valves

Air accumulation at system high points leads to erratic flow behavior, false pressure readings, and hydraulic instability. An Air Release Valve provides continuous venting of entrapped air during system start-up and operation, ensuring a fully primed pipeline. By maintaining a complete liquid column, the Air Release Valve helps eliminate air-induced transient oscillations and supports consistent pressure propagation throughout the network, which is critical for process reliability in long pipeline runs and elevation changes. 

Valve Type

Automatic air release valve designed to expel trapped air in fluid systems efficiently.

Flow Regulation Method

Operates by automatically opening and closing to regulate air discharge based on pressure.

Differential Pressure Range

Functions reliably within 0.1 to 10 bar differential pressure for optimal air release.

Hydraulic Authority Recommendation

Suitable for systems with hydraulic authority of 0.3 to 0.6 for precise control.

Valve Characteristic Curve

Exhibits quick opening characteristic for rapid air venting and system protection.

Product Description

Rapid deceleration events or pump stoppages can cause column separation, leading to vacuum pockets and potential pipe collapse. An Air Release Valve functions as a bidirectional device that allows high-capacity air intake during sub-atmospheric conditions. This prevents vacuum formation and mitigates water hammer effects. By maintaining internal pressure balance, the Air Release Valve safeguards structural integrity in surge-prone systems, such as those in irrigation mains, transmission lines, and pumping stations. 

Test Point Configuration

Includes integrated test points for easy system diagnostics and performance verification.

Maximum Allowable Flow Velocity

Supports flow velocities up to 10 m/s without compromising valve functionality.

Leakage Class (per EN 12266-1)

Achieves Class A tightness ensuring minimal leakage during closed valve operation.

Body Material Options

Available in brass, stainless steel, or carbon steel for various application needs.

Design Pressure Class

Rated for PN16 pressure class, suitable for medium pressure fluid systems.

Thermal Expansion Compatibility

Designed to tolerate thermal expansion effects without loss of sealing integrity.

Installation Sensitivity

Can be installed in any orientation without affecting valve performance or reliability.

Control Accuracy

Provides accurate air release within ±5% of set pressure parameters for system safety.

Position Repeatability

Valve position repeatability within ±2% ensures consistent operation over time.

Technical Advantages

When air is trapped near pump volutes, elbows, or control valves, it leads to localized vapor collapse and cavitation, accelerating internal surface damage. An Air Release Valve continuously removes microbubbles and larger air volumes that accumulate in high-turbulence zones. By doing so, the Air Release Valve reduces the risk of cavitation, minimizes pitting corrosion on metallic surfaces, and extends the operational life of both the valve and surrounding pipeline components. 

Entrained air significantly affects flow meters by introducing compressibility errors and signal fluctuations, particularly in electromagnetic and ultrasonic systems. An Air Release Valve, strategically positioned upstream of metering assemblies, ensures a consistent, air-free fluid stream. This allows for precise volumetric measurements, improving billing accuracy and reducing calibration drift. The Air Release Valve is essential for high-accuracy measurement applications in water utilities, chemical dosing lines, and industrial batching systems. 

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Industry Applications

Water Transmission Pipelines

Releases entrapped air at pipeline high points to maintain hydraulic gradient and prevent column separation during transient conditions.

Sewage and Wastewater Networks

Removes gas pockets in low-velocity zones to prevent flow restriction, vacuum conditions, and pipe deformation under surcharge loading. 

Desalination Plants

Ensures air-free flow in high-pressure reverse osmosis systems to protect membranes and reduce differential pressure fluctuations.

Irrigation Systems

Prevents air locking and emitter malfunction in long-distance drip and sprinkler systems with elevation variations and frequent on/off cycling.

Thermal Power Plants

Vents air during startup of condensate and feedwater lines to avoid cavitation and loss of heat transfer efficiency.

Chemical Process Lines

Removes entrained air to maintain accurate flow metering and prevent gas-induced corrosion in acid, alkali, or solvent transport lines.

Pumping Efficiency Optimization

Pumps operating in air-laden systems experience reduced efficiency due to increased head losses and turbulence. An Air Release Valve installed at discharge headers or pipeline peaks allows automatic venting of air, enabling pumps to operate at their best efficiency point (BEP). The reduction in air volume directly correlates with lower energy consumption, reduced NPSH issues, and longer pump bearing life. 

High-pressure transients and rapid valve closures can expose air release points to extreme mechanical stress. An Air Release Valve with surge-resistant features, such as slow-closing floats or anti-slam devices, provides reliable operation even under fluctuating pressure conditions. Designed for systems with pressure ratings up to PN25 or ANSI Class 300, the Air Release Valve ensures no premature sealing or damage under dynamic load, making it suitable for power plants, desalination networks, and high-lift pumping systems. 

Air release valves

Having Doubts? Our FAQ

Check all our Frequently Asked Question

How does Frigate design air release valves to handle rapid pressure transients?

Frigate air release valves are engineered with dynamic flow throttling features to manage sudden changes in internal pressure. The float mechanism is supported by damped motion control to avoid early closure under fast fill conditions. Anti-surge orifices reduce high-velocity air escape that could damage valve internals. This design protects the pipeline during pump trip, valve closure, or rapid draining events.

What makes Frigate air release valves suitable for high-solid wastewater environments?

Frigate uses full-bore bodies and large-diameter orifices in its air release valves to handle solids without clogging. Internal surfaces are coated with abrasion-resistant and chemically stable materials like PTFE-lined stainless steel. The float and linkage system is isolated from flow paths to prevent jamming by debris. These features ensure reliable operation in sludge, effluent, or mixed-phase pipelines.

How does Frigate ensure air release valves perform under high pressure ratings like PN25 or higher?

Frigate air release valves undergo finite element stress analysis to validate shell integrity under high pressure. Valve bodies are cast or machined from ductile iron, stainless steel, or super duplex alloys based on service pressure and media. All sealing interfaces are tested for leak tightness at 1.5x design pressure. This allows safe operation in booster stations, vertical risers, and transmission mains.

Can Frigate air release valves be used in chemically aggressive media like brine or acidic solutions?

Yes, Frigate offers corrosion-resistant configurations using materials like Hastelloy, alloy 20, or titanium depending on the chemical profile. Non-metallic internal components such as PTFE or Viton seals provide chemical compatibility and temperature resistance. Selection is guided by fluid composition, temperature, and pressure to ensure long service life. These valves are used in desalination, chemical injection, and process plants.

How does Frigate select orifice size for different air release valve applications?

Frigate calculates orifice size based on expected air discharge volume, system pressure, and pipe diameter. CFD simulations help optimize flow path and prevent sonic conditions during venting. For combination air valves, separate small and large orifices are used for continuous and surge air handling. Proper sizing ensures efficient air removal without allowing water escape or internal damage.

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LOCATIONS

Global Sales Office

818, Preakness lane, Coppell, Texas, USA – 75019

Registered Office

10-A, First Floor, V.V Complex, Prakash Nagar, Thiruverumbur, Trichy-620013, Tamil Nadu, India.

Operations Office

9/1, Poonthottam Nagar, Ramanandha Nagar, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore-641035, Tamil Nadu, India. ㅤ

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Air release valves

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