Val-Matic 50 Series Air Release Valve (Compound Lever Type) - Manual (Page 4)

3
MAINTENANCE
The Air Release Valve requires no scheduled
lubrication or maintenance.
INSPECTION: Periodic inspection to verify
operation can be performed. A manual drain valve
can be installed in the lower drain plug to perform
this operation as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Inspection Piping
1. With the inlet shutoff valve open, partially
open the drain valve until flow can be heard.
If the air valve is working properly, water
should be exhausted from the drain valve. If
air is exhausted, follow steps 2-6.
2. Close the inlet shutoff valve.
3. Slowly open the drain valve to allow the fluid
in the valve to drain.
4. Close the drain valve.
5. Slowly open the inlet shutoff valve to fill the
valve with water. Observe the seating
action and verify that the valve closes
without leakage.
6. If leakage occurs, the valve should be
removed and inspected for wear or possible
damage from foreign matter.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Several problems and solutions are presented below
to assist you in troubleshooting the valve assembly
in an efficient manner.
•Leakage at Bottom Connection: Tighten valve
threaded connection. If leak persists, remove valve
and seal threads with thread sealant.
•Leakage at Cover: Tighten bolts per Table 2,
replace gasket.
•Valve Leaks when Closed: Flush valve to remove
debris. Disassemble and inspect seat, orifice
button, and float. NOTE: Many floats contain sand
for weight but if water is detected, replace float.
•Valve not Venting Air: Check that operating
pressure does not exceed Working Pressure on
nameplate. Perform inspection steps 2-6 and
disassemble valve if problem persists.
DISASSEMBLY
The valve can be disassembled without removing it
from the pipeline. Or for convenience, the valve can
be removed from the line. All work on the valve
should be performed by a skilled mechanic with
proper tools. No special tools are required.
1. Close inlet shut-off valve. Open drain valve or
remove drain plug. Remove the cover bolts (7)
on the top cover.
2. Pry cover (2) loose and lift off valve body.
3. Remove the 2 retainer rings (13) and pivot pins
(12) that pass through the lever frame (3). The
float (5) and linkage will be free from the cover.
Disconnect float from lever (10).
WARNING: The valve must be drained
before removing the cover
or pressure may be
released causing injury.