Air Valve Manufacturer in Europe

Air valves are installed on pipelines to release trapped air, admit air during draining, and vent air continuously while a system is under pressure. ValvesOnly Europe, an Air Valve Manufacturer in Europe, manufactures air valves for water transmission mains, sewage and effluent networks, irrigation pipelines, and industrial fluid-handling systems, helping manage pipeline air under varying flow and pressure conditions.

What is an Air Valve?

An air valve is a pipeline fitting that releases trapped air during filling, admits air to prevent a vacuum during draining, and vents air pockets while the line is under pressure.

Working Principle:

As the pipeline fills up, air valves ensure that the air that forms due to accumulation can be vented via a large opening. After the pipeline is filled and under pressure, a float comes up and closes the large opening on the seat of the valve to maintain pressure in the pipeline. As air bubbles pass through the pipeline and accumulate under the valve, there is another feature that ensures that the air is vented without compromising flow.

Technical Specifications:

Types of Air Valve:

• Single Orifice Air Valve – Releases air during filling and admits air during draining through one orifice.
• Double Orifice Air Release Valve – Large orifice for bulk air discharge, small orifice for continuous venting under pressure.
• Double Orifice Kinetic Air Valve – High speed orifice for rapid air release during fast filling or surge events.
• Combination Air Release Valve – Combines air/vacuum and continuous release functions in one valve body.

Material of Construction:

• Ductile Iron (GGG50 / GGG40): used for buried and exposed installations on water and sewage lines.
• Cast Iron (GG25): used in general purpose water distribution applications.
• Stainless Steel (CF8 / CF8M): used where the transported fluid is corrosive or where the installation environment demands a non ferrous body.
• Carbon Steel (WCB): used in higher pressure transmission pipelines.

Design & Manufacturing Standards:

• EN 1074-4 – General requirements for air valves for water supply
• BS 5155 – Cast iron and carbon steel air valves for water works purposes
• AWWA C512 – Air release, air/vacuum, and combination air valves
• ISO 9001 – Quality management system

End Connections:

• Flanged: EN 1092-2 PN10/16/25/40, ANSI B16.5 Class 150/300
• Threaded: BSP, NPT
• Socket Weld / Butt Weld on request

Applications of Air Valve:

• Water transmission and distribution pipelines
• Sewage and effluent networks
• Irrigation and agricultural pipelines
• Cross country pumping mains
• Desalination pipelines
• Fire fighting mains

Installation Guidelines:

• Mount at all high points, changes in gradient, and long straight sections of a pipeline.
• Provide an isolation valve beneath each air valve to allow maintenance without shutting down the full line.
• Size the orifice according to pipeline diameter, flow velocity, and expected surge conditions.
• Install a vent guard or discharge outlet where the release of air or fluid needs to be directed away from personnel and equipment.

Air Valve Manufacturing and Testing in Europe:

Valvesonly Europe manufactures air valves in house, from casting through machining, assembly, and hydrostatic testing. Each valve is tested for seat tightness and float response before dispatch, with mill test certificates and material traceability provided on request. Customization of orifice sizing, body material, and end connection is available to match specific pipeline conditions across European water utilities, municipal contractors, and EPC projects.