Our selection of air release valves (also referred to as bleeding & venting valves) are designed to remove air or gases automatically from/to tanks, vessels or pipelines. All our air release valves are self-acting and float-controlled, designed to close as the liquid level rises and open as the liquid level falls. For a full detailed explanation on how air release valves work please click here to visit our technical overview blog.
These valves can be considered for many different applications and in this blog we will be specifically covering their use in drinking water supply pipelines, water ballast systems (ballast tank air vent heads) and marine pipelines/ship engines.
Since 1885, our partner Mankenberg, have always been distinguished in their field, with unrivalled expertise and renowned technical know-how in providing fully optimised solutions with their range of self-acting pressure regulators, bleeding & venting valves, condensate & steam traps and level regulating float valves.
Industrial Vent Valves for Ballast Water Systems
Taking our time-tested EB1.12 continuous bleeding and venting valve as the example, this unit is a compact and lightweight valve primarily used in water and wastewater treatment (including O-Zone) systems, petrochemical pipelines and storage tanks/vessels.
These units are the “go-to” air release valves for use in ballast treatment systems (water ballast systems), specifically for installation on ballast tank air heads. Over the years we have seen these units used in various water and wastewater solutions, built with many different market-leading technologies.
They are manufactured completely from high quality deep-drawn 316L Stainless Steel for excellent corrosion resistant and the valve cone can be fitted with either soft or metallic seals (depending on media). The top and bottom sections of the valve body are connected by a clamp ring and two bolts for quick maintenance access with no requirements for special tooling. The simple and efficient design makes it easy to specify, install, handle and service these valves in even the harshest industrial environments.
Air Breather Valves for Fresh Water Supply Systems
Fresh drinking water is essential for everyone, and the laws and guidelines for drinking water valves are heavily regulated. For this purpose, we provide self-acting bleed vent valves of the highest quality materials and manufactured to strict standards.
It goes without saying that our air breather valves fulfil every requirement of the Drinking Water Ordinance, DIN 2000 and UBA guidelines. Our units are designed to be practical and to ensure long operational lifecycles. They are manufactured from corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel and, if so required, they can be epoxy-coated in accordance with the requirements of the various technical and scientific associations for gas and water applications (to DVGW).
With more than 100 years of experience in the extraction, treatment and distribution of water and wastewater make these products highly reliable. Thanks to their high-quality material and application-oriented designs, some of them are in service for more than half a century.
Air Venting Valves for Diesel Tanks
Thanks to its light ice class PC6, the modern cruise ship can navigate through medium and new ice in Arctic waters, which are not approached by common ships. Its dynamic positioning system replaces the conventional anchoring process and spares highly sensitive locations on the seabed, such as coral reefs. For the special operating conditions of the ship, the shipping company chose a diesel-electric propulsion system, whose reduced noise and vibration development makes a further contribution to the protection of the vulnerable polar ecosystem.
Marine diesel oil (MGO) with a low sulphur content is used as fuel, which is bunkered in the ports. If the 12 m³ emergency diesel tank overflows during the bunkering process, the excess amount of marine diesel oil is discharged into an overflow tank two decks below. The system is closed, so the emergency diesel tank is vented via the overflow pipe itself. However, a vacuum could be created when the excess diesel fuel flows down into the overflow tank. This is prevented by a Mankenberg EB 1.12 bleeding and venting valve installed at the high point of the overflow pipe.
The EB1.12 air venting valve provides for safe air supply as soon as the overflow tank fills during the bunker process. Without this possibility, the resulting vacuum would cause irreparable damage to the closed system. The float-controlled EB1.12 is ideally suited for the temperatures of 15 – 40 °C prevailing in the system and a flow rate of 30 m³/h. Its body made of deep-drawn stainless steel and the gaskets from FKM have a high resistance to the aggressive atmosphere of the bunker system.
Air Vent Valves for Pipelines
Transporting crude oil through pipelines sometimes is neither economically viable nor technically feasible. Therefore, the oil is often transported in large tank ships to its place of destination. Oil tankers has the advantage that they can transport oil, as well as further processed crude oil products. This allows the petrochemical industry to settle directly at the oil excavation site, where the first production steps of the processing chain can be accomplished.
A lading port for petrochemical products or crude oil consists of tank installations for the storage of the product and of pipelines, whose length varies between 2 and 5 kilometres. The product is then pumped into the ship’s cargo hold through these pipelines. Once the pipe connection has been established, the pumping process starts. It is initially relatively slow because the entire pipeline is still filled with nitrogen. During the previous filling process, the pipeline was pigged clean and nitrogen gas was fed in to drain the residual media.
In the beginning, the flow velocity of the filling process is at 0.5 m/s to ensure that no pressure surges will be generated. Once a major part of the nitrogen gas has escaped, the pressure within the pipeline slowly rises until economical flow velocities of more than 3 m/s have been achieved – depending on the product being laden.
Our bleeding and venting valves are used to discharge the nitrogen gas from the pipelines. Startup bleeding valves are installed at the pipeline endpoints whilst pipeline high points are furnished with continuous bleeding valves of the EB 1.12 type, which safely discharge gas bubbles. The pipeline sections suitable for the bleeding process have been chosen in close cooperation with the plant engineer. The valve is adjusted in such a manner that it discharges nitrogen gas during normal operation but remains closed during the pigging process that is normally performed at a pressure higher by approx. 3 - 4 bar.
The valves have been designed to suit the lower density of petrochemical products and equipped with the corresponding seals. Effective venting with the EB1.12 valve considerably cuts the operational costs of the tank installations because the entire pipeline is available for transport without any trapped air thus reducing the loading time of the ships.
How do Air Release Valves work?
Bleeding and venting valves work to remove or admit air or gases automatically within systems. They are self-operating mechanical valves that require no adjustment or external energy input to work once installed. A rising liquid level will lift the float and close the valve, in most cases via a system of levers. As the liquid level begins to drop, the valve will open and either admit air or vent air from the system. If the liquid level does start to drop it is because air is entering the system, or the plant is starting up.
For a full technical overview on how our standard air release valves work, as well as details on the various types available on the market, technical specifications to consider when specifying/selecting and more application/installation examples, please click here to visit our blog post.
For a quick look into how our continuous bleeding and venting valves function when installed, please watch our introductory video below:
Why should you use an Air Release Valve?
Our complete range of air release valves have always been renowned for their affordability, functional reliability and long operational lifespan. For over 100 years, our partner Mankenberg have been standing for high quality and precision engineered control valves – all of which are designed to be seamless “fit and forget” solutions for our customers. Together, in partnership with Mankenberg, we strive to convince customers through unbeatable quality, excellent price/performance ratio and high on-time delivery performance.
With our consultation, the special advantages of our bleeding and venting valves can include:
- High Standards of Safety – with over 100 years of experience in industries, the time-tested and proven designs of these bleeding and venting valves offer end users uninterrupted functionality in systems, even in the event of a power failure, as there are no external electrical or pneumatical inputs required for operation. As the valves are completely self-acting, they offer fast response times and present no risk of maloperation.
- Low Cost of Ownership – Our valves offer customers an extremely low cost of ownership. Maintenance is made extremely easy thanks to the specialist engineered design of the valve bodies. Most of our standard valve models utilise a clamp ring and bolt design allowing quick disassembly/reassembly and easy access to the internal components, such as seals. All service kits for standard valves are kept at a low and affordable cost level, and in most cases are readily available to ship from stock at the factory.
- Quick Assembly and Operation – Installation and assembly is fast with our valves, with most standard sized units having a very low net weight and compact design. Valves can be positioned and installed even in ‘tight space’ areas, including complex pipework setups. The sturdy structures of the valve bodies make them suitable for operation even in harsh environmental conditions and demanding applications.
- Great Sustainability and Longevity – With the right consultation and selection from us, our valves are designed to have extremely long lifespans. With the correct selection for your individual application, these valves offer customers longevity, limited maintenance and hassle-free installation. It’s not uncommon to have valves functioning properly in systems for over 25 years.
Other Types of Self Actuated Valves
As well as bleeding and venting valves, we can also help with other self-acting control valve solutions such as:
- Pressure Reducing Valves – self acting regulators such as universal pressure reducers, tank blanketing valves, ATEX rated control valves, hygienic control valves and pilot operated control valves.
- Back Pressure Valves – back pressure regulators such as universal pressure sustaining valves (overflow valves), tank blanketing valves and pilot operated control valves.
- Level Regulating Tank Float Valves – float valves for installation inside tanks, installation outside tanks and for installation in pipelines.
- Condensate & Steam Traps - float controlled steam traps and ATEX rated condensate traps for biogas and hydrogen applications.
- Vacuum Breakers – vacuum breakers for protecting tanks, vessels and pipelines from implosion. We can also offer customised vacuum and differential control valves for bespoke applications.
Bleeding and Venting Valves in the UK
Our range of self-acting valves offer our customers a broad selection of options and configurations to meet almost any application. To explore our full range of self-acting valves in more detail, please visit our category page here.
For technical support on selecting the right solutions for your application, please do get in touch with our experienced team here.
Do you have an urgent requirement? On certain standard configurations for models DM652, DM505, DM555, UV3.5, UV5.1, EB1.12, EB1.32 and KA2 we can offer a fast delivery time. Sized, built and delivered according to your specifications….let us help solve your problem today.