Valmatic Air Valves

FLOW & INDUSTRIAL

ITS IMPACT ON A AIR & WATER Or a one mile length of pipe could contain a 100 ft.
pocket of air. This would be true regardless of the
AND WASTEWATER SYSTEM diameter of the pipe.
One of the most misunderstood aspects of the
Water & Wastewater industry is the presence of air
in a pipeline and its impact on operations. Many
operational problems, especially at the time of initial
start-up, including broken pumps, valves and pipe, as
well as faulty instrumentation readings, are blamed
on inadequate thrust blocking, improper pipeline
bedding, etc. In reality, many of these problems are
not caused by improper installation of the line, but
by failure to de-aerate the line. Properly de-aerating
your pipeline will safeguard it from air-related
problems, however if no steps are taken to accomplish
this, you should be ready for trouble.

SOURCES OF AIR
Air in a pressurized, operating pipeline comes from The third source of air is that which enters through
three primary sources. First, prior to start-up, the mechanical equipment (Figure 2). This includes air
line is not empty - it is full of air. To entirely fill a being forced into the system by pumps as well as air
pipeline with fluid, it is necessary to eliminate this being drawn in through packing, valves, etc. under
air. As the line fills, much of this air will be pushed vacuum conditions. As one can see, a pressurized
downstream to be released through hydrants, faucets, pipeline is never without air and typically the volume
etc. but a large amount will become trapped at system is substantial.
high points (Figure 1). This phenomenon will occur
because air is lighter than water
IMPACT OF AIR ON SYSTEM
Now that we have identified the air sources, let us
consider their impact on the system. Two problems
are apparent. The pocket(s) of air accumulating at a
high point(s) can result in a line restriction (Figure 3).

and therefore, will collect at the high points. This air

will continuously be added to by the second and third
sources as the system continues operation.
Source number two is the water itself. Water contains
approximately 2% air by volume. During system
operation, the entrained air will continuously separate
out of the water and once again accumulate at system
high points. To illustrate the potential massive amount
of air this 2% represents, consider the following: A
1000 ft. length of pipe could contain a pocket of air 20
ft. long if all the air accumulated in one location.

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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Like any restriction, the pocket(s) of air increases HISTORICAL SOLUTIONS

headloss, extends pumping cycles and increases
As we can see, air in a pressurized pipeline is a serious
energy consumption. The presence of air can
concern. Obviously, its removal will result in a more
also promote corrosion of pipe and fittings. As air
efficient, cost effective operation and potentially avoid
continues to accumulate at system high points, the
more serious problems. In the early 1900’s, engineers
fluid velocity increases as the fluid is forced through a
and water works personnel started developing an
smaller and smaller opening.
understanding of the problems associated with air
and the search for a solution began. Some depended
on standpipes, believing that a large portion of the air
would be expelled through them.

As the pocket(s) grows, one of two phenomena will

occur. The first possibility is a total flow stoppage
(Figure 4). If system dynamics are such that the air
cannot be continuously removed by the increased
fluid velocity and pushed downstream, then
this could happen. As the pocket(s) continues to
accumulate air, a pressure drop higher than pump
capacity can develop and stop all flow.
The second, and more likely occurrence, is that the
increased velocity will cause all, or part of, the pocket
to suddenly dislodge and be pushed downstream
(Figure 5). The sudden and rapid change in fluid
velocity when the pocket dislodges and is then
stopped by another high point, Many began placing gate or ball valves at system
high points to manually bleed off accumulated
air. Unfortunately, it has proved impossible to
predict when it is time to bleed the air. This proved
impractical, especially on larger systems. Open fire
hydrants (Figure 6) are frequently used under the
assumption that all air in the pipeline will be released.
Unfortunately, hydrants are generally connected to
the side of the pipe, leaving air trapped at the top and
at system high points. It should be noted that there
are still municipalities using these methods.

THE AIR VALVE SOLUTION

Today, most municipalities utilize Automatic Air
Valves. They are available in many different designs
can and often will, lead to a high pressure surge (water and configurations for a wide range of applications.
hammer). Serious damage to valves, fittings, gaskets, Their function is to automatically release and admit
or even breakage of the line can occur. This is the air without operator assistance. Today, countless Air
most serious of the possible consequences of air Valves are performing this task around the globe
being allowed to accumulate in system high points. on a daily basis.

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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Air Valves are available in three basic configurations AIR/VACUUM VALVES

(Figure 7): Air Release Valves, Air/Vacuum Valves and
Air/Vacuum Valves (Figure 9), sometimes referred
Combination Air Valves. Correct sizing and location
to as “large orifice” valves, are used to exhaust large
of all three types are critical. Every high point greater
quantities of air upon system start-up, as well as
than one pipe diameter where the pipeline converts
allowing air to reenter the line upon system shut
from a positive grade to a negative grade requires
down or system failure. As water enters the valve, the
an air valve. Even minimal high points with small air
float will rise, closing the discharge port. The valve
pockets can cause serious surge problems and reduce
will remain closed until system pressure drops to near
line efficiency. In addition, it is recommended that
zero psi. It will not open to release any accumulation
air valves be installed every half mile or 2500 feet on
of air while the system is under pressure.
straight horizontal runs (AWWA M51). Air Valve Sizing
Software is available, see page 25.

An added benefit of an Air/Vacuum Valve is its ability

AIR RELEASE VALVES to provide pipeline vacuum protection. If a negative
pressure develops, the valve will open, admitting air
An Air Release Valve (Figure 8), sometimes referred
into the line, reducing the potential for surges related
to as a “small orifice” valve, will continuously release
to column separation and possible pipeline collapse.
accumulated air during system operation. As air from
While Air/Vacuum Valves will exhaust large quantities
the pipeline enters the valve, it displaces the water,
of air upon start-up, it should be remembered that
allowing the float to drop. The air is then released
they will not continuously release air during system
into the atmosphere through a small orifice. As the
operation. For this function, an Air Release Valve is
air is vented it is replaced by water, raising the float
also required.
and closing the valve orifice. As air accumulates, the
valve will continue to cycle in this manner to remove
collected air.
COMBINATION AIR VALVES
Combination Air Valves (Figure 10) are the most
commonly used valves. They perform the functions
of an Air/Vacuum Valve (exhaust large quantities of air
on start-up, admit air on shut-down) and Air Release
Valves (release air continuously during operation).
Combination Air Valves are available in single body
and dual body (an Air/Vacuum Valve and Air Release
Valve piped together) configurations. The single body
configuration is more compact and economical.

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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with Regulated-Exhaust Devices (slow closing

devices) as shown in Figure 11. The Regulated-
ExhaustDevice consists of a flanged or threaded body
with a normally-open restrictor disc. The Surge-
Suppression Air Valve provides full airflow into the
pipeline during vacuum conditions to prevent a vapor
pocket (vacuum) from forming. When the pressure
recovers and the water column rejoins, air is expelled
through the valve, which lifts the restrictor disc. This
action regulates the discharge airflow creating an air
pocket that cushions the surge effect of the returning
water column. When the column reaches the
The dual body configuration provides two restrictor disc, the water flows through the reduced
independent valves so that if maintenance is being ports and gently closes the air valve. Transient studies
performed on the Air Release Valve, the Air/Vacuum (Kroon 1984, Lingireddy 2004) have shown a dramatic
Valve is still protecting the pipeline. The dual body reduction in pressure surges when the exhausting air
valve also provides a much wider range of sizing is controlled under these conditions.
options.

WELL SERVICE AIR VALVES

Well Service Air Valves (Figure 12) are a member of the
SURGE-SUPPRESSION
Air/Vacuum Valve family and are used with vertical
AIR VALVES pumps. Vertical pumps (Figure 2) lift water from a
Pipelines with high points, where pressure transients reservoir or deep well at high velocities because they
or column separation can occur should have air start against little head and a pump column filled with
valves equipped with slow closing devices (regulated- air. Well Service Air Valves are specifically designed
exhaust device) to restrict the outflow of air (AWWA to vent the air from the pump column during pump
C512-07). During these conditions, typically caused start-up in a controlled manner before the check valve
by unexpected pump shut down, line break, power opens to reduce pressure surges that result from the
outage etc., the air valve must allow air to flow rapidly accelerating water column.
into the pipeline. The large volume of air entering the Val-Matic provides Dual Port Throttling Devices
pipeline will prevent the formation of a (Figure 12) on the outlet of ½ to 3 in. Well Service Air
severe vacuum pocket and the damaging pressures Valves. The Dual Port Throttling Device regulates the
that can occur when these pockets collapse. When exhaust rate through an adjustable exhaust port and
the water columns rejoin and the pressure recovers, provides full vacuum flow through a separate vacuum
the air valve should exhaust the air in a regulated port during pump shutdown. This exclusive feature of
manner to suppress surges. While the pipeline is the Dual Port reduces any potential for contaminated
pressurized and in water being drawn into the system by vacuum during
operation, the Air the pump shut down.
Valve must continue Val-Matic provides Regulated-Exhaust Devices on
to automatically the inlet of 4 in. and larger (see Figure 11) Well Service
release entrained air to Air Valves. The Regulated-Exhaust Device provides
maintain the pipeline controlled air exhaust during start-up and full vacuum
flow efficiency. flow during shut down. The device controls the flow
Surge-Suppression of air and water into the air valve and is effective in
Air Valves are suppressing water hammer in the pump column and
Combination Air air valve during pump start-up.
Valves equipped

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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WELL SERVICE AIR VALVES VACUUM BREAKER VALVES

Well Service Air Valves (Figure 12) are a member of the For critical applications where vacuum protection
Air/Vacuum Valve family and are used with vertical is a must or where column separation is predicted,
pumps. Vertical pumps (Figure 2) lift water from a a vacuum breaker (Figure 13) is used. The Vacuum
reservoir or deep well at high velocities because they Breaker is mounted at critical pipeline high points,
start against little head and a pump column filled with penstocks, or tanks and allows for rapid inflow of
air. Well Service Air Valves are specifically designed atmospheric air to reduce vacuum conditions in
to vent the air from the pump column during pump piping systems.
start-up in a controlled manner before the check valve
opens to reduce pressure surges that result from the
accelerating water column.
Val-Matic provides Dual Port Throttling Devices
(Figure 12) on the outlet of ½ to 3 in. Well Service Air
Valves. The Dual Port Throttling Device regulates the
exhaust rate through an adjustable exhaust port and
provides full vacuum flow through a separate vacuum
port during pump shutdown. This exclusive feature of
the Dual Port reduces any potential for contaminated
water being drawn into the system by vacuum during
the pump shut down.

When positive pressure in the system is restored,

the Vacuum Breaker provides a positive resilient seal
to maintain system pressure. When equipped with
an Air Release Valve, the Air Release Valve is used
to slowly exhaust the air that was admitted to the
pipeline. The slow release of air prevents the sudden
rejoining of separated columns in a pipeline and the
associated pressure surges or water hammer.

SUMMARY
When air is allowed to accumulate in pressurized
pipelines, efficiency is sacrificed and serious damage
Val-Matic provides Regulated-Exhaust Devices on can occur. A properly de-aerated pipeline will not
the inlet of 4 in. and larger (see Figure 11) Well Service solve all surge problems; however, the elimination
Air Valves. The Regulated-Exhaust Device provides of air can solve one of the most common causes.
controlled air exhaust during start-up and full vacuum Air Valves are a cost effective, reliable method of
flow during shut down. The device controls the flow improving efficiency and solving air related surge
of air and water into the air valve and is effective in problems.
suppressing water hammer in the pump column and REFERENCES Kroon, R. “Water Hammer: Causes and
air valve during pump start-up. Effects,” AWWA Journal. Nov., 1984. pp. 39-45.
Lingireddy, “Pressure Surges in Pipeline Systems
Resulting From Air Releases,” AWWA Journal. July,
2004. pp. 88-94.

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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FEATURES & BENEFITS UNCONDITIONALLY

From the float material to the shape of the body, GUARANTEED FLOATS
Val-Matic Air Valves are designed for optimum
Floats are unconditionally guaranteed for the life of
performance. All valves meet AWWA C512
the valve from corrosion, collapse or leakage. No other
requirements.
valve manufacturer has the confidence in their float
construction to provide this guarantee.

EXPERIENCE
Val-Matic offers over 40 years of experience in GUIDED FLOATS
providing a full line of air valves up to 20 inch and
Providing a quality float is not enough to assure
vacuum breakers up to 42 inch in size. The Val-Matic
a good seal every time. When entering the seat, a
Air Release, Air/Vacuum and Combination Air Valves
damaged or off-center float will prevent a valve from
are manufactured in accordance to the rigorous
sealing tight. The high air and water velocities in air
industry requirements given in American Waterworks
valves can cause unguided floats to violently strike the
Association (AWWA) Standard C512. The standard
sides of the valve body. Val-Matic floats
was developed and based on decades of successful
are guided; four inch and larger valves
application of air valves in our industry. Val-Matic’s
feature double guides (top and bottom).
AWWA Air Valves feature 316 stainless steel trim, full
Guiding assures that the float approaches
size ports, ANSI threaded or flanged connections and
the center of the seat every time to
stringent testing. ValMatic manufactures air valves
provide a positive drop tight seal.
in a wide range of materials and pressure ratings
with many accessories including Regulated-Exhaust
Devices, Dual Port Throttling Devices, Isolation
SELF CLEANING FLOAT GUIDES
Valves, Screened Hoods and Backwash Accessories.
The Val-Matic floats are guided by hexagonal float
Val-Matic also provides Windows-Based software to
stems. The float stems pass through round stainless
locate, select and size air valves for pipelines and force
steel bushings preventing the build up of debris or
mains.
scale and provide self cleaning of the bushings.

NSF/ANSI 61 CERTIFICATION
RESILIENT SEATS
Val-Matic Air Valves for water service are
All Val-Matic valves incorporate a resilient seat or
independently NSF/ANSI 61 certified and marked for
orifice button which mates with a 316 stainless steel
use in drinking water applications.
float or seat for positive drip tight seating. Val-Matic
elastomers are specially formulated for water and
TYPE 316 STAINLESS wastewater service and have been NSF/ANSI 61
certified. Air Release Valves have a synthetic sealing
STEEL TRIM button mounted to the float linkage mechanism.
Type 316 stainless steel is the standard for all internal On Air/Vacuum and Combination Air Valves, the
components in Val-Matic Air Valves. Type 316 stainless steel float closes against the resilient seat
stainless steel provides the greatest protection from mechanically retained in a body register. The seats
aggressive waters and hydrogen sulfide exposure in contain raised sealing beads and/or a unique flex
wastewater application. edge that provide positive shutoff from the lowest
system pressure to the valve’s rated working pressure.

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 Valmatic Air Valves
FLOW & INDUSTRIAL

FULL SIZE FLOW AREA prevent solid material from reaching the operating
mechanism. The bottom of the body is sloped
Val-Matic Air/Vacuum and Combination Air Valves
toward the outlet to prevent clogging (See Figure
are equipped with full and equal size inlets and outlets
14). Val-Matic provides a minimum 2” inlet size and
in accordance with AWWA C512. Some air valve
a 2” cleanout connection on all wastewater valves to
manufacturers use common covers for different size
facilitate the passage of solids.
air valves resulting in undersized outlets and reduced
flow. Standard industry calculations assume a full port
size so the air valve should provide the same. You can
be assured that the inlets and outlets of Val-Matic’s WASTEWATER FLOATS
Air Valves are equal to or larger than the area of the As with all Val-Matic Air Valves, the float and operating
nominal valve size. Finally, all Combination Air Valves mechanism are 316 stainless steel for long life in the
with float guides in the outlet have expanded flow harshest wastewater applications. Additionally, the
areas around the guide spokes to provide full flow area floats are equipped with a specially shaped bottom to
through the valve. accelerate the closure of the float to reduce leakage
and clogging of the valve.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES &

BENEFITS FOR WASTEWATER SEVERE SERVICE
VALVES BACKWASHING
When systems are heavy in grease and solids,
backwashing of Wastewater Air Valves may become a
STAINLESS STEEL BODY necessary maintenance process. The key is to reduce
Cast stainless steel bodies are available for extreme the frequency of backwashing by designing the valve
service where hydrogen sulfide or industrial to handle conditions such as wastewater containing
chemicals produce accelerated corrosion in iron. solids and grease. As indicated in the above features,
There are no weld-seams to worry about with the cast Val-Matic has done that with the extended body, the
stainless body and it is in full compliance with AWWA Bell Bottom, the sensitivity float and the availability
C512. of non-stick Fusion Bonded Epoxy. However,
periodic maintenance may still be required on severe
applications. Therefore, all Wastewater Air Valves can
NON-STICK COATINGS be furnished with an accessory kit which includes
a shutoff valve to isolate the air valves from the line,
Special interior coatings are available to minimize
flush and drain
the buildup of sewage on the inside of the valve.
valves, and a hose
Val-Matic’s Fusion Bonded Epoxy is a baked-on,
for connecting
glass-like coating that reduces maintenance and
to a clean water
prevents corrosion of the valve. Non-stick coatings
supply.
are important when force mains contain grease that
tends to collect in valves and pipes.

NON-CLOG DESIGN FOR

REDUCED MAINTENANCE
Val-Matic Wastewater Air Valves are specially
designed for grit and sewage service without the
need for backwashing when combined with non-
stick coatings. The bodies are extended in length to

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 Valmatic Air Valves
FLOW & INDUSTRIAL

Backwashing is as simple as: 1) isolating the air valve, A Surge-Suppression Air Valve consists of a
2) opening the drain valve, and 3) opening the flush Combination Air Valve equipped with a Regulated-
valves to send clean water through the valve body Exhaust Device that allows full airflow into the
for 5 minutes. pipeline, but restricts the airflow out of the pipeline.
For those installations where backwashing on site is Similarly, a Vacuum Breaker allows rapid entry of
not practical or desirable, a valve rotation program air into the pipeline, but prevents flow out of the
can be established. The valve to be serviced is pipeline. When equipped with an Air Release Valve,
exchanged with a spare valve and taken back to the the Vacuum Breaker will provide controlled release
shop for cleaning. It is then ready to replace the next of air through the small Air Release Valve orifice.
valve scheduled for maintenance. The valve rotation Both methods dampen or suppress surges in the
program also provides the benefit of a back up valve pipeline by temporarily trapping a pocket of air and
in the unlikely event one should ever fail. cushioning the impact of the returning columns of
water by regulating the exhaust of the air pocket.

EFFICIENCY AND
VERTICAL PUMP
VACUUM PROTECTION
The primary purpose of air valves is to provide
COLUMN SURGES
pipeline efficiency by continuous removal of air High velocity rapidly develops in a pump column
at pipeline highpoints and vacuum protection by when a vertical turbine or deep well pump starts
admitting large quantities of air upon pump shut against an air-filled column and closed check valve. A
down or system failure. power-actuated check valve must absorb the full force
of the impending impact. A mechanical check valve
will open, relieving a portion of the force but still sees
extreme surges. The best way to prevent surges in the
SURGE CONTROL pump column and connecting piping is to regulate
Air valves play an important role in pipelines to the exhaust of the air in the pump column during
control or reduce surges. Surges result from sudden pump start-up (AWWA M-51, p. 24). A Well Service
changes in velocity of the pipeline fluid. These Air Valve equipped with either a Dual Port Throttling
velocity changes occur regularly due to pipeline Device or a Regulated-Exhaust Device vent air from
filling, pump operation, line breaks and power failure. the pump column at a controlled rate so that all or
The effects of surges can be devastating. Surges most of the air escapes just before the check valve
are typically 50 psi for every 1 ft/sec of rapid change opens. (See Val-Matic technical paper AEG-302.)
in flow velocity. This is added to the pipeline static
pressure. Through computer modeling and transient
analysis, it has been shown that air valves can play
a critical role in suppressing pipeline surges during
column separation conditions.

PIPELINE SURGES
Power or system failures can often result in water
column separation at high points in the line. If the
water column is allowed to separate and form a
vacuum pocket, a devastating surge can occur when
the columns rejoin. To prevent a vacuum from
forming, a SurgeSuppression Air Valve or Vacuum
Breaker is used to admit large quantities of air into the
pipeline.

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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APPLICATIONS, FUNCTIONS,
PURPOSE & FEATURES

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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AIR RELEASE VALVES: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Vacuum check (prevents inflow of air)
• Outlet hood with screen
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT (prevents debris from entering valves)
• Maintains system flow efficiency • Ball and plug isolation valves
• Releases unwanted air pockets during (allows valve maintenance)
system operation • Inflow Preventer on outlet (stops flood water and
• Protects system against air related surges resulting contamination from entering pipeline)
• Backwash kit (for severe wastewater applications)

PRODUCT FEATURES
• Unconditionally guaranteed stainless steel floats
• Stainless steel 316 internal trim
• Resilient seating for positive shutoff
• Performance proven for over 40 years
• Non-clog design eliminates backwashing

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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AIR RELEASE VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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AIR/VACUUM VALVES: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Outlet hood with screen (prevents debris from
entering valves)
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT • Flanged outlets on sizes 8 inch & smaller
• Exhausts large quantities of air at system • Ball, plug, and butterfly isolation valves (allows
start-up valve maintenance)
• Provides pipeline vacuum protection • Inflow Preventer on outlet (stops flood water and
• Responds to loss of pressure during power resulting contamination from entering pipeline)
failures, line breaks and intentional drainage • Backwash kit (for severe wastewater applications)

PRODUCT FEATURES
• Unconditionally guaranteed stainless steel floats
• Stainless steel 316 internal trim
• Exclusive high/low pressure resilient seating
• Full pipe size inlets and outlets provide maximum
protection
• Non-clog design eliminates backwashing

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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AIR/VACUUM VALVES
INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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COMBINATION AIR VALVES: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Outlet hood with screen (prevents debris from
entering valves)
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT • Ball, plug and butterfly isolation valves (allows
• Provides the functions of both Air Release and valve maintenance)
Air/Vacuum Valves • Inflow Preventer on outlet (stops flood water and
• Exhausts large quantities of air at system start-up resulting contamination from entering pipeline)
• Releases air pockets during system operation • Backwash kit (for severe wastewater applications)
• Provides pipeline vacuum protection

PRODUCT FEATURES
• Single body incorporates both features within one
valve – More compact and economical
• Dual body consists of two independent valves
– Allows individual maintenance while still
protecting the pipeline –
Wider range of sizing options
• Inlets and outlets are equal to full nominal size
• Unconditionally guaranteed stainless steel floats
• Stainless steel 316 internal trim
• Non-clog design eliminates backwashing
• Exclusive high/low pressure resilient seating

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 Valmatic Air Valves
FLOW & INDUSTRIAL

COMBINATION AIR VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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COMBINATION AIR VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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COMBINATION AIR VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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SURGE-SUPPRESSION OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

AIR VALVES: • Outlet hood with screen (prevents debris from
entering valves)
• Ball and butterfly isolation valves (allows valve
maintenance)
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT
• Inflow Preventer on outlet (stops flood water and
• Provides full vacuum protection for the pipeline
resulting contamination from entering pipeline)
• Provides slow closure suppressing surge in the
• Backwash kit (for severe wastewater applications)
pipeline
• Minimizes water blow-by during Air Valve closure
• Allows the use of smaller valve size by utilizing a
maximum sizing differential pressure of 5 psig
• Releases entrained air while pipeline is operating
to maintain pumping efficiency
• Fully complies with AWWA C512 and NSF 61

PRODUCT FEATURES
• Restrictor disc provides regulated exhaust to limit
secondary surges during column separation
• Ability to adjust air exhaust for greater surge
suppression
• Provides full vacuum flow port

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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COMBINATION AIR VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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WELL SERVICE AIR VALVES: DUAL PORT

THROTTLING DEVICE
• Adjustable discharge outlet provides regulated
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT air exhaust
• Regulates the exhaust of air on pump start-up • Allows air to enter the system on pump shut
• Admits air to protect pump and mechanical seals down through an unrestricted independent
• Protects against air-related surges on pump vacuum port
start-up
• Fully complies with AWWA C512 and NSF 61
REGULATED-EXHAUST DEVICE
• Retrictor disc provides regulated exhaust to limit
PRODUCT FEATURES pump column surges
• Unconditionally guaranteed 316 stainless • Ability to adjust air exhaust for greater
steel floats surge suppression
• Inlets and outlets are equal to full nominal • Provides full vacuum flow port
pipe area
• 1/2” - 3” equipped with Dual Port
Throttling Device
• 4” and larger equipped with Regulated-Exhaust
Device mounted on the inlet

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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WELL SERVICE AIR VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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WELL SERVICE AIR VALVES: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Hood with inlet screen (prevents debris from
entering valves)
OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT • Air Release Valve (slowly releases air to prevent
• Provides vacuum protection for pipelines violent rejoining of water columns)
and tanks • Inflow Preventer on outlet (stops flood water and
• Cushions surges related to column separation resulting contamination from entering pipeline)
• Opens in response to a 0.25 psi vacuum

PRODUCT FEATURES
• Resilient seals provide drop tight seating
• Full flow areas provide maximum
vacuum protection

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 Valmatic Air Valves
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WELL SERVICE AIR VALVES

INSTALLATION DIMENSIONS

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VACUUM PRIMING VALVES: OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

• Water Level Control Switch (Mercury-Free)

OPERATIONAL HIGHLIGHT
• Allows the extraction of air from the pump
housing and suction piping
• Float rises and closes the priming valve to prevent
fluid from flowing into the vacuum
priming system
• Continues to release air while the pump
is running

PRODUCT FEATURES
• Specifically designed to prevent fluid leakage
• Flow sensitive float
• Stainless steel 316 internal trim and float

www.hmagrp.com Email: flowandindustrial@hmagrp.com

 Valmatic Air Valves
FLOW & INDUSTRIAL

AIR VALVE SIZING SOFTWARE

The Val-Matic airValve Sizing program is an easy to
use Windows-based computer program for locating
and sizing Air Valves in Water and
Wastewater applications.
The pipeline profile data is entered into the program
(Figure 1) which evaluates system data and develops
sizing criteria such as slope for each pipeline segment
and flow rate due to slope. Then it will recommend
valve locations, sizes and models and print a valve
schedule (Figure 2) and prepare a pipeline profile
(Figure 3) for the user. Finally, the program will save
your data for future reference.
The Val-Matic airValve Sizing Software is an
indispensable, free resource that allows engineers
to more effectively and efficiently design their water
and wastewater piping systems. It is available for
download at www.valmatic.com.

www.hmagrp.com Email: flowandindustrial@hmagrp.com

 Valmatic Air Valves
FLOW & INDUSTRIAL

MAKE THE CHANGE TO

QUALITY!
Val-Matic’s quality of design and meticulous
These features coupled with our attention to detail
workmanship has set the standards by which all
put Val-Matic valves in a class by themselves.
others are measured. Quality design features such
The VaultSafe® family of products included the
as Type 316 stainless steel trim as standard on Air
FloodSafe™ Inflow Preventer, FrostSafe® two-way
Release, Air/Vacuum and Combination Air Valves...
damper and the VentSafe® vent pipe security cage.
combined resilient/metal to metal seating for Silent
Check® Valves...stabilized components that provide Val-Matic is totally committed to providing the
extended life of the Dual Disc® Check Valves...high highest quality valves and outstanding service to our
strength and wear resistant aluminum bronze trim as customers. Complete customer satisfaction
standard for Tilted Disc® Check valves...unrestricted is our goal.
full flow area through Swing-Flex® Check Valves...
heavy duty stainless steel screened inlet on Sure Seal®
Foot Valves...a Cam-Centric® Plug Valve with more
requested features than any other eccentric plug
valve, and the American-BFV® Butterfly Valve that
provides a field replaceable seat without the need
for special tools.

FLO-DS-0091 - SEP. 2020

www.hmagrp.com Email: flowandindustrial@hmagrp.com