Air valve applications:
Removing air from pipelines:
• Avoid Water Hammer: Air must be allowed to escape pipelines at the same rate as water enters the pipeline during system startup to avoid dangerous water hammer from occurring.
• Remove entrained or dissolved air: Air that has accumulated at high points during system operation must be allowed to escape to avoid air pockets which restrict the flow of water and can cause water hammer.
Allow the Entry of Air into Pipelines:
• Prevent Vacuum Suction in Pipelines: Air must be allowed to re-enter main and submain pipelines as water drains during system shut down to prevent negative suction from occurring and potential collapse of the pipelines.
• Prevent Vacuum Suction in Laterals: Laterals which are buried or submerged in water may ingest dirty water and/or soil through the emitters as a result of vacuum suction if air is not allowed to enter the laterals during system shut-down and drainage.
