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Air Release Valves

Air Release Valves: Derwent Industries air release valve models include the Dorot series full bore air release/vacuum break valves for potable water application and Derwent Industries own established Australian Made air release valve range, the ARV-3N & ARV-4N, which are suitable for wastewater, sewerage and coal seam gas pipelines or systems. Derwent Industries AVFI’s air release/vacuum break valves, range in sizes from DN 15 (15 mm) to DN 300 (300 mm) and pressure ratings varies from PN 10 (10 bar) to PN 40 (40 bar). Stocked air release/vacuum break valves are available in a variety of materials such as cast iron, ductile iron, plastic and stainless steel. Refer to appropriate data sheet for full details on Derwent Industries air release/vacuum break valves.

FAQ

Air release valves are critical components used to automatically release entrapped air that accumulates at high points within a pipeline. If left unmanaged, pocketed air can restrict fluid flow, cause pressure surges (water hammer), increase energy consumption, and potentially cause pipeline failure.

We supply a comprehensive range of high-performance air valves tailored for various industrial applications:

  • Australian Made ARV Series: Our locally manufactured ARV-3N and ARV-4N series are specifically engineered for harsh environments like wastewater, sewerage, and coal seam gas pipelines.
  • Dorot Series: Full-bore air release and vacuum break valves designed specifically for potable (drinking) water applications.
  • Specialised Models: Including the DAV-MP PN25 Automatic Air Release Valve, the DAV-P BSP Plastic variant, and the DAV-MH 3-Way Operation Ductile Air Valve.

Yes. Wastewater and sewerage systems require specialized valves to handle solids and corrosive gases. Our Australian Made ARV-3N and ARV-4N series, alongside our dedicated AFC Sewer Air Release Valves and Stainless Steel Sewer options, are specifically built to operate reliably in these demanding environments without clogging.

  • System Filling: As liquid fills the pipeline, it enters the valve chamber, pushing the float upward to seal the discharge orifice.

  • Air Accumulation: Pockets of entrained air naturally travel to high points and enter the valve body, displacing the liquid inside.

  • Venting: As the liquid level drops, the internal float sinks, opening the orifice to release the trapped air into the atmosphere.

  • Resealing: Once the air escapes, the liquid level rises again, lifting the float to reseal the valve and prevent fluid leaks.

  • Air Release Valves: Open when the pipeline is pressurised to continuously vent small pockets of accumulated air.

  • Vacuum Break Valves: Open when the pipeline is depressurised (such as during draining or sudden pump shutdowns) to admit large volumes of air, preventing a vacuum from forming.

Note: Combination models like our Dorot Series and DAV-MH range integrate both functions into a single unit, providing dual air release and vacuum relief.

Implementing high-quality air valves delivers immediate mechanical and economic advantages:
  • Prevents Water Hammer & Surges: Eliminating compressed air pockets significantly reduces destructive pressure surges and transient waves that crack pipes.
  • Optimises Flow Efficiency: Removing air pockets ensures the pipeline maintains its full hydraulic capacity, preventing air bounds that throttle fluid flow.
  • Lowers Energy Costs: Pumps do not have to work twice as hard to push liquid past restrictive air pockets, resulting in lower power consumption.
  • Protects Against Pipe Collapse: Vacuum relief functionality ensures thin-walled pipelines do not implode when lines are rapidly drained.
  • Potable Water Systems: Ensuring efficient, clean water distribution using full-bore models like the Dorot series.

  • Wastewater & Sewage Pipelines: Managing high-solids media without clogging using our specialized AFC Sewer and Australian-made ARV-3N / ARV-4N ranges.

  • Coal Seam Gas (CSG) & Mining: Safeguarding heavy-duty industrial process lines.

  • Irrigation Networks: Protecting large-scale agricultural fluid distribution systems.

  • Prevents Water Hammer & Surges: Eliminating compressed air pockets significantly reduces destructive pressure surges and transient waves that crack pipes.

  • Optimises Flow Efficiency: Removing air pockets ensures the pipeline maintains its full hydraulic capacity, preventing air bounds that throttle fluid flow.

  • Lowers Energy Costs: Pumps do not have to work twice as hard to push liquid past restrictive air pockets, resulting in lower power consumption.

  • Protects Against Pipe Collapse: Vacuum relief functionality ensures thin-walled pipelines do not implode when lines are rapidly drained.

Through Derwent Industries and AVFI, we supply air release and vacuum break valves ranging in sizes from DN 15 (15 mm) up to DN 300 (300 mm). Pressure ratings vary depending on the model and material, spanning from PN 10 (10 bar) up to heavy-duty PN 40 (40 bar) systems.

To match the exact corrosion and pressure requirements of your project, our stocked inventory includes valves made from:

  • Ductile Iron & Cast Iron (e.g., DAV-MH)
  • High-grade Stainless Steel (including Dual SS Manifold configurations)
  • Engineered Plastics (e.g., DAV-P BSP)

  • Standard water valves foul quickly when exposed to grease, solids, and rags. Specialised wastewater models—like the Australian-made ARV-3N and ARV-4N—feature an elongated body. This vertical gap keeps raw sewage and solids low in the chamber, completely isolated from the upper sealing mechanism and float, ensuring maintenance-free operation.

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