Air Release Valve Manufacturer in Italy
Air pockets accumulating at high points in a pressurised pipeline can restrict the effective flow area and interfere with normal system operation. Air release valves use an automatic float-operated mechanism to discharge this trapped air while retaining the process fluid inside the pipeline.
EuroValve Italia is an Air Release Valve Manufacturer in Italy offering automatic air release, air/vacuum and combination air valve configurations for water transmission, wastewater, pumping stations and industrial pipeline systems. Selection depends on operating pressure, required air discharge or intake capacity, fluid condition, connection size and materials of construction.
What is an Air Release Valve?
An air release valve is an automatic valve used to discharge accumulated pockets of air or gas from a pressurised pipeline. As air collects inside the valve chamber, the liquid level changes and operates the float mechanism, opening a small discharge orifice. Once the accumulated air has been released, the rising liquid level returns the float to its closed position.
An automatic air release valve primarily handles small quantities of accumulated air during normal pressurised operation. An air/vacuum valve handles larger volumes of air during pipeline filling and draining, while a combination air valve integrates both functions.
Types of Air Valves
| Air Valve Type | Function & Application |
|---|---|
| Automatic Air Release Valve | Automatically releases small pockets of accumulated air from the pipeline while the system remains pressurised. |
| Air/Vacuum Valve | Discharges large volumes of air during pipeline filling and admits air during draining or vacuum conditions. |
| Combination Air Valve | Combines automatic air release with large-volume air discharge and intake functions in a single valve. |
| Wastewater Air Valve | Uses a configuration suited to wastewater and sewage systems where suspended solids and contaminated fluids must be considered. |
| Anti-Surge Air Valve | Controls the rate of air discharge during applicable operating conditions to help manage rapid pressure changes in the pipeline. |
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Technical Options |
|---|---|
| Valve Function | Automatic Air Release, Air Discharge, Air Intake |
| Valve Configuration | Automatic Air Release, Air/Vacuum, Combination, Wastewater, Anti-Surge |
| Operating Mechanism | Automatic Float Operated |
| Orifice Arrangement | Small Automatic Orifice, Large Kinetic Orifice, Dual-Orifice Arrangement |
| Body Construction | Cast or fabricated construction according to material and valve design |
| Connections | Threaded, Flanged |
| Flange Standards | EN 1092 and ASME B16.5 where applicable |
| Design Standard | EN 1074-4 for applicable water-supply air valves |
| Testing | EN 1074 and EN 12266 where applicable |
| Installation | Pipeline high points and other locations identified by hydraulic system requirements |
How an Air Release Valve Works
During normal pressurised operation, air entering the valve chamber causes the liquid level around the float to fall. The float mechanism responds by opening the air-release orifice, allowing the accumulated air to escape. As the air is discharged and liquid rises inside the chamber, the float closes the orifice to retain the pipeline fluid.
Air/vacuum valves use a larger opening to handle substantial air volumes during pipeline filling or draining. Combination air valves incorporate both a small automatic air-release function and a larger air/vacuum function, allowing one valve to manage different air conditions within the pipeline.
Materials and Grades
Air release valve materials should be selected according to the conveyed fluid, operating environment, corrosion exposure, pressure and water quality. Ductile iron is widely used for water-service valves, while carbon steel, stainless steel and corrosion-resistant alloys provide additional options for industrial, seawater and more demanding services.
| Material Family | Relevant Materials & Grades |
|---|---|
| Ductile Iron | EN-GJS-400-15, EN-GJS-500-7 and equivalent ductile iron grades for applicable water and wastewater service |
| Carbon Steel | ASTM A216 WCB for applicable cast carbon steel air valve bodies |
| Stainless Steel | ASTM A351 CF8, CF8M, CF3, CF3M; 304, 304L, 316, 316L; EN 1.4301, 1.4307, 1.4401, 1.4404 |
| Duplex Stainless Steel | UNS S31803 / S32205, 2205, EN 1.4462 for applicable corrosive service |
| Super Duplex Stainless Steel | UNS S32750 / S32760, 2507, EN 1.4410 / 1.4501 for specialised chloride and seawater service |
| Nickel Aluminium Bronze | ASTM B148 C95800 for applicable seawater and marine-service constructions |
| Nickel Alloys | Hastelloy and Incoloy grades for specialised corrosive service where required |
Air Release, Air/Vacuum and Combination Functions
The correct air valve configuration depends on both the quantity of air to be handled and the operating condition of the pipeline. Automatic air release valves remove accumulated air during normal pressurised operation, while air/vacuum valves handle larger air volumes associated with pipeline filling and draining.
Combination air valves integrate both functions and are suited to pipeline locations where continuous air release and large-volume air intake or discharge are required. Valve sizing should therefore consider air-flow capacity and pipeline operating conditions rather than relying only on the nominal pipe diameter.
Applications and Industries
| Application | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Water Transmission | Release of accumulated air and management of air intake at critical pipeline locations |
| Wastewater Treatment | Air and gas release using valve configurations suited to contaminated fluids and suspended solids |
| Pumping Stations | Air management during pipeline filling, pump operation, shutdown and draining |
| Desalination | Air management with corrosion-resistant materials selected for water quality and service conditions |
| Power & Industrial Utilities | Automatic air release from compatible pressurised water and utility pipelines |
| Mining Water Systems | Air release and vacuum protection in water transmission and process-water networks |
| Fire Water Networks | Air management at appropriate high points and other locations determined by system design |
Selecting the Right Air Release Valve
Air release valve selection should consider operating pressure, transient conditions, pipeline size and profile, filling and draining rates, required air discharge and intake capacity, fluid characteristics, connection size and material compatibility.
The required valve type should also match the air-management function. Automatic air release valves are intended for accumulated air during normal operation, while air/vacuum and combination valves are selected where larger air volumes must be discharged or admitted.
For technical selection or quotation, provide the pipeline size, operating pressure, fluid, connection requirements, pipeline profile, material requirements and whether automatic air release, air/vacuum or combination operation is required.
