Cairo University - Faculty of Engineering

Irrigation and Hydraulics Department

Pipelines and Pumping

Station Design
IHD 443

Prof. Amgad Elansary
March 2013
Air Valves
Lecture 7
 Overview

Information based on:
– AWWA
AWWA Manual of Water Supply Practices M51 
Manual of Water Supply Practices M51
“Air‐Release, Air/Vacuum & Combination Air 
Valves”, 2001
,
– Manufacturers' published information
– Our experience in design and the field
Our experience in design and the field
 Overview

• Why Air Valves?
• Types of Valves
• Valve Locations
• Sizing Valves
g
• Valve Specifications
• Installations
• Questions
Why Air Valves?
h l ?
 Why Air Valves?
Why Air Valves?

Effects of Air and Vacuum Pockets in Pipelines:
• Higher Headloss and Binding
g g
• Pipe Breaks
• Erratic operation of pumps, meters, and 
Erratic operation of pumps meters and
control valves
• Collapsed pipes
 Why Air Valves?
Why Air Valves?

Sources of Air Entry in Pipelines:
• Dissolved Air or Gas (
Dissolved Air or Gas (2% at 1 atm)
2% at 1 atm)
• Air Valves
• Pumps
• Filling Empty Pipelines
Filling Empty Pipelines
 Why Air Valves?
Why Air Valves?

Sources of Vacuums in Pipelines:
• Draining Pipelines
• Water Hammer
W t H
 Air Valves
• Air valves are an essential components to the total 
pipeline design and not an accessory
• Air valves are devices that can introduce or expel air
from the pipeline
Functions of Air Valves:
– Venting of the pipeline (during initial filling and 
of the pipeline (during initial filling and
draining)
– Expel
p accumulated air at high points during pressurized
g p gp
operation of the system
– Can limit sub‐atmospheric pressures during Transients
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline 
– Allows for faster filling rates during initial filling of 
pipelines by letting air out of the system.
– Allows for fast draining of pipelines by allowing air 
to replace water inside the pipe
– Air valves should be located at high points to 
allow for proper venting
– Air valves should also be located upstream check 
valves of deep pumps
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline 
– When Filling Rates
When Filling Rates are reasonable, large air 
are reasonable large air
pockets shall accumulate at the high points and 
are not swept away with the flow.
are not swept away with the flow.

– Air valves should be located at high points to allow for

proper venting
ti
 Along a Force Main
l

Lift St
Station
ti

Manhole

Pumps Operating and Line is Full

 Along a Force Main
l

Lift St
Station
ti

Manhole

Pumps Operating and Line is Full

 Along a Force Main
l
Ai Release
Air R l

Lift St
Station
ti Air Release

Manhole

Pumps Operating and Line is Full

 Functions of Air Valves
Pressurized Operation:
– During steady state (pressurized) operation of the 
li
line, accumulated
l d air pockets at high points can 
i k hi h i
throttle the pipe flow decrease the pipeline capacity

Air valves should expel

accumulated air in the
y
system during
gppressurized
operation
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline

Potential Vacuum

Lif S i
Lift Station

Manhole

Pumps Stopped and Line is Draining

Pumps Stopped and Line is Draining
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline

Lift Station

Manhole

Pumps Start and Vacuum Pockets Close with Pressure Spikes

Pumps Start and Vacuum Pockets Close with Pressure Spikes
 Functions of Air Valves
Functions of Air Valves

C
Combination
bi i Air Ai Valve
V l

Lift St
Station
ti Combination Air Valve

Manhole

Pumps Stopped, Line is Drained, and High Points are

Full of Air
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline

Air Valves should be located

upstream
t check
h k valve
l off deep
d
pumps where water level in
suction reservoir is below
pipe level
Example is Vertical Turbine
pumps and deep submersible
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline
• Line Full
Line Full
• Pump On
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline
• Pump Off
Pump Off
• Vacuum Develops
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline
• Pump Turns On
p
• Pumps Against 
Vacuum
• Slams Check Valve
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline
• Add Air/Vac Valve
/
• Air Enters System to 
Eliminate Vacuum
 Functions of Air Valves
Venting the Pipeline
• Add Air/Vac Valve
/
• Air Enters System to 
Eliminate Vacuum
• Air Released at 
Controlled Rate
 Functions of Air Valves
During Transients
– During a transient event, air valves can limit
During a transient event air valves can limit sub
sub‐
atmospheric pressures at its location by 
introducing air
g into the pipeline.
pp
– However, introducing air into the pipeline is not a 
good habit as we always think about how to get it 
out again.
– If not properly designed, air valves can cause 
worse transient conditions instead of mitigating 
pressure surges.
 Where to install Air Valve?
Where to install Air Valve?

Install valves where:

air will be trapped
air will be trapped
o
or 
vacuum pockets will be formed!
p
 Where to install Air Valves?

Sizing will be
based on filling,
at Apex
draining, and
Points
cavity
it formation
f ti
rates

at Negative
B k
Breaks

Decrease in Upward Slope Increase in Downward Slope

 Where to install Air Valves?

Long Ascending
and Descending
S ti
Sections

Sizing will be based on

filling and draining rates
Where to install Air Valves?
 Where to install Air Valves?

US check valve in deep well pumps

Prevents large volumes of air

from entering the pipeline when
the pump is started

Not Necessary if pump has

positive suction head

Sizing will be based on

filling rate and cavity
formation
 Types of Air Valves

• Not all Air valves can perform all functions
all Air valves can perform all functions
• Some air valves can perform more than one 
function
• All Air valves require frequent maintenance
• All valves have special design for sewage flow
 Simple, right?
p , g
Super High Capacity Compound Lever Air Release Valve
Dual Body Wastewater Combination Air Valve w/ High Capacity Air Release
Air and Vacuum Valve 
Stainless Steel Air & Vacuum Valve
Stainless Steel Air & Vacuum Valve
Wastewater Combination Air Valve  Pressure Sewer Air Release Valve Universal Air Release Valve 
Sewage Air Valves Slow Closing Air/Vacuum Valves
“Minimatic” Air Release Valve Wastewater Air/Vacuum Valve
KINETIC Air & Vacuum Valve to 4“
KINETIC Slow‐Closing Air & Vacuum Valve Foot Valve  Simple Lever Air Release Valve
Combination Vacuum Breaking and Air Release Valve
g Low Vol. Pressure Air Release Valve 
Hydraulically Controlled Air/Vacuum Valves Short Body Wastewater Air & Vacuum Valve
Air and Vacuum Sewer Valve  Negative Pressure Valve Pressure Air Release Valve  Midget Valve 
High Capacity Simple Lever Air Release Valve Single Body Wastewater Combination Air Valve
Air Valves for Vertical Turbine Pumps High Capacity Wastewater Air Release Valve
g p y
Well Service Air ValveUniversal Sewer Air Release Valve
Well Service Air Valve  i lS Ai R l V l Air Release Valve (Simple Lever Type)
Vacuum Relief Air Inlet Valves Stainless Steel Single Body Wastewater Combination Air Valve
All Stainless Steel Air Release Valve KINETIC Custom Slow Closing Combination Air Valve
Wastewater Air & Vacuum Valve High Capacity Compound Lever Air Release Valve
Combination Air Valve (Single Housing Type)
( g g yp ) Air Release Valve (Compound Lever Type)
Air Release Valve (Compound Lever Type)
Stainless Steel Wastewater Combination Air Valve
Air Release Valves (Sewage)  Deep Well Valve  Compact KINETIC Combination Air Valve
Vacuum Breaking Valve Short Body Wastewater Air Release Valve Vacuum Relief Valve 
Dual Body Wastewater Combination Air Valve Combination Air Valve  Sewage Air Release Valve 
KINETIC Custom Combination Air Valve Short Body Wastewater Combination Air Valve
KINETIC Custom Combination Air Valve Combination Sewer Valve 
Vacuum Relief Air Valve  Compound Lever Air Release Valve
KINETIC Deep Well Pump Air & Vacuum Valve Dual Air Valve  KINETIC Slow Closing Combination Air Valve
Air/Vacuum Valve w/ Optional Surge Suppression Valve  Wastewater Air Release Valve
Combination Vacuum Breaking and Air Release Valve for Wastewater KINETIC Combination Air Valve
 Types of Air Valves
There are too many types of air valves present in the market
Main Types of Air Valves:
i f i l
– Single Air Release Valve
– Air/Vacuum Valves 
– Vacuum Breaker Valves
– Combination Air Valves (Double Acting CAV)
– Kinetic Non Slam – Triple Acting Valves
 Types of Air Valves
- Single Air Release Valve
Automatically releases
small pockets of
accumulated air while the
pipeline operates under
pressure

Pipeline Flowing
Air Trapped
Air Released
Repeat Cycle
 Types of Air Valves
- Single Air Release Valve
Contains
C t i only l one smallll di
diameter
t air
i
outflow orifice (from 1.6 to 13 mm)

Used to
o release
e ease trapped
apped a
air du
during
g
pressurized operation

Not suitable for venting

the pipeline d
during
ring filling
or draining

Will not protect during transient event

 Types of Air Valves
- Air/Vacuum Valve
Designed to automatically:
• Exhaust large quantities
of air during pipeline
filling.
Ad it large
• Admit l amountst off
air when the internal
pressure drops below
atmospheric (during pipe
draining)
• Pipe Empty
• Valve Open
 Types of Air Valves
- Air/Vacuum Valve
Designed to automatically:
• Exhaust large quantities
of air during pipeline
filling.
Ad it large
• Admit l amountst off
air when the internal
pressure drops below
atmospheric (during pipe
draining)
• Pipe Fills
• Valve Closes
 Types of Air Valves
- Air/Vacuum Valve
Designed to automatically:
• Exhaust large quantities
of air during pipeline
filling.
Ad it large
• Admit l amountst off
air when the internal
pressure drops below
atmospheric (during pipe
draining)
• Pipe Drains
• Air Intake
 Types of Air Valves
- Air/Vacuum Valve
Contains
C t i only l one llarge di
diameter
t air
i
outflow orifice (from 0.5’’ to 30’’)

Ca e
Can exhaust
aus huge uge a
amount
ou o of a
air
during initial filling

When pressure inside the pipe

d
drops, th
the flfloatt opens tto let
l t huge
h
quantities of air into the pipeline

Can limit sub-atmospheric pressures Fast air exhaust rate will cause
at its location if properly designed excessive transient pressures

Once the line is pressurized, the float will be held closed by the line pressure
and will not release accumulated airÆ Air release valve is required
required.
 Types of Air Valves
- Vacuum Breaker Valve
Contains
C t i onlyl one very llarge
diameter air inflow orifice

Allows
o so only
y for
o oone
e way
ay flow
o oof a
air
into the pipeline

When pressure inside the pipe

d
drops, th
the flfloatt opens tto let
l t huge
h
quantities of air into the pipeline

Used at locations where vacuum

protection is a must

Can be accompanied with an air release valve to slowly exhaust

the admitted air but this will make pipe filling a lengthy process
 Types of Air Valves
- Combination Air Valve (CAV)
Perform both as air release
and air/vacuum valves
 Types of Air Valves
- Combination Air Valve (CAV)
Contains
C t i one llarge andd one smallll
diameter air orifices

Co b es the
Combines e features
ea u es o
of bo
both Air
release and Air/vacuum valves

When pressure inside the pipe

d
drops, h
huge quantities
titi off air
i are
admitted through the large orifice

Air exhausts through the large orifice

Fast air exhaust rate will cause
first till the line is pressurized
excessive transient pressures

During pressurized operation, accumulated air is expelled through the small orifice
 Types of Air Valves
- Non Slam Kinetic Air Valve
Contains 3 orifices

Same Features as the CAV but has a throttling mechanism to throttle air outflow
through a third orifice when a preset pressure differential is reached
 Sizing Air Valves
- Flow Characteristics
Flow of Air through orifices is
complicated

Air is a compressible fluid

Air velocity
Ai l it ththrough
h an orifice
ifi iis
limited by Sonic Speed

For a given orifice size, air flow rate can

be calculated as a function of the
pressure differential across the valve

The relation
Th l i b between air
i
flow rate and pressure is
called Venting Diagram
 Sizing Air Valves
- Flow Characteristics
Venting Diagram for Kinetic Air Valve

Transition Pressure
 1‐ Sizing Air Valves
- Air Release Valves
During Pressurized operation, accumulation rate of air bubbles at high points
can be assumed to be: (rule of thumb)!

Qair = 0.02 × Qo
Qo is the pipe flow rate
in cubic feet per minute
(CFM)
Qair is rate of dissolved
air accumulation

Based on the working pressure of the pipe, select the larger valve orifice size from
venting diagrams supplied by manufacturer or from AWWA tables
Orifice Sizing Method for Releasing Air
Orifice Sizing Method for Releasing Air
Step 1.  Divide the pipeline flow rate in gallons per minute (gpm) by 7.48 to
obtain flow in cubic feet per minute (cfm ).
obtain flow in cubic feet per minute (cfm )
Step 2.  Multiply the flow in cfm from step 1 by 0.02 to determine the 
required air venting volume, as two percent of the pipeline flow in 
standard cubic feet per minute (scfm) Standard refers to air at the
standard cubic feet per minute (scfm). Standard refers to air at the 
conditions of 60°F and 0 psi.
Step 3.  Determine the working pressure at the valve by subtracting the valve
elevation from the hydraulic grade elevation Express the pressure in 
elevation from the hydraulic grade elevation. Express the pressure in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the elevations are in feet, multiply by 
0.433 to obtain psi.
Step 4 Refer to Table 4‐1 or Figure 4‐1 and
Step 4.  to Table 4 1 or Figure 4 1 and select the orifice diameter that
select the orifice diameter that
provides the required capacity from step 2 at the pressure from step 
3. Consult the available orifice sizes from suppliers and select the 
valve that meets both the capacity and pressure requirements of the
valve that meets both the capacity and pressure requirements of the 
application.
Air Release
Air Release
Air Release
Air Release
 2‐ Sizing for Air/Vac Valves
2 Sizing for Air/Vac Valves
• Determine
Determine required valve size for both
required valve size for both
filling and draining independently
• Use the larger diameter for air/vac valve sizing
h l di f i/ l ii
 Sizing for Pipeline Filling
Sizing for Pipeline Filling
• Air should be vented at the same volumetric 
rate as the pipeline is being filled 
• The recommended procedure, however, is to 
p
fill the pipeline at a gradual rate to prevent 
g
surges in the line
• A suggested filling rate is about 1 ft/sec 
(0.3m/sec).
• The volumetric rate of air from initial filling is 
vented to atmosphere at a typical differential
vented to atmosphere at a typical differential 
pressure of 2 psi (13.8 kPa).
Orifice Sizing Method for Pipeline Filling
g p g
(Assumes air valve is at sea level and 60°F [15.5°C].
Step I.  Calculate the venting flow rate in scfm using:

Where:
Q = flow rate, scfm
q = fill rate, gpm
AP = differential pressure, 2 psi
Step 2.  Refer to Table 4‐2 or Figure 4‐2 and select the orifice diameter that
provides the required flow at the selected venting pressure.

Example
A 66‐in. pipeline will fill at a flow rate of 10,500 gpm (1 ft/sec), and the air 
valve will vent the air at a pressure of 2 psi.
Step I. Q 
Step I.  Q = (10,500) (.134) (2.0 + 14.7 / 14.7) 
(10 500) ( 134) (2 0 + 14 7 / 14 7) = 1,598 scfm
1 598 scfm
Step 2.  Referring to Table 4‐2 and Figure 4‐2, at 2 psi, select a 4 in. orifice that
will vent 1,780 scfm.
Pipeline 
Filling
Filli
 Sizing for Pipeline Draining
Sizing for Pipeline Draining
• When
When it is necessary to drain a pipeline for 
it is necessary to drain a pipeline for
repairs, the pipeline should be drained at a 
controlled rate of about 1‐2
controlled rate of about 1 2 ft/sec (0.3
ft/sec (0 3‐0
0.6 
6
m/sec) to minimize pressure transients.
• An air valve at the high point adjacent to the 
An air valve at the high point adjacent to the
draining location must be sized to admit air at 
the same volumetric rate as the pipeline being
the same volumetric rate as the pipeline being 
drained.
 Sizing Air Valves
- Air/Vaccum Valves
Air/Vacuum valves are sized based on both the filling and draining rates of the
pipeline and the allowable pressure differential across the valve during these
operations.

Never exceed a pressure differential of

0.35 bars (5psi) by all means during pipe
draining even if pipes can withstand more

Never exceed a pressure differential

of 0.05 bars during pipe filling to
avoid premature closure of the valve
orifice
orifice.

The problem is how to get the draining

and filling rates !!

SCF (standard cubic foot) gas measured at 1 atmosphere and 70° F

 Sizing Air Valves
- Air/Vaccum Valves
Filling rates can be controlled by the operation of the system. It is the rate at which
we need to fill the pipes.
pipes Air should discharge out of the air valve at the same filling
rate causing a minimum restriction to the flow (0.05 bars pressure differential).
Sometimes, a maximum filling velocity of 0.6m/s is adopted

Draining
D i i off th
the pipes
i can also
l b be Another
A th critical
iti l draining
d i i rate
t will
ill b
be
controlled by drain valves pipe rupture
 Sizing Air Valves
- Air/Vaccum Valves
To calculate the draining rate due to pipe rupture, find the greatest of the two
slopes adjacent to the air valve, assume pipe rupture at the bottom of the steepest
slope, and use the following equation to get flow rate:

Fullll rupture
F t tends
t d tot over
design the valve, therefore a
pressure differential up to of
0.35 bars ((5psi)
p ) can be
assumed during draining

Finally valve size is selected

based on the greater required
diameter for both pipe filling and
draining.
Pipeline Draining or Vacuum Prevention
Pipeline Draining or Vacuum Prevention
• Determine
Determine the allowable negative pressure for 
the allowable negative pressure for
the pipeline with a safety factor. Assume 5.0 
psi for a max
psi for a max.
• Calculate the slope of the pipeline in ft/ft.
• Use following figure to determine the required 
U f ll i fi d i h i d
CFM.
• Refer to table to select the required air/vac 
valve diameter.
Pipeline Draining or Vacuum Prevention
Pipeline Draining or Vacuum Prevention

Determining Air Flow when Draining Pipelines

Pipeline Draining or Vacuum Prevention
Pipeline Draining or Vacuum Prevention

Sizing Air/Vac Valves when Draining Pipelines

 Sizing Air Valves
- Vaccum Breaker Valves
Sizing of Vacuum Breaker Valves during a transient scenario is best done using a
software capable of modeling the dynamic behavior of air valves during transients
Valve Specifications
Valve Specifications
 Air Release Valves
Air Release Valves
• Orifice Size (1/16” to 1”)
O ce S e ( / 6 to )
• NPT Inlet size (1/2” to 3”)
• Maximum Working Pressure (75 psi and up)
Maximum Working Pressure (75 psi and up)
• Minimum Sealing Pressure (softer seats needed 
when under 25 psi)p )
• Valve Materials (Ductile or Cast Iron, St. Stl)
( , ,
• Accessories (check valve, back flush, flow 
regulators, etc.)
• Service (Wastewater or Clean Water)
 Air/Vac Valves
Air/Vac Valves
• Similar to Air Release Valves
Similar to Air Release Valves
• Inlet/Outlet sizes (1” to 20”)
• Type of Connections (NPT and Flanged)
fC i ( d l d)
• Maximum Working Pressure (150 to 300 psi)
 Combination Air Valves
Combination Air Valves
• All of the above
All of the above
• Body Configuration (Single versus Dual)
Dual Body                          Single Body
Installation and O&M
I ll i d O&M
 Installation
• Connections
– Inlet piping and isolation valve should be 
same size as valve inlet
i l i l t
– Short Inlet Piping and Vent Lines
 Installation
• Location
– Need protection from freezing, 
contamination, flooding, and vandalism
t i ti fl di d d li
– Needs access
– Watch valve clearances
 Operation and Maintenance
Operation and Maintenance
• Inspections and Flushing
Inspections and Flushing
–At least annually
–More often for valves that operate 
continuously
–Watch for external leakage