Air Release Valve Maintains System Fluidity

May 7, 2011
When the system is filled and operating, the fluid lifts the ball until it closes the orifice.

Larox’s air/vacuum valve automatically exhausts large volumes of air from the system while it is being filled with the slurry. When the contamination is being emptied, air displaces the fluid and re-enters the pipeline to equalize pressure. It prevents discharge of the medium to keep work environments clean and safe.

When the system is filled and operating, the fluid lifts the ball until it closes the orifice. The orifice will remain closed until the system is emptied. Air may enter the valve and displace the fluid while the system is operating, but the internal pressure will keep the valve tightly shut. The valve will not re-open until the system pressure drops to near atmospheric pressure and the ball is no longer buoyant.

The valve housing is fabricated from carbon steel or stainless steel (304 or 316). The orifice is the same size as the valve inlet and outlet. In addition the valve housing can be epoxy coated and natural rubber lined. A Range of elastomer grades are available for corrosive duties. Working pressure standards are 150 to 1,500 psig for air release valves and up to 240 psig for combination valves for use on slurries.