Air Release and Vacuum Valves

An air valve is a valve fitted in series within a pipeline to vent air into the pipeline or to extract air from it.

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Why Choose ATLAS Air Release Valves?

ATLAS air valves address air management during filling, operation and draining of water pipelines. Bulk air discharge during filling, air admission during draining and release of accumulated air under pressure are considered together within the functions of the selected valve.

DN50–DN400 and PN10/PN16 options allow selection for different pipeline sizes and operating pressures. Cast bodies and thermoplastic or electrostatic coatings are chosen according to mechanical and environmental conditions. Special manufacturing requirements for large sizes are confirmed separately.

Correct placement at high points, changes in gradient and suitable pump outlets helps reduce the effects of air pockets on flow and the risk of vacuum during draining. Selection considers required air intake and discharge capacity and the filling/draining scenario, not only the main pipe diameter.

Key benefits

Air management during filling, operation and draining.
Project-specific diameter, pressure and coating options.
Support for reliable pipeline operation through appropriate capacity and placement.

What is an Air Valve?
An air valve is a valve fitted in series within a pipeline to vent air into the pipeline or extract it from the pipeline.

Why must air in a pipeline be controlled?
The presence of trapped air in a pressurised pipeline can have adverse effects on system operation and efficiency. Air pockets accumulating at high points due to a difference in elevation can damage the pipeline at the accumulation point through a vacuum effect, causing constriction, which in turn leads to a reduction in flow velocity and increases the energy required to pressurise the water flow. Air pockets exceeding a critical amount in the system can block the flow throughout the entire pipeline, rendering it unusable.

Why Do We Use Air Valves?
The primary cause of 60% of pipeline bursts is the absence, malfunction, or incorrect selection/positioning of air valves within the network. On average, 2% of the fluid in water networks consists of air. Having 2% of the circulating fluid in the network as air means 2% more pumping energy and 2% higher pumping costs.

DN (Diameter)	Length – Width [mm]	Height [mm]
DN 50	190	290
DN 65	220	310
DN 80	256	350
DN 100	256	410
DN 150	340	480
DN 200	433	560
DN 250	540	600
DN 300	620	640
DN 400	Custom Manufacturing	Custom Manufacturing

General Description and Purpose
General Description and Purpose	Product Description	A hydromechanical valve used to vent air from a pipeline or to draw air into the pipeline
	Reason for Use	System efficiency, pipeline safety
	Key Statistics	60% of pipe bursts are caused by the absence or malfunction of an air valve.
	Protection Function	It prevents pipe contraction caused by vacuum effects, system malfunctions due to air lock, and pipe bursts
Operating Functions
Operating Functions	1. Function (Air Release)	It releases a large amount of air whilst the system is being filled
	2. Function (Air Intake)	It draws in a large volume of air to prevent a vacuum from forming whilst the system is being drained
	3. Function (Under Pressure)	Removes air bubbles formed during operation from the system ‘No-Slam’ feature that prevents water hammer by slowing down high-speed closure; provides significant air venting and vacuum release at low pressure
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications	Nominal Diameter	DN50 - DN400
	Nominal Pressure	PN10 - PN16
	Temperature Range	-10°C to +80°C (depending on the material composition)
	Body Material	Spheroidal graphite casting, Grey iron casting
	Coating	Thermoplastic, Electrostatic Paint
Selection and Assembly
Selection and Assembly	Selection Criteria	Discharge capacity, Pipe filling rate, Pipe burst scenario, Elevation differences
	Design Constraints	Discharge differential pressure: 0.1–0.15 bar / Vacuum suction differential pressure: 0.2 bar (max.)
	Assembly	Peak points, Changes in gradient, Pump outlets (T-shaped installation)