Air vents are tubing connected to pipes to trap and release air, preventing inaccurate volume readings. They are usually fixed above the main line and made of metal or PVC. Air separators are installed upstream of meters to prevent air from being measured. Manual and automatic air vents are available, with automatic ones being more expensive but providing more accurate readings. Regular maintenance and replacement after five years are recommended.
An air vent is a piece of tubing that is connected to a main piece of pipe to trap and release air. In systems where the flow of fluids is metered, the eliminator is usually fixed in front of the meter and above the main line. The primary purpose of air separators is to prevent air from passing through the meter, which would cause inaccurate volume readings. Most piping systems used in boilers and chillers in residential accommodation and manufacturing facilities use air vents.
As air is generally lighter than liquids, the air separators are fixed above a stilling chamber at the top of the main pipe. Flowmeters cannot distinguish between fluids and air, so air separators are installed upstream of the meters in a pipeline so that air is not measured. This way the volumetric readings of the meters are more accurate. Excessive wear and unit failure or damage can also be reduced if the liquid flow is free of air.
A typical air vent is a circular piece of plumbing material made from a metal such as aluminum or steel. Some types are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Metal air separators are prone to corrosion from water, steam or coolant flow, as well as excessive air entrapment. PVCs don’t rust, but they can release harmful chemicals into the liquid they pass.
An air purifier consists of the metal or plastic housing, valve, and air vent. The housing has an inlet, where liquid flows, and an outlet located at the top, where air is released. A valve is attached to a floating object using a lever. The whole valve unit is responsible for sensing and pushing the air above the liquid level. The air vent traps air and then releases it through manual operation or when pressure limits in automatic air separators are exceeded.
Manual and mechanical air separators are relatively inexpensive and simple to repair. It requires more manpower, however, and may not be cost effective in the long run due to more frequent repairs. An automatic air vent can provide more accurate volumetric measurements but is more expensive than mechanical ones.
Air purifiers should be tested upon installation and maintained regularly. Technicians recommend checking the vents on these devices at least twice a year. The life and condition of these devices can be extended by installing a screen separator to trap solids that may settle in the air separator. Replacement of an air purifier is recommended after five years.
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